Part XXX

Chapter

78

Al-Naba'

(The Important Announcement)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Naba').

1. What is that these (disbelievers) are asking one another about?

2. (Is it) about the greatly important and very useful announcement leading to knowledge;

3. About which they differ (from the Muslims and among themselves)?

4. It is not as they assume. They shall surely know (the truth thereof).

5. (We say it) again, the real thing is not as they believe. They shall surely come to know (the truth thereof).

6. Have We not made the earth as a bed,

7. And the mountains as (a series of) pegs?

8. And We have created you in pairs (males and females);

9. And We have made your sleep a source of rest.

10. And We have made the night as a covering,

11. And We have made the day for the (various) pursuits of life.

12. And We have built above you seven strong (heavenly bodies of the solar system),

13. And We have made (therein) the sun providing immense light and heat from a long distance,

14. And We pour down from the dripping clouds water in torrent,

15. That We may bring forth therewith (all kinds of) grain and vegetation,

16. And (grow with it) gardens thick and luxuriant.

17. Surely, the Day of Judgment is an appointed time.

18. The day when the trumpet will be blown, and you will come in large troopes.

19. And the heaven shall be flung open and it shall become (all) doors.

20. And the mountains shall be wiped out and shall become (as if reduced to) plains of sand.

21. Surely, only Gehenna shall be in wait (for those who deny the truth).

22. A (nursing) home for the rebellious.

23. There they shall be staying for ages (till all their maladies are completely treated).

24. There they shall find no (comfort of) coolness, nor drink.

25. All that they shall have will be boiling water or stinking fluid as a recompense,

26. A befitting recompense (for the evils done by them).

27. They did not fear any reckoning at all;

28. And they had belied Our Messages outright.

29. And everything (of their deeds) We have fully recorded in a book (of deeds).

30. (It shall be said to them when they are about to be punished,) `Suffer therefore (the consequences of your evil deeds), We will do no more than increase your torment.

SECTION 2

31. As for those who guarded against evil there awaits them a triumph,

32. Orchards and vineyards;

33. And (blooming) young maidens suiting their age, and also matching in all other respects,

34. And overflowing cups of pure and clean drink.

35. Therein they will hear no vain discourse, no (topics based on) falsehood.

36. (It will be said to each, `All this is) bestowed (on you) by your Lord, (both) by way of gift, (and) by reckoning.'

37. The Lord of the heavens and the earth and of all that lies between them, the Most Gracious (God), Whom they dare

not address.

38. (All this will be) on the Day (of Resurrection) when the Perfect Spirit and the angels will stand in rows, none shall speak except he (- Muhammad) to whom the Most Gracious (God) will grant permission and who will speak (only) what is right.

39. That day is bound to come, so let him, who will, seek recourse to his Lord.

40. Verily, We have warned you of a punishment which is close at hand, a day when a person shall see what (good or evil deeds) he has sent on before (for the next life), and the disbeliever will say, `Would that I were mere dust.'

Chapter

79

Al-Nâzi`ât

(Those Who Perform Their Duties

Vigorously)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Nâzi`ât).

I. I call to witness those groups of beings, who perform their duties (towards their Lord and people and themselves) with intense zeal and to the best of their capacity,

2. And those who exert themselves vigorously,

3. And those who steer their course swiftly and skillfully,

4. Then those who going foremost greatly excel (all others and attain the topmost positions),

5. Then those who administer the affairs in an excellent manner (shall reap the fruit of their striving).

6. (It shall be) on the day when the quacking (earth) shall quake;

7. Quakes after quakes shall follow this.

8. On that day many hearts will be trembling with fear,

9. Their eyes will be downcast (in disgrace).

10. (These are the people) who say, `Shall we (really) be restored to (our) former state (after we are dead)?

11. `Shall it be (even) when we are (reduced to) hollow bones?'

12. (And) who say, `Then such a resurrection shall indeed be fraught with loss.'

13. (Let them say what they think,) It will be no more than a single scare blast.

14. And behold! (after that) they will all be (awakened and come out) in the open.

15. The story of Moses has reached you.

16. When his Lord called out to him in the Sacred Valley of Tuwâ,

17. (And directed him,) `Go to Pharaoh, he has transgressed all limits.

18. `And say (to him), "Would you like to purify yourself;

19. "That I should guide you to your Lord so that you may stand in awe of Him?"'

20. So (Moses went to Pharaoh and) he showed him the great sign (of the staff).

21. But he belied (Moses) and disobeyed,

22. Then he turned back striving (and devising schemes against him).

23. And he gathered (his people) and proclaimed,

24. Saying, `I (- Pharaoh) am your supreme lord.'

25. So Allâh seized him for the punishment of (both) the next and the present life.

26. Indeed, there is a lesson in this (event) for him who stands in awe (of his Lord).

SECTION 2

27. (O People!) are you harder to be created (again) or the heaven? He (the Almighty Lord) has made it.

28. He has raised the height thereof, and has made it flawlessly perfect and well-balanced.

29. And He gave darkness to its night, and brought forth the morn thereof.

30. And along with it He hurled the earth away (from a bigger mass) and spread it forth.

31. He produced from it its water and pasture.

32. He set the mountains firmly.

33. (He has done all this to serve as) a goodly provisions for you and your cattle.

