The Holy Qu’ran
English translation by Maulana Muhammad Ali
first published in 1917, the following comes from the 1920 printing
9. At-Taubah (Repentance)
A (declaration) of immunity from Allah and His Messenger, to those of the Pagans with whom ye have contracted mutual alliances:-
2Go ye, then, for four months, backwards and forwards, (as ye will),throughout the land, but know ye that ye cannot frustrate Allah (by yourfalsehood) but that Allah will cover with shame those who reject Him.
3And an announcement from Allah and His Messenger, to the people(assembled) on the day of the Great Pilgrimage, that Allah and HisMessenger dissolve (treaty) obligations with the Pagans. If then, yerepent, it were best for you; but if ye turn away, know ye that yecannot frustrate Allah. And proclaim a grievous penalty to those whoreject Faith.
4(But the treaties are) not dissolved with those Pagans with whom ye haveentered into alliance and who have not subsequently failed you inaught, nor aided any one against you. So fulfil your engagements withthem to the end of their term: for Allah loveth the righteous.
5But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Paganswherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in waitfor them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establishregular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way forthem: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
6If one amongst the Pagans ask thee for asylum, grant it to him, so thathe may hear the word of Allah, and then escort him to where he can besecure. That is because they are men without knowledge.
7How can there be a league, before Allah and His Messenger, with thePagans, except those with whom ye made a treaty near the sacred Mosque?As long as these stand true to you, stand ye true to them: for Allahdoth love the righteous.
8How (can there be such a league), seeing that if they get an advantageover you, they respect not in you the ties either of kinship or ofcovenant? With (fair words from) their mouths they entice you, but theirhearts are averse from you; and most of them are rebellious and wicked.
9The Signs of Allah have they sold for a miserable price, and (many) havethey hindered from His way: evil indeed are the deeds they have done.
10 In a Believer they respect not the ties either of kinship or of covenant! It is they who have transgressed all bounds.
11But (even so), if they repent, establish regular prayers, and practiceregular charity, they are your brethren in Faith: (thus) do We explainthe Signs in detail, for those who understand.
12But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and taunt you foryour Faith, fight ye the chiefs of Unfaith: for their oaths are nothingto them: that thus they may be restrained.
13Will ye not fight people who violated their oaths, plotted to expel theMessenger, and took the aggressive by being the first (to assault) you?Do ye fear them? Nay, it is Allah Whom ye should more justly fear, ifye believe!
14Fight them, and Allah will punish them by your hands, cover them withshame, help you (to victory) over them, heal the breasts of Believers,
15 And still the indignation of their hearts. For Allah will turn (in mercy) to whom He will; and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
16Or think ye that ye shall be abandoned, as though Allah did not knowthose among you who strive with might and main, and take none forfriends and protectors except Allah, His Messenger, and the (communityof) Believers? But Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do.
17It is not for such as to join gods with Allah, to visit or maintain themosques of Allah while they witness against their own souls toinfidelity. The works of such bear no fruit: In Fire shall they dwell.
18The mosques of Allah shall be visited and maintained by such as believein Allah and the Last Day, establish regular prayers, and practiseregular charity, and fear none (at all) except Allah. It is they who areexpected to be on true guidance.
19Do ye make the giving of drink to pilgrims, or the maintenance of theSacred Mosque, equal to (the pious service of) those who believe inAllah and the Last Day, and strive with might and main in the cause ofAllah. They are not comparable in the sight of Allah. and Allah guidesnot those who do wrong.
20Those who believe, and suffer exile and strive with might and main, inAllah’s cause, with their goods and their persons, have the highest rankin the sight of Allah. They are the people who will achieve(salvation).
21Their Lord doth give them glad tidings of a Mercy from Himself, of Hisgood pleasure, and of gardens for them, wherein are delights thatendure.
22 They will dwell therein for ever. Verily in Allah’s presence is a reward, the greatest (of all).
23O ye who believe! take not for protectors your fathers and yourbrothers if they love infidelity above Faith: if any of you do so, theydo wrong.
24Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your mates,or your kindred; the wealth that ye have gained; the commerce in whichye fear a decline: or the dwellings in which ye delight – are dearer toyou than Allah, or His Messenger, or the striving in His cause;- thenwait until Allah brings about His decision: and Allah guides not therebellious.
25Assuredly Allah did help you in many battlefields and on the day ofHunain: Behold! your great numbers elated you, but they availed younaught: the land, for all that it is wide, did constrain you, and yeturned back in retreat.
26But Allah did pour His calm on the Messenger and on the Believers, andsent down forces which ye saw not: He punished the Unbelievers; thusdoth He reward those without Faith.
27 Again will Allah, after this, turn (in mercy) to whom He will: for Allah is Oft- forgiving, Most Merciful.
28O ye who believe! Truly the Pagans are unclean; so let them not, afterthis year of theirs, approach the Sacred Mosque. And if ye fear poverty,soon will Allah enrich you, if He wills, out of His bounty, for Allahis All-knowing, All-wise.
29Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold thatforbidden which hath been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, noracknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People ofthe Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feelthemselves subdued.
30The Jews call Uzair a son of Allah, and the Christians call Christ theson of Allah. That is a saying from their mouth; (in this) they butimitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. Allah’s curse be onthem: how they are deluded away from the Truth!
31They take their priests and their anchorites to be their lords inderogation of Allah, and (they take as their Lord) Christ the son ofMary; yet they were commanded to worship but One Allah: there is no godbut He. Praise and glory to Him: (Far is He) from having the partnersthey associate (with Him).
32Fain would they extinguish Allah’s light with their mouths, but Allahwill not allow but that His light should be perfected, even though theUnbelievers may detest (it).
33It is He Who hath sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion ofTruth, to proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans maydetest (it).
34O ye who believe! there are indeed many among the priests andanchorites, who in Falsehood devour the substance of men and hinder(them) from the way of Allah. And there are those who bury gold andsilver and spend it not in the way of Allah. Announce unto them a mostgrievous penalty.
35On the Day when heat will be produced out of that (wealth) in the fireof Hell, and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, andtheir backs, their flanks, and their backs. “This is the (treasure)which ye buried for yourselves: taste ye, then, the (treasures) yeburied!”
36The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year)- soordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of themfour are sacred: that is the straight usage. So wrong not yourselvestherein, and fight the Pagans all together as they fight you alltogether. But know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.
37Verily the transposing (of a prohibited month) is an addition toUnbelief: the Unbelievers are led to wrong thereby: for they make itlawful one year, and forbidden another year, in order to adjust thenumber of months forbidden by Allah and make such forbidden ones lawful.The evil of their course seems pleasing to them. But Allah guideth notthose who reject Faith.
38O ye who believe! what is the matter with you, that, when ye are askedto go forth in the cause of Allah, ye cling heavily to the earth? Do yeprefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? But little is thecomfort of this life, as compared with the Hereafter.
39Unless ye go forth, He will punish you with a grievous penalty, and putothers in your place; but Him ye would not harm in the least. For Allahhath power over all things.
40If ye help not (your leader), (it is no matter): for Allah did indeedhelp him, when the Unbelievers drove him out: he had no more than onecompanion; they two were in the cave, and he said to his companion,”Have no fear, for Allah is with us”: then Allah sent down His peaceupon him, and strengthened him with forces which ye saw not, and humbledto the depths the word of the Unbelievers. But the word of Allah isexalted to the heights: for Allah is Exalted in might, Wise.
41Go ye forth, (whether equipped) lightly or heavily, and strive andstruggle, with your goods and your persons, in the cause of Allah. Thatis best for you, if ye (but) knew.
42If there had been immediate gain (in sight), and the journey easy, theywould (all) without doubt have followed thee, but the distance waslong, (and weighed) on them. They would indeed swear by Allah, “If weonly could, we should certainly have come out with you”: They woulddestroy their own souls; for Allah doth know that they are certainlylying.
43Allah give thee grace! why didst thou grant them until those who toldthe truth were seen by thee in a clear light, and thou hadst proved theliars?
44Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day ask thee for no exemptionfrom fighting with their goods and persons. And Allah knoweth well thosewho do their duty.
45Only those ask thee for exemption who believe not in Allah and the LastDay, and whose hearts are in doubt, so that they are tossed in theirdoubts to and fro.
46If they had intended to come out, they would certainly have made somepreparation therefor; but Allah was averse to their being sent forth; soHe made them lag behind, and they were told, “Sit ye among those whosit (inactive).”
47If they had come out with you, they would not have added to your(strength) but only (made for) disorder, hurrying to and fro in yourmidst and sowing sedition among you, and there would have been someamong you who would have listened to them. But Allah knoweth well thosewho do wrong.
48Indeed they had plotted sedition before, and upset matters for thee,until, the Truth arrived, and the Decree of Allah became manifest muchto their disgust.
49Among them is (many) a man who says: “Grant me exemption and draw menot into trial.” Have they not fallen into trial already? and indeedHell surrounds the Unbelievers (on all sides).
50If good befalls thee, it grieves them; but if a misfortune befallsthee, they say, “We took indeed our precautions beforehand,” and theyturn away rejoicing.
51Say: “Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us:He is our protector”: and on Allah let the Believers put their trust.
52Say: “Can you expect for us (any fate) other than one of two gloriousthings- (Martyrdom or victory)? But we can expect for you either thatAllah will send his punishment from Himself, or by our hands. So wait(expectant); we too will wait with you.”
53Say: “Spend (for the cause) willingly or unwillingly: not from you willit be accepted: for ye are indeed a people rebellious and wicked.”
54The only reasons why their contributions are not accepted are: thatthey reject Allah and His Messenger; that they come to prayer withoutearnestness; and that they offer contributions unwillingly.
55Let not their wealth nor their (following in) sons dazzle thee: inreality Allah’s plan is to punish them with these things in this life,and that their souls may perish in their (very) denial of Allah.
56They swear by Allah that they are indeed of you; but they are not ofyou: yet they are afraid (to appear in their true colours).
57If they could find a place to flee to, or caves, or a place ofconcealment, they would turn straightaway thereto, with an obstinaterush.
58And among them are men who slander thee in the matter of (thedistribution of) the alms: if they are given part thereof, they arepleased, but if not, behold! they are indignant!
59If only they had been content with what Allah and His Messenger gavethem, and had said, “Sufficient unto us is Allah. Allah and HisMessenger will soon give us of His bounty: to Allah do we turn ourhopes!” (that would have been the right course).
60Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administerthe (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (toTruth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and forthe wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full ofknowledge and wisdom.
61Among them are men who molest the Prophet and say, “He is (all) ear.”Say, “He listens to what is best for you: he believes in Allah, hasfaith in the Believers, and is a Mercy to those of you who believe.” Butthose who molest the Messenger will have a grievous penalty.
62To you they swear by Allah. In order to please you: But it is morefitting that they should please Allah and His Messenger, if they areBelievers.
63Know they not that for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, is theFire of Hell? wherein they shall dwell. That is the supreme disgrace.
64The Hypocrites are afraid lest a Sura should be sent down about them,showing them what is (really passing) in their hearts. Say: “Mock ye!But verily Allah will bring to light all that ye fear (should berevealed).”
65If thou dost question them, they declare (with emphasis): “We were onlytalking idly and in play.” Say: “Was it at Allah, and His Signs, andHis Messenger, that ye were mocking?”
66Make ye no excuses: ye have rejected Faith after ye had accepted it. IfWe pardon some of you, We will punish others amongst you, for that theyare in sin.
67The Hypocrites, men and women, (have an understanding) with each other:They enjoin evil, and forbid what is just, and are close with theirhands. They have forgotten Allah: so He hath forgotten them. Verily theHypocrites are rebellious and perverse.
