172. But the rest We destroyed utterly. But the rest We destroyed utterly.
173. We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): and evil was We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but heeded not)!
174. Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe. Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.
175. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might Most Merciful. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might Most Merciful.
176. The Companions of the Wood rejected the apostles. The Companions of the Wood rejected the apostles.
177. Behold, Shu"aib said to them: "Will ye not fear ((Allah))? Behold, Shu"aib said to them: "Will ye not fear ((Allah))?
178. "I am to you an apostle worthy of all trust. "I am to you an apostle worthy of all trust.
179. "So fear Allah and obey me. "So fear Allah and obey me.
180. "No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the "No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the Lord of the Worlds.
181. "Give just measure, and cause no loss (to others by fraud). "Give just measure, and cause no loss (to others by fraud).
182. "And weigh with scales true and upright. "And weigh with scales true and upright.
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183. "And withhold not things justly due to men, nor do evil in the "And withhold not things justly due to men, nor do evil in the land, working mischief.
184. "And fear Him Who created you and (who created) the "And fear Him Who created you and (who created) the generations before (you)"
185. They said: "Thou art only one of those bewitched! They said: "Thou art only one of those bewitched!
186. "Thou art no more than a mortal like us, and indeed we think "Thou art no more than a mortal like us, and indeed we think thou art a liar!
187. "Now cause a piece of the sky to fall on us, if thou art truthful!" "Now cause a piece of the sky to fall on us, if thou art truthful!"
188. He said: "My Lord knows best what ye do." He said: "My Lord knows best what ye do."
189. But they rejected him. Then the punishment of a day of But they rejected him. Then the punishment of a day of overshadowing gloom seized them, and that was the Penalty of a Great Day.
190. Verily in that is a Sign: but most of them do not believe. Verily in that is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.
191. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.
192. Verily this is a Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds: Verily this is a Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds: 193. With it came down the spirit of Faith and Truth- With it came down the spirit of Faith and Truth-194. To thy heart and mind, that thou mayest admonish. To thy heart and mind, that thou mayest admonish.
195. In the perspicuous Arabic tongue. In the perspicuous Arabic tongue.
196. Without doubt it is (announced) in the mystic Books of former Without doubt it is (announced) in the mystic Books of former peoples.
197. Is it not a Sign to them that the Learned of the Children of Is it not a Sign to them that the Learned of the Children of Israel knew it (as true)?
198. Had We revealed it to any of the non-Arabs, Had We revealed it to any of the non-Arabs, 199. And had he recited it to them, they would not have believed in And had he recited it to them, they would not have believed in it.
200. Thus have We caused it to enter the hearts of the sinners. Thus have We caused it to enter the hearts of the sinners.
201. They will not believe in it until they see the grievous Penalty; They will not believe in it until they see the grievous Penalty; 202. But the (Penalty) will come to them of a sudden, while they But the (Penalty) will come to them of a sudden, while they perceive it not; [image]
203. Then they will say: "Shall we be respited?" Then they will say: "Shall we be respited?"
204. Do they then ask for Our Penalty to be hastened on? Do they then ask for Our Penalty to be hastened on?
205. Seest thou? If We do let them enjoy (this life) for a few years, Seest thou? If We do let them enjoy (this life) for a few years, 206. Yet there comes to them at length the (Punishment) which they Yet there comes to them at length the (Punishment) which they were promised!
207. It will profit them not that they enjoyed (this life)! It will profit them not that they enjoyed (this life)!
208. Never did We destroy a population, but had its warners - Never did We destroy a population, but had its warners - 209. By way of reminder; and We never are unjust. By way of reminder; and We never are unjust.
210. No evil ones have brought down this (Revelation): No evil ones have brought down this (Revelation): 211. It would neither suit them nor would they be able (to produce It would neither suit them nor would they be able (to produce it).
212. Indeed they have been removed far from even (a chance of) Indeed they have been removed far from even (a chance of) hearing it.
213. So call not on any other G.o.d with Allah, or thou wilt be among So call not on any other G.o.d with Allah, or thou wilt be among those under the Penalty.
214. And admonish thy nearest kinsmen, And admonish thy nearest kinsmen, 215. And lower thy wing to the Believers who follow thee. And lower thy wing to the Believers who follow thee.
216. Then if they disobey thee, say: "I am free (of responsibility) for Then if they disobey thee, say: "I am free (of responsibility) for what ye do!"
217. And put thy trust on the Exalted in Might, the Merciful,- And put thy trust on the Exalted in Might, the Merciful,-218. Who seeth thee standing forth (in prayer), Who seeth thee standing forth (in prayer), 219. And thy movements among those who prostrate themselves, And thy movements among those who prostrate themselves, 220. For it is He Who heareth and knoweth all things. For it is He Who heareth and knoweth all things.
221. Shall I inform you, (O people!), on whom it is that the evil ones Shall I inform you, (O people!), on whom it is that the evil ones descend?