34. Behold! when that great calamity comes to pass,

35. On that day every person will call to mind all that he strove for.

36. And Hell shall be brought in view of him who sees.

37. Then as for the one who transgresses,

38. And prefers the present life (to the Hereafter),

39. (Let him remember that) the Hell shall surely be (his) abode.

40. But as for the one who fears to stand before his Lord and restrains himself from evil desires,

41. Then Garden (of bliss) shall surely be (his permanent) abode.

42. The people ask you concerning the Hour (saying), `When shall it come to pass?'

43. Why (do they ask this question)? It is you who are its reminder (you being one of its signs).

44. The ultimate end of it is decreed by your Lord.

45. You are only a Warner to one who fears it.

46. The day they witness it (-the Hour, they will feel) as if they had stayed (in the world and the grave) for an afternoon or a (short) forenoon thereof.

Chapter

80

`Abasa

(He Frowned)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah `Abasa).

1. He (- the Prophet) frowned and turned aside,

2. Because the blind man (- Ibn umme Maktûm) came to him (interrupting him unknowingly).

3. And what could make you (O Prophet!) know that he might purify himself.

4. Or that he might have paid heed to the admonition (that God has revealed to you) and this admonition would have done him good as well.

5. But as to him who considers himself self-sufficient and is indifferent (to the Truth);

6. To this one you were very attentive,

7. Though you are not to blame if he does not purify himself.

8. Whereas (the blind man) who came to you striving in right earnest (to learn the Qur'ân),

9. And all the while he stands in awe (of God);

10. But you neglect him and pay him no regard.

11. This should not have been so. Verily, this (Qur'ân) is a means to rise to eminence (for you all).

12. So let him who desires, pay heed to it and rise to eminence.

13. (This Qur'ân is preserved) in such written leaves (of the Book) as are greatly honoured,

14. (Which are) ranked high (and) are rid of all impurities,

15. Which are in the hands of scribes,

16. Noble and virtuous.

17. Ruin seize the person (- one too proud to accept the reminder)! How ungrateful he is!

18. (Let him consider) from what (insignificant) material He has created him!

19. From a mere sperm-drop! He (at first) creates him, then endows him with infinite capacity (to make progress),

20. Then makes (his) passage (through all affair of life) easy for him.

21. Then He calls him to death and He assigns to him (an interim state of) a grave.

22. And He will again raise him to life when He will.

23. It cannot be (that there is no resurrection;) he has not yet carried out what He commanded him to do.

24. Therefore let such a person look at his food.

25. How (at first) We pour down water in abundance,

26. Then We cleave the earth, a proper cleaving,

27. So that We cause grain to grow therein,

28. As well as grapes, vegetables,

29. The olive, the date-palm,

30. Orchards with dense trees,

31. Fruits and herbage;

32. A goodly provision for you and your cattle.

33. Again (you should also consider) when the deafening shout shall come,

34. The day when a person shall flee from his brother,

35. And (from) his mother and his father,

36. And (from) his spouse and his sons,

37. On that day every person among them shall be concerned enough (regarding his own affairs to occupy him and) to make him indifferent (to others).

38. Some faces, that day, will be beaming,

39. Smiling (and) joyous.

40. Some other faces, on that day, will have dust upon them,

41. Gloom covering them.

42. Those will be (the faces of) the disbelievers and (of) the doers of evil.

Chapter

81

Al-Takwîr

(Loosing Of The Light)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Takwîr).

1. When the sun be folded up and so darkened,

2. And when the stars are obscured,

3. And when the mountains are made to pass away,

4. And when the excellent she-camels will be discarded,

5. And when the wild beast will be herded together,

6. And when the rivers will be drained away,

7. And when (various) people will be united together,

8. And when the girl-child who is buried alive will be questioned about;

9. For what offence was she killed?

10. And when books and papers will be spread abroad,

11. And when the heights will be discovered,

12. And when the Hell-Fire will be set ablaze,

13. And when the Paradise will be brought near,

14. Every soul will know then what (store of deeds) it has brought forward.

15. Nay, I call to witness those (planets) that recede while advancing in one direction,

16. Those (planets) that continue their forward course (along their orbits) and then disappear.

17. And (I call to witness) the night when its darkness begins to depart,

18. And the dawn as it begins to breathe (and brightens up),

19. That verily this (Qur'ân) is indeed the word (revealed to and) uttered by a noble (and illustrious) Messenger (- Muhammad),

20. Possessor of power, occupying a (glorious) secure position with the Lord of the Throne,

21. Who is entitled to be obeyed and who is here also known as trust-worthy.

22. And that this compatriot of yours (-Muhammad) is not at all mad.

23. And he has most surely seen himself (shining in the resplendence of his own light) in the clear horizon (- in the remotest corners of the world).

24. And he is not at all niggardly, nor a forgerer in disclosing the hidden realties.

25. Nor is this (Qur'ân) the word of satan who is driven away (from divine presence).

26. Where do you wander to (leaving this Qur'ân and the Messenger aside)?

27. This is but a means to rise to eminence for all people,

28. For such of you who wish to walk straight (to attain eminence).

29. And you should not desire (otherwise) except that which Allâh the Lord of the worlds desires (for you).

Chapter

82

Al-Infitâr

(The Cleaving Asunder)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Infitâr).

1. When the sky will be cleft asunder,

2. And when the planets will become dispersed,

3. And when the rivers are widely split up and made to flow forth (into canals),

4. And when the graves will be laid open,

5. Every person shall know (then) what (evil) actions (which he should not have done) he has committed, and what (good actions he should have done) he has omitted.

6. O (ungrateful) human being! what has enticed you away from your Lord, the Honoured One,

7. Who created you, then perfected you (with wisdom), then endowed you with great natural powers and faculties,

8. And He fashioned you in whatever form it pleased Him.

9. Surely, (it is) not at all (as you think), the truth is that you treat the Requital as a lie.

10. Verily, there are (appointed) guardians over you,

11. Noble (angel) recorders (of your commissions and omissions),

12. Who know (all) that you do.

13. The virtuous shall invariably be in (a state of) bliss.

14. But the wicked shall, of course, be in the flaming Fire.

15. They will enter therein on the Day of Requital,

16. And they shall not at all (be able to) keep themselves away (by escaping) from it.

17. What should make you know what the Day of Requital is!

18. Again (We repeat) how can you know what the Day of Requital is!

19. (It is) the day when no person shall be able to do anything for another! On that day the (absolute) Judgment of every sort shall entirely belong to Allâh.

Chapter

83

AL-Mutaffifîn

(The Defaulters In Duty)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Mutaffifîn).

1. Woe be to those who make a default in any of their duties and give short measure.

2. When they receive measure from other people they receive in full (not allowing the least shortage and loss),

3. But when they give by measure to others or weigh to them they give them less (than what is due).

4. Do not such people realize that they will be raised (to life again),

5. To face (and hear the Judgment of) that Great Day?

6. The Day when people shall stand before the Lord of the worlds?

7. Nay, (not at all as they believe) the record of (the deeds) of the wicked is in Sijjîn (- the register of a prison)

8. What should make you know what that Sijjîn is?

9. (It is) a book written (distinctly and comprehensively).

10. On that Day woe shall befall those who belie (the truth);

11. Those that belie the Day of Requital.

12. No one can treat it as a lie except every sinful transgressor,

13. (Who) when Our Messages are recited to him says, `(These are) mere fables of the ancients.'

14. Nay (not at all so), the truth is that their (evil) deeds have rusted their hearts.

15. Nay (We repeat, not at all so). Verily, they shall be debarred from (the sight and mercy of) their Lord that day.

16. Then they shall surely enter into the flaming Fire,

17. Then it shall be said (to them), `This is that (very punishment) which you used to cry lies to.'

18. Behold! verily the record (of the righteous deeds) of the virtuous will be in `Illîyyîn (- the register of those enjoying the most exalted ranks).

19. And what should make you know what `Illîyyûn is?

20. It is a book (distinctly and comprehensively) written,

21. Which those drawn near (to their Lord) will find present.

22. The virtuous shall indeed be in (a state of) bliss (that Day).

23. (Reclining) upon raised couches they shall be looking (at every thing all around).

24. You shall find freshness and bloom of bliss in their faces.

25. They shall be given to drink a pure and delightfully refreshing beverage sealed (and secure from all contamination).

26. (Even) the sealing and dregs of which will have flavour of musk, so to this (noble end) let (all) the aspirants aspire.

27. And this (beverage) will be tempered with Tasnîm (flowing from on high).

28. (This Tasnîm is) a spring of which those drawn near (to God) shall drink.

29. Those who had severed their ties (with God) used to laugh at those who believed,

30. And when they passed by them (- the believers) they winked at one another (by way of ridiculously finding fault with them),

31. And when they returned to their companions they returned exulting with pride,

32. And when they saw these (Muslims) they said, `These are surely the straying ones!'

33. Though they were not deputed as guardians (to guard) over them.

34. Now, on this day (of Judgment) it is the believers who will wonder at the disbelievers,

35. (Seated) on raised couches of (dignity). They (- the believers) will be looking (at the miserable state of the disbelievers in Gehenna).

36. (Then it shall be said,) `The disbelievers have been duly requitted for (the misdeeds) that they used to do.'

Chapter

84

Al-Inshiqâq

(The Bursting Asunder)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Inshiqâq).

1. When the sky bursts asunder,

2. And gives ear to (the command of) its Lord to obey, and it is fitly disposed (to do so),

3. And when the earth is stretched out and receives fresh manure (for the spiritual and physical progress of its dwellers),

4. And casts forth all that it has in it, and becomes (as if) empty,

5. And gives ear to (the command of) its Lord to obey, and it is fittingly disposed (to do so).

6. O People! verily you are (by nature) toiling on towards your Lord a laborious toiling, then (through arduous service to Him) you shall surely meet Him.

7. Then as for the person who is given his record (of deeds) in his right hand,

8. He shall soon be reckoned an easy reckoning,

9. And he will return to his people joyfully.

10. But as for the one who will have his record (of deeds) given to him behind his back (as a sign that he had thrown the divine teachings behind his back),

11. He shall soon call (so to say) for complete destruction (to end his agonies).

12. And he will enter into a blazing Fire.

13. Verily, (before this) he used to be joyful among his companions (and neglected the Hereafter).

14. He deemed that he would never return (to God).

15. Yet he did (return to God to account for his deeds), surely his Lord was ever watchful of him.

16. Behold! I call to witness the twilight of sunset,

17. And the night and (all) that it envelopes,

18. And the moon when it become full,

19. That you shall invariably pass on from one stage to another.

20. So what is wrong with them that they do not believe?

21. And they do not bow in submission when the Qur'ân is recited to them?

[Prostration]

22. On the contrary, these disbelievers cry lies (to the Qur'ân ).

23. And Allâh knows best all that they keep hidden (in their hearts).

24. So (do not bother about them, rather) give them the news of a woeful punishment.

25. Different, however, is the case of those who believe and do deeds of righteousness. There awaits them an unending reward.