222. They descend on every lying, wicked person, They descend on every lying, wicked person, 223. (Into whose ears) they pour hearsay vanities, and most of them (Into whose ears) they pour hearsay vanities, and most of them are liars.
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224. And the Poets,-It is those straying in Evil, who follow them: And the Poets,-It is those straying in Evil, who follow them: 225. Seest thou not that they wander distracted in every valley?- Seest thou not that they wander distracted in every valley?-226. And that they say what they practise not?- And that they say what they practise not?-227. Except those who believe, work righteousness, engage much in Except those who believe, work righteousness, engage much in the remembrance of Allah, and defend themselves only after they are unjustly attacked. And soon will the unjust a.s.sailants know what vicissitudes their affairs will take!
Surah 27. The Ant, The Ants
1. These are verses of the Qur"an,-a book that makes (things) clear; These are verses of the Qur"an,-a book that makes (things) clear; 2. A guide: and glad tidings for the believers,- A guide: and glad tidings for the believers,-3. Those who establish regular prayers and give in regular charity, Those who establish regular prayers and give in regular charity, and also have (full) a.s.surance of the hereafter.
4. As to those who believe not in the Hereafter, We have made their As to those who believe not in the Hereafter, We have made their deeds pleasing in their eyes; and so they wander about in distraction.
5. Such are they for whom a grievous Penalty is (waiting); and in the Such are they for whom a grievous Penalty is (waiting); and in the Hereafter theirs will be the greatest loss.
6. As to thee, the Qur"an is bestowed upon thee from the presence of As to thee, the Qur"an is bestowed upon thee from the presence of one who is wise and all-knowing.
7. Behold! Moses said to his family: "I perceive a fire; soon will I Behold! Moses said to his family: "I perceive a fire; soon will I bring you from there some information, or I will bring you a burning brand to light our fuel, that ye may warn yourselves.
8. But when he came to the (fire), a voice was heard: "Blessed are But when he came to the (fire), a voice was heard: "Blessed are those in the fire and those around: and glory to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.
9. "O Moses! verily, I am Allah, the exalted in might, the wise!.... "O Moses! verily, I am Allah, the exalted in might, the wise!....
10. "Now do thou throw thy rod!" But when he saw it moving (of its "Now do thou throw thy rod!" But when he saw it moving (of its own accord)as if it had been a snake, he turned back in retreat, and retraced not his steps: "O Moses!" (it was said), "Fear not: truly, in My presence, those called as apostles have no fear,-11. "But if any have done wrong and have thereafter subst.i.tuted "But if any have done wrong and have thereafter subst.i.tuted good to take the place of evil, truly, I am Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
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12. "Now put thy hand into thy bosom, and it will come forth white "Now put thy hand into thy bosom, and it will come forth white without stain (or harm): (these are) among the nine Signs (thou wilt take) to Pharaoh and his people: for they are a people rebellious in transgression."
13. But when Our Signs came to them, that should have opened their But when Our Signs came to them, that should have opened their eyes, they said: "This is sorcery manifest!"
14. And they rejected those Signs in iniquity and arrogance, though And they rejected those Signs in iniquity and arrogance, though their souls were convinced thereof: so see what was the end of those who acted corruptly!
15. We gave (in the past) knowledge to David and Solomon: And We gave (in the past) knowledge to David and Solomon: And they both said: "Praise be to Allah, Who has favoured us above many of his servants who believe!"
16. And Solomon was David"s heir. He said: "O ye people! We have And Solomon was David"s heir. He said: "O ye people! We have been taught the speech of birds, and on us has been bestowed (a little) of all things: this is indeed Grace manifest (from Allah.)"
17. And before Solomon were marshalled his hosts,-of Jinns and And before Solomon were marshalled his hosts,-of Jinns and men and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks.
18. At length, when they came to a (lowly) valley of ants, one of the At length, when they came to a (lowly) valley of ants, one of the ants said: "O ye ants, get into your habitations, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you (under foot) without knowing it."
19. So he smiled, amused at her speech; and he said: "O my Lord! so So he smiled, amused at her speech; and he said: "O my Lord! so order me that I may be grateful for Thy favours, which thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: And admit me, by Thy Grace, to the ranks of Thy righteous Servants."
20. And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: "Why is it I see And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: "Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?
21. "I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty, or execute him, "I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty, or execute him, unless he bring me a clear reason (for absence)."
22. But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up and) said: "I have But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up and) said: "I have compa.s.sed (territory) which thou hast not compa.s.sed, and I have come to thee from Saba with tidings true.
23. "I found (there) a woman ruling over them and provided with "I found (there) a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite; and she has a magnificent throne.
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24. "I found her and her people worshipping the sun besides Allah. "I found her and her people worshipping the sun besides Allah.
Satan has made their deeds seem pleasing in their eyes, and has kept them away from the Path,-so they receive no guidance,-25. "(Kept them away from the Path), that they should not worship "(Kept them away from the Path), that they should not worship Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what ye hide and what ye reveal.