Chapter

85

Al-Burûj

(The Stary Spheres)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Burûj).

1. I call to witness the starry spangles of the sky,

2. And the Promised Day,

3. And the Bearer of witness (- the Prophet), and that to whom the witness is borne (- the Prophet's community),

4. (That these disbelievers will face destruction as were) destroyed the Fellows of the Trenches.

5. (These trenches had) the fire (fed) with fuel,

6. When they sat by them (- the trenches).

7. And they were the witnesses of those (wrongs) they were doing to the believers.

8. They hated and tortured these (believers) for no reason other than that they had believed in Allâh, the Almighty, the Praiseworthy,

9. To Whom belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth; and Allâh is Witness over all things.

10. Those who (deliberately) persecute the believing men and women and then do not repent, shall suffer the punishment of Gehenna and they shall suffer the torment of (heart) burning (in the present life).

11. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness shall have Gardens served with running streams (to keep them green and flourishing). This indeed is the great achievement.

12. Terrible indeed is the seizing of your Lord.

13. It is He Who originates and continues reproducing.

14. And He is the Protector, the Most Loving;

15. Lord of the Throne (of Power), the Lord of all Glory,

16. Absolute Performer of what He intends (to carry out).

17. There has reached you the account of the hosts

18. Of Pharaoh, and Thamûd.

19. The truth is that the disbelievers are persisting in belying (the Divine Messages),

20. And Allâh encompasses (them from all sides,) from behind (and from in front of) them (to punish them).

21. This is also the truth that it is a glorious Qur'ân,

22. (Inscribed) in a Tablet well-guarded (against corruption, distortion and destruction).

Chapter

86

Al-Târiq

(The Night Visitant)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Târiq).

1. I call to witness the heaven and the visitant (in the darkness) of the night.

2. And what should make you know what the night-visitant is?

3. (It is) the star of piercing brightness.

4. Remember! a guardian is appointed (by God) over every soul.

5. Therefore let (every) human being consider from what material he is created.

6. He is created from a jetting fluid,

7. Which issues forth from between the loins and the breast-bones.

8. Verily, He (Who created him the first time) has the power of bringing him back to life (in the Hereafter).

9. On the Day, when the hidden things shall be exposed,

10. Then the person (who has engrossed himself in worldly affairs) shall have neither power to defend himself nor he will have any (other) helper.

11. I call to witness the clouds that rain over and over again,

12. And the earth that bursts forth (with herbage and with springs),

13. (That) verily, this (Qur'ân) is a decisive word.

14. And it is not a vain (revelation).

15. And they (- the disbelievers) devise a device (against it).

16. And (in return) I (too) devise a (counter) device.

17. Therefore grant the disbelievers respite, yes grant them respite for a little while.

Chapter

87

Al-A`lâ

(The Most High)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-A`lâ).

1. Extol the holiness of the name of your Lord, the Most High.

2. Who creates (all things) and gives (them) suitable and perfect shapes.

3. Who determines (the capacities and faculties) and furnishes them with (appropriate) guidance to achieve the final goal.

4. And Who brings forth the pasturage,

5. And then turns it into dried up rubbish, gray coloured.

6. We will soon teach (you and) make you recite (the Qur'ân) so that you shall not forget (any part of it).

7. Except whatever (other things which) Allâh will (and which things you are apt to forget as a human being). Indeed He knows all that is manifest and all that is hidden.

8. And We shall provide you (every) facility and make things easy for you.

9. Therefore keep on reminding (the people), surely reminding does good.

10. He who stands in awe (of God) will heed,

11. But the person steeped in wickedness goes on avoiding it.

12. He who will enter the great Fire,

13. Then he shall neither die therein nor live.

14. Verily, that person who purifies himself truly will succeed (both in this life and in the Hereafter),

15. And remembers and extols the name of his Lord and offers Prayers.

16. But the fact is that you people prefer the present life,

17. Though the (the life in) the Hereafter is much better and more lasting.

18. These (teachings) are so stated in the earlier Scriptures;

19. The Scriptures of Abraham and Moses.

Chapter

88

Al-Ghâshiyah

(The Overwhelming Event)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Ghâshiyah).

1. There has reached you the news of the overwhelming event (- the Resurrection).

2. Some persons shall be downcast and humble that day.

3. Toil-worn and weary.

4. They shall enter a blazing Fire.

5. They shall be made to drink from a spring of boiling hot water;

6. Dry, bitter and thorny herbage shall be their only food,

7. Which neither nourishes nor satisfies hunger.

8. On that day some (other) persons will be fresh and joyful,

9. Well-satisfied with (the fruit of) their (pious) strivings.

10. (They will live) in a sublime Garden,

11. Wherein you will hear no vain talk.

12. It shall have a running spring,

13. It shall have thrones raised high,

14. And goblets properly set,

15. And cushions (beautifully) ranged in rows,

16. And velvety carpets (tastefully) spread.

17. Do the people not then look at the clouds and the camels, how they are made,

18. And at the heaven, how it is raised high;

19. And at the mountains, how they are set up;

20. And at the earth, how it is spread out?

21. Keep on admonishing (them even if they insist on shutting their eyes), so your duty is one of an admonisher.

22. You are not (appointed) a keeper, stern and hard, to (compel) them.

23. But as to him who turns away and disbelieves,

24. Allâh shall punish him with the greatest punishment.

25. Verily, to Us is their ultimate return;

26. Then it is surely for Us to call them to account.

Chapter

89

Al-Fajr

(The Dawn)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Fajr).

1. I call to witness (all the times and places specially important for the acceptance of prayers including) the dawn (of the twentieth of Ramadzân),

2. And the (last) ten Nights (of Ramadzân),

3. And (the Prayers which consist of) the even and odd (number of Rak`ats performed during these nights).

4. And the Night (- Lailatul-Qadr, the Blessed Night), when it moves on (to its close).

5. In it there is surely a strong evidence for one who has sense and understanding.

6. Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with `âd

7. Of Iram, possessors of tall statures and lofty columns,

8. The like of whom have not been created in these parts of land?

9. And (how He dealt with the tribe of) Thamûd who hewed out huge rocks in the valley (to make their housings)?

10. And (how He dealt with) Pharaoh, lord of vast hosts?

11. (All these people were) those who committed (all sort of) excesses in the cities,

12. And they spread a lot of corruption and lawlessness therein,

13. (So much) so that your Lord let loose on them the scourge and various kinds of punishments.

14. Behold! your God is always on the watch.

15. Moreover a human being is such that when his Lord disciplines him (by prosperity) and (thus) honours him and bestows favours on him, he says, `My Lord has honoured me.'

16. And when He disciplines him (with affliction) and (thus) straitens for him his (means of) subsistence, he says, `My Lord has (for no reason) disgraced me.'

17. Nay, (what you think is wrong,) but (the reason for this degradation is that) you (for your part) do not honour the orphan,

18. And you do not urge one another to feed the poor,

19. And you devour the heritage (of others) wholly and indiscriminately,

20. And you are exceedingly fond of wealth.

21. By no means (will it be so as you think). When the earth is completely crushed into pieces,

22. And when (the judgment of) your Lord comes (to pass), and the angels (descend also) ranged rank on rank (to execute His decree),

23. On that Day Gehenna shall be brought near. (It is) on that very Day that a person will remember (the admonition), but of what avail shall that remembrance be to him (at that time)?

24. He will say, `O would that I had sent forward (some good deeds as a provision) for this my life here (on this side).'

25. So on that day none but He shall execute His punishment,

26. And no one but He shall bind like His binding.

27. (As for the person who has been blessed with a contented and peaceful mind He will say to him,) `O you soul at peace!

28. `Come back to your Lord well-pleased with Him and He well-pleased with you.

29. `Enter the fold of My chosen servants,

30. `And enter the Garden made by Me.'

Chapter

90

Al-Balad

(The City)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Balad).

1. Nay, (it will never happen as the disbelievers desire.) I do swear by this city (of Makkah),

2. When you will surely alight (as a conqueror) in this city.

3. And (I cite as witness your) father (- Abraham) and (his exalted) son (- Ismâîl).

4. We have certainly created a human being (to face obstacles and) to struggle hard (to achieve a marvelous goal).

5. Does he think that no one will have power (to use) against him?

6. He will say, `I have wasted enormous wealth.'

7. But does he think that no one sees him?

8. Have We not given him two eyes (to distinguish right from wrong);

9. And a tongue and two lips (so that he can ask if he cannot see for himself),

10. And We have pointed out to him the two conspicuous high ways (of right and wrong)?

11. Yet he would not attempt the uphill path of steep and difficult ascent.

12. And what should make you know what the uphill path of steep and difficult ascent is?

13. (It is) the freeing of a captive (from the bondage of slavery, debt and other afflictions),

14. Or feeding in the time of famine

15. An orphan, near of kin,

16. Or a downtrodden poor man.

17. And what is even more, then he is of those who believe and exhort one another to be patiently persevering and exhort one another to be compassionate (towards God's creation).

18. These (who follow this hard path) are the blessed ones (- the people of the right hand).

19. But those who denied Our Messages are the wretched ones (- the people of the left hand).

20. There shall envelop them the Fire closed over (- a Fire the heat of which is not allowed to escape and they themselves cannot get out of it).

Chapter

91

Al-Shams

(The Sun)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Shams).

1. I call to witness the sun and its light and heat,

2. And the moon when it borrows light from it (- the sun),

3. And the day when it reveals its (- the sun's) glory,

4. And the night when it draws a veil over it,

5. And the heaven and That (Great Omnifice Divinity) Who made it,

6. And the earth and That (Great Being) Who expanded it,

7. And the (human) soul and That (Mighty Lord) Who made it perfect,

8. Then He revealed to it (- the soul, the ways of) its evil and its righteousness,

9. (All these are cited to witness that) one who purifies it (- his soul), certainly succeeds,

10. And he indeed is ruined who corrupts it.

11. (The tribe of) Thamûd belied (Sâlih,) because of their rebelliousness.

12. (It was) when the wretched-most among them arose,

13. And Allâh's Messenger said to them, `(Do not interfere with) the she-camel (- a symbol appointed by the command) of Allâh and (do not obstruct) her (from) watering.'