26. "(Allah)!-there is no G.o.d but He!-Lord of the Throne Supreme!" "(Allah)!-there is no G.o.d but He!-Lord of the Throne Supreme!"
27. (Solomon) said: "Soon shall we see whether thou hast told the (Solomon) said: "Soon shall we see whether thou hast told the truth or lied!
28. "Go thou, with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them: then "Go thou, with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them: then draw back from them, and (wait to) see what answer they return"...
29. (The queen) said: "Ye chiefs! here is delivered to me - a letter (The queen) said: "Ye chiefs! here is delivered to me - a letter worthy of respect.
30. "It is from Solomon, and is (as follows): "In the name of Allah, "It is from Solomon, and is (as follows): "In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful: 31. ""Be ye not arrogant against me, but come to me in submission ""Be ye not arrogant against me, but come to me in submission (to the true Religion).""
32. She said: "Ye chiefs! advise me in (this) my affair: no affair have She said: "Ye chiefs! advise me in (this) my affair: no affair have I decided except in your presence."
33. They said: "We are endued with strength, and given to vehement They said: "We are endued with strength, and given to vehement war: but the command is with thee; so consider what thou wilt command."
34. She said: "Kings, when they enter a country, despoil it, and make She said: "Kings, when they enter a country, despoil it, and make the n.o.blest of its people its meanest thus do they behave.
35. "But I am going to send him a present, and (wait) to see with "But I am going to send him a present, and (wait) to see with what (answer) return (my) amba.s.sadors."
36. Now when (the emba.s.sy) came to Solomon, he said: "Will ye give Now when (the emba.s.sy) came to Solomon, he said: "Will ye give me abundance in wealth? But that which Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay it is ye who rejoice in your gift!
37. "Go back to them, and be sure we shall come to them with such "Go back to them, and be sure we shall come to them with such hosts as they will never be able to meet: We shall expel them from there in disgrace, and they will feel humbled (indeed)."
38. He said (to his own men): "Ye chiefs! which of you can bring me He said (to his own men): "Ye chiefs! which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?"
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39. Said an "Ifrit, of the Jinns: "I will bring it to thee before thou rise Said an "Ifrit, of the Jinns: "I will bring it to thee before thou rise from thy council: indeed I have full strength for the purpose, and may be trusted."
40. Said one who had knowledge of the Book: "I will bring it to thee Said one who had knowledge of the Book: "I will bring it to thee within the twinkling of an eye!" Then when (Solomon) saw it placed firmly before him, he said: "This is by the Grace of my Lord!-to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! and if any is grateful, truly his grat.i.tude is (a gain) for his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, truly my Lord is Free of all Needs, Supreme in Honour !"
41. He said: "Transform her throne out of all recognition by her: let He said: "Transform her throne out of all recognition by her: let us see whether she is guided (to the truth) or is one of those who receive no guidance."
42. So when she arrived, she was asked, "Is this thy throne?" She So when she arrived, she was asked, "Is this thy throne?" She said, "It was just like this; and knowledge was bestowed on us in advance of this, and we have submitted to Allah (in Islam)."
43. And he diverted her from the worship of others besides Allah. for And he diverted her from the worship of others besides Allah. for she was (sprung) of a people that had no faith.
44. She was asked to enter the lofty Palace: but when she saw it, she She was asked to enter the lofty Palace: but when she saw it, she thought it was a lake of water, and she (tucked up her skirts), uncovering her legs. He said: "This is but a palace paved smooth with slabs of gla.s.s."
She said: "O my Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul: I do (now) submit (in Islam), with Solomon, to the Lord of the Worlds."
45. We sent (aforetime), to the Thamud, their brother Salih, saying, We sent (aforetime), to the Thamud, their brother Salih, saying, "Serve Allah.: But behold, they became two factions quarrelling with each other.
46. He said: "O my people! why ask ye to hasten on the evil in He said: "O my people! why ask ye to hasten on the evil in preference to the good? If only ye ask Allah for forgiveness, ye may hope to receive mercy.
47. They said: "Ill omen do we augur from thee and those that are They said: "Ill omen do we augur from thee and those that are with thee". He said: "Your ill omen is with Allah. yea, ye are a people under trial."
48. There were in the city nine men of a family, who made mischief in There were in the city nine men of a family, who made mischief in the land, and would not reform.
49. They said: "Swear a mutual oath by Allah that we shall make a They said: "Swear a mutual oath by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his people, and that we shall then say to his heir (when he seeks vengeance): "We were not present at the slaughter of his people, and we are positively telling the truth.""
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50. They plotted and planned, but We too planned, even while they They plotted and planned, but We too planned, even while they perceived it not.
51. Then see what was the end of their plot!-this, that We destroyed Then see what was the end of their plot!-this, that We destroyed them and their people, all (of them).
52. Now such were their houses, - in utter ruin, - because they Now such were their houses, - in utter ruin, - because they practised wrong-doing. Verily in this is a Sign for people of knowledge.
53. And We saved those who believed and practised righteousness. And We saved those who believed and practised righteousness.