14. But they belied (and disobeyed) him and hamstrung her. Then their Lord destroyed them completely for their sin, so much so that He leveled them (all to the ground).

15. And He did not care at all for their end (as to what an utterly miserable state they were reduced).

Chapter

92

Al-Lail

(The Night)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Lail).

1. I call to witness the night when it spreads (its) veil,

2. And the day when it becomes bright,

3. And all the males and the females that He created;

4. (That) diverse are the ends you strive to achieve.

5. Then as for the person who devotes (all his resources and capacities in the cause of God), gives (to others) and guards against evil,

6. And declares his faith in all that is best and right,

7. We will, then, invariably provide for him every facility (for doing good).

8. But as for him who is niggardly (and cripples his capacities) and is (disdainfully) indifferent (to God and the Hereafter),

9. And belies all that is best,

10. We will, then, of course make easy for him (the downhill path to) a state of distress,

11. And his wealth shall not avail him when he dies.

12. It is for Us to provide guidance,

13. And to Us belong (all the blessings of) both, the next world and the present.

14. (O people!) now I have warned you of a flaming Fire.

15. None shall enter it but the wretched (sinner),

16. Who belies (the Truth) and turns (his) back (on it).

17. But the one who guards against evil and keeps his duty (to God and others), shall most carefully be kept away from it (- the Fire).

18. A person who spends his wealth (seeking) to purify himself,

19. And not because he is under an obligation to anyone which (- obligation) has to be repaid,

20. But (he spends) only to seek the pleasure of his Lord, the Most High,

21. Surely, He will be well-pleased (with such a one).

Chapter

93

Al-Dzuhâ

(The Forenoon Brightness)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Dzuhâ).

1. I call to witness the growing brightness of the forenoon,

2. And the night when it becomes still,

3. (O Prophet!) your Lord has not forsaken you, nor is He displeased (with you).

4. Surely, (your) future is better for you than your past.

5. Your Lord will soon give you (what you desire), and you will be well pleased (with Him).

6. Did He not find you an orphan and take (you) under (His) care?

7. He found you lost in (His) love (and that of His people), and gave you guidance (so as to enable you help the people

reach the goal),

8. And He found you having a large family to support, He freed you from want (of every kind).

9. Therefore as to the orphan, do not allow him to be an oppressed person.

10. And as for the person who seeks (your assistance) do not chide him away.

11. Then as to the blessings and favours of your Lord, keep on proclaiming (your gratitude by doing similar favours to your fellow beings).

Chapter

94

Al-Sharha

(The Expanding)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Sharha).

1. Have We not (in fulfillment of your vision in your boyhood and again when you were entrusted with the Divine Mission) opened, expanded (and illuminated) for you your bosom,

2. And (have We not) relieved you of your burden (of various responsibilities)

3. Which had weighed your back down?

4. And have (We not) exalted for you your name and given you fame?

5. So surely every hardship is followed by ease.

6. Yes, every hardship shall be followed by an ease.

7. When you are free (having finished one task) strive hard to do (the next).

8. And to your Lord you do attend (whole-heartedly) and humble yourself before Him.

Chapter

95

Al-Tîn

(The Fig)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Tîn).

1. I call to witness (four periods of human evolution including) the Fig (symbolic of the era of Adam when the foundations of the human civilization were laid), and the Olive (that of Noah, the founder of sharî`at),

2. And Mount Sinai (that of Moses when the details of the Sharî`at were revealed),

3. And this Town of security (of Makkah where with the advent of the Prophet Muhammad, the divine law was perfected and finalized),

4. (That) We have surely created the human being in the finest make and the best proportions (with enormous capabilities for an all round advancement through the process of evolution).

5. Then (according to Our law of cause and consequence) We degrade him to as the lowest of the low (if he does evil deeds).

6. Different, however, is the case of those who believe and do deeds of righteousness. There awaits them a never ending reward.

7. Who is there, after this to belie you (O Prophet!) with regard to (the day of) Requital?

8. Is (there still anyone to say that it is) not Allâh the Best of Judges.

Chapter

96

Al-`Alaq

(The Clot)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-`Alaq).

1. Recite with the name of your Lord Who created (all the universe),

2. Who (also) created human being from a clot of blood.

3. Proclaim, for your Lord is the Most Benignant;

4. Who taught knowledge by means of the pen,

5. He taught human being what he did not know.

6. Nay! (it is not at all as these people think), this human being does indeed indulge in transgression,

7. Because he thinks himself to be independent (of God).

8. (O People!) surely, to your Lord is the ultimate return (of you all to be accounted for your deeds).

9. Have you considered (the case of one) who forbids

10. A servant (of God) when he prays (to His Lord)?

11. (O People!) do you ever consider if he (who prays to God) follows the right guidance,

12. Or enjoins guarding against evil. (How bad will be the end of that forbidder?)

13. Do you (also) consider if a person (- the rejecter of Divine commandments) belies (them) and turns his back (upon the truth, what his end will be like)?

14. Does He not know that Allâh indeed observes (all)?

15. Nay, (it will never be as the rejecter desires.) If he does not desist (from these wicked ways), We shall assuredly (seize him and) drag him by the forelock -

16. A lying, sinful forelock!

17. Then let him call members of his association.

18. We will call Our brave defending guards.

19. Nay, (he will never succeed in his evil designs.) Yield not to him, rather continue to prostrate yourself (before your Lord) and draw near (to Him).

[Prostration]

Chapter

97

Al-Qadr

(The Majesty)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Qadr).

1. We began to reveal it (- the Qur'ân) during the Night of Majesty (- a Night usually in the last ten days of the month of Ramadzân).

2. And what shall make you know what the Night of Majesty is!

3. The Night of Majesty is better than a thousand months.

4. The angels and the Divine word come down therein, by the command of their Lord to (determine) each and every affair.

5. (That Night is all) peace. It lasts till the rise of the dawn.

Chapter

98

Bayyinah

(The Manifest Proof)

(Revealed after Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Bayyinah).

1. Those who disbelieve from among the people of the Scripture and (from among) those who associate gods with God, would not be rid of their bigotry and rejection of Faith until there should come to them the manifest proof -

2. A great Messenger (- Muhammad) from Allâh reciting (to them) written leaves of the Book, free from all impurities,

3. Consisting of eternal laws and commandments.

4. Those to whom the Scripture was given became divided only after the manifest proof had come to them.

5. (They have done it) though (in Islam) they were enjoined nothing more than to serve Allâh, bearing true faith in Him, (and) being upright, and to observe Prayer and to keep on presenting the Zakât. That is the true and firm conduct of faith.

6. Verily, those who disbelieve from among the people of the Scripture and (from among) those who associate gods with God shall be consigned to the Fire of Gehenna. Therein they shall abide. It is they who are the worst of all creatures.

7. Verily, those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, it is they who are the noblest of all creatures.

8. Their reward is with their Lord - Gardens of Eternity served with running streams (to keep them green and flourishing), they shall abide therein, for ever and ever. Allâh is well-pleased with them and they are well-pleased with Him (in their state of highest bliss). Such is (the reward) for a person who stands in awe of his Lord.

Chapter

99

Al-Zalzalah

(The Shaking)

(Revealed after Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Zalzalah).

1. When the earth is shaken with its violent shaking,

2. And when the earth shall throw up all her treasures,

3. And when a person will say (in bewilderment at the extraordinary happenings on the earth), `What is the matter with her?'

4. That day she will relate all her news (pertaining to every action done in secret on it).

5. For your Lord will have inspired her (to do so).

6. On that day (of Reckoning) all people will come forth in various groups to be shown (the results of) their deeds.

7. Then whosoever has done so much as an atom's weight of good will see (the good result of) it.

8. Similarly whosoever has done so much as an atom's weight of evil shall also see it.

Chapter

100

Al-`âdiyât

(The Charger)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-`âdiyât).

1. I call to witness the panting and snorting chargers (of the warriors).

2. And those that strike sparks of fire dashing (their hoofs) against the stones,

3. And those that make raids at dawn,

4. And raising up clouds of dust therewith.

5. They penetrate thus right into the middle of the (enemy) ranks,

6. That ( good for nothing) human being is indeed very ungrateful to his Lord.

7. And he himself bears witness to all this (by his conduct).

8. And he is, truly speaking, the extreme limit in (his) love for wealth.

9. Does not, then, such a one know (the time) when all those in the graves will be raised up (in the Hereafter);

10. And (the time when) what is (hidden) in the bosoms (of people) shall be made known.

11. Verily, their Lord is, of course, fully Aware of (all regarding) them that day.

Chapter

101

Al-Qâri`ah

(The Disastrous Rattling)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Qâri`ah).

1. The Disastrous Rattling (of this life as seen in warfare is sure to visit the world).

2. How very terrible is the Disastrous Rattling!

3. What should make you know how very severe and destructive the Disastrous Rattling is!

4. On that day people shall be (in great confusion and distress) like moths scattered,

5. And the mountains shall look like carded wool.

6. Now as for the person whose scales (of virtues) are heavy (and good deeds are preponderant),

7. He shall have a pleasant life.

8. But as for the person whose scales (of good deeds) are light (and of no account),

9. The abyss (- Gehenna) shall then be a (nursing) mother to him (till the souls are completely cleansed of the taint of sin and they are reborn).

10. Ah! what should make you know what that (abyss) is!

11. It is a blazing Fire (for burning out all the dross that people collect by leading a sinful life in this world).

Chapter

102

Al-Takâthur

(The Vying With One Another)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Takâthur).

1. (MO People! your) vying with one another to excel in multiplying worldly possessions diverts you (from God and true values of life),

2. Until (on your death) you embrace the graves.

3. Nay, (you should never hanker after worldly gains, power and position,) you shall come to know in time (that you have been chasing at a shadow).

4. Nay, again (We repeat, never should you misuse your life of probation,) you shall come to know (the consequences of it) in time.

5. No, never! if you only knew the consequences thereof with sure and certain knowledge

6. You will certainly see the very hell-fire (in this present life by seeing the sad fate of the wicked).

7. Again, you shall most certainly see it (in the Hereafter) with the eye of certainty.

8. And then on that day (of Reckoning) you shall be called to account for the favours (bestowed upon you).

Chapter

103

Al-`Asr

(The Time)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-`Asr).

1. I cite as witness the Time.

2. Verily, a person (who is unmindful of God and higher values of his life) is pursuing a losing bargain.

3. Different, however, is the case of those who believe and do deeds of righteousness and (who) exhort one another to (accept and preach) the truth and exhort one another to (abide by it with) patience and perseverance.

Chapter

104

Al-Humazah

(The Slanderer)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Humazah).

1. Disaster is (decreed) for every slanderer, defamer,

2. Who amasses wealth (instead of spending it for the good of humanity), counts it over and over and depends upon

it as a safeguard (against his future possible hardships).

3. He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal.

4. No, never! he shall surely be cast into the crushing torment (of Hell).

5. And what should make you know what the crushing torment is?

6. (It is) the Fire set ablaze by Allâh,

7. And which rises over (the feelings of) the hearts (- the origin of a man's hell).

8. It (- Fire) will be closed in on them (so as not to let them escape from it and also increase for them the torture of heat).

9. (The flames of the Fire will rise) in (the form of) huge outstretched columns.

Chapter

105

Al-Fîl

(The Elephant)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Fîl).

1. Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with the People of the Elephant (- the army of Abrahah, the viceroy of the Negus, king of Abyssînia, at Yeman)?

2. Did He not (cause the war to end in confusion and) ruin their plan (to destroy Ka`bah by making it revert on themselves)?

3. And He sent against them flocks of birds,

4. (Which tore off flesh from their bodies to eat by) striking them against stones of hardened and petrified clay.

5. And thus He reduced them to rotten chaff (and in a similar way will they be ruined who would ever make an attack to destroy Ka`bah).

Chapter

106

Al-Quraish

(The Quraish)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Quraish).

1. (Lord destroyed the People of the Elephants which event proved helpful) for making covenants of the Quraish (with their contemporary kings for trade).

2. (And also) for their covenants of journeying (by taking caravans) in winter (to the south) and in summer (to the north).

3. (They should be ever grateful to God for this favour and) therefore they should worship the Lord of this House (Ka`bah at Makkah),

4. Who has fed them against hunger, and given them peace and security against all fear.

Chapter

107

Al-Mâ`ûn

(The Acts Of Kindness)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Mâ`ûn).

1. Have you considered the case of one who belies the Requital and Faith?

2. As a result of it this (despicable) fellow (instead of taking care of him with affection) repulses the orphan,

3. And does not urge in feeding of the needy.

4. So woe to those who Pray,

5. But are unmindful of their Prayer (and ignore the spirit and aim of it),

6. And they like (only) to be seen (of people while they make a show of their deeds),

7. And who withhold (legal) alms and other acts of kindness (starting from the Zakât to the lowest form of lending ordinary things of utility like a needle or a piece of thread to a neighbour).

Chapter

108

Al-Kauthar

(The Abundance Of Good)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Kauthar).

1. Verily, We have bestowed upon you (O Muhammad!) abundance of good (both of this life and of the Hereafter).

2. Therefore observe Prayer for the sake of your Lord and offer sacrifice (to Him).

3. Surely, it is your enemy who is cut off entirely (from all good and prosperity and is deprived of Spiritual issues).

Chapter

109

Al-Kâfirûn

(The Disbelievers)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Kâfirûn).

1. Say ( plainly to those present and who are not), `O you disbelievers!

2. `I will not at all worship those (false deities) which you worship,

3. `Nor are you worshippers of Him Whom I worship.

4. `Neither have I ever been a worshipper of those (false ancestral customs, superstitions, and deities) which you worship,

5. `Nor are you worshippers on the lines on which I worship.

6. `For you is your recompense and for me is my recompense.'

Chapter

110

Al-Nasr

(The Help)

(Revealed after Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Nasr).

1. The help of Allâh and the victory (over the Makkans) has indeed come (in fulfillment of the prophecies),

2. And you see people thronging in to the fold of the Faith of Allâh.

3. So glorify your Lord with His praises and extol His name and ask His protection. Surely, He is Oft-Returning (with grace and mercy).

Chapter

111

Al-Masad

(The Twisted Strands)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Masad).

1. Let the two hands of Abû Lahab (the Prophet's uncle, one of his most inveterate opponents and other fiery tempered enemies of Islam) perish, and let he himself (also) perish!

2. His wealth and what he has accomplished shall avail him naught.

3. He shall soon enter a Fire full of leaping flames (to burn others of his kind as well),

4. And his wife too, the carrier of fire wood and bearer of slanders and calumnies (will also be enveloped in the flames);

5. Having round her neck a halter of twisted strands.

Chapter

112

Al-Ikhlâs

(The Purification Of The Unity Of God)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Ikhlâs).

1. Say, `(The fact is) He is Allâh, the One and Alone in His Being.

2. `Allâh is that Supreme Being Who is the Independent and Besought of all and Unique in all His attributes.

3. `He begets none and is begotten by no one.

4. `And there is none His equal.'

Chapter

113

Al-Falaq

(The Daybreak)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Falaq).

1. Say, `I seek refuge in the Lord of the day break, and the plain appearing and emergence of truth.

2. `From the evil of that which He has created,

3. `And from the evil (that usually prevails in the times) of darkness when it overspreads (at night),

4. `And from the evil of those who try (and whisper evil suggestions) to deter (people) from doing their duty,

5. `And from the evil of the envier when he envies.'

Chapter

114

Al-Nâs

(The People)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Nâs).

1. Say, `I seek refuge in the Lord of People,

2. `The Sovereign, the Controller of all affairs of People,

3. `The God of People,

4. `(That He may protect me) from the evil (of the whisperings) of the whisperer, the sneaking one.

5. `Who whispers evil suggestions into the hearts of People,

6. `From among the jinn (- fiery natured, houghty) and the (ordinary) people.'