68Allah hath promised the Hypocrites men and women, and the rejecters, ofFaith, the fire of Hell: Therein shall they dwell: Sufficient is it forthem: for them is the curse of Allah, and an enduring punishment,
69As in the case of those before you: they were mightier than you inpower, and more flourishing in wealth and children. They had theirenjoyment of their portion: and ye have of yours, as did those beforeyou; and ye indulge in idle talk as they did. They!- their work arefruitless in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will lose (allspiritual good).
70Hath not the story reached them of those before them? The People ofNoah, and ‘Ad, and Thamud; the People of Abraham, the men of Midian, andthe cities overthrown. To them came their apostles with clear signs. Itis not Allah Who wrongs them, but they wrong their own souls.
71The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: theyenjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regularprayers, practise regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Onthem will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.
72Allah hath promised to Believers, men and women, gardens under whichrivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in gardens ofeverlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the good pleasure of Allah.That is the supreme felicity.
73O Prophet! strive hard against the unbelievers and the Hypocrites, andbe firm against them. Their abode is Hell, an evil refuge indeed.
74They swear by Allah that they said nothing (evil), but indeed theyuttered blasphemy, and they did it after accepting Islam; and theymeditated a plot which they were unable to carry out: this revenge oftheirs was (their) only return for the bounty with which Allah and HisMessenger had enriched them! If they repent, it will be best for them;but if they turn back (to their evil ways), Allah will punish them with agrievous penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: They shall havenone on earth to protect or help them.
75Amongst them are men who made a covenant with Allah, that if Hebestowed on them of His bounty, they would give (largely) in charity,and be truly amongst those who are righteous.
76But when He did bestow of His bounty, they became covetous, and turnedback (from their covenant), averse (from its fulfilment).
77So He hath put as a consequence hypocrisy into their hearts, (to last)till the Day, whereupon they shall meet Him: because they broke theircovenant with Allah, and because they lied (again and again).
78Know they not that Allah doth know their secret (thoughts) and theirsecret counsels, and that Allah knoweth well all things unseen?
79Those who slander such of the believers as give themselves freely to(deeds of) charity, as well as such as can find nothing to give exceptthe fruits of their labour, and throw ridicule on them, Allah will throwback their ridicule on them: and they shall have a grievous penalty.
80Whether thou ask for their forgiveness, or not, (their sin isunforgivable): if thou ask seventy times for their forgiveness, Allahwill not forgive them; because they have rejected Allah and HisMessenger. And Allah guideth not those who are perversely rebellious.
81Those who were left behind (in the Tabuk expedition) rejoiced in theirinaction behind the back of the Messenger of Allah. They hated to striveand fight, with their goods and their persons, in the cause of Allah.They said, “Go not forth in the heat.” Say, “The fire of Hell is fiercerin heat.” If only they could understand!
82 Let them laugh a little: much will they weep; a recompense for the (evil) that they do.
83If, then, Allah bring thee back to any of them, and they ask thypermission to come out (with thee), say: “Never shall ye come out withme, nor fight an enemy with me: for ye preferred to sit inactive on thefirst occasion; Then sit ye (now) with those who lag behind.”
84Nor do thou ever pray for any of them that dies, nor stand at hisgrave; for they rejected Allah and His Messenger, and died in a state ofperverse rebellion.
85Nor let their wealth nor their (following in) sons dazzle thee: Allah’splan is to punish them with these things in this world, and that theirsouls may perish in their (very) denial of Allah.
86When a Sura comes down, enjoining them to believe in Allah and tostrive and fight along with His Messenger, those with wealth andinfluence among them ask thee for exemption, and say: “Leave us(behind): we would be with those who sit (at home).”
87 They prefer to be with (the women), who remain behind (at home): their hearts are sealed and so they understand not.
88But the Messenger, and those who believe with him, strive and fightwith their wealth and their persons: for them are (all) good things: andit is they who will prosper.
89 Allah hath prepared for them gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein: that is the supreme felicity.
90And there were, among the desert Arabs (also), men who made excuses andcame to claim exemption; and those who were false to Allah and HisMessenger (merely) sat inactive. Soon will a grievous penalty seize theUnbelievers among them.
91There is no blame on those who are infirm, or ill, or who find noresources to spend (on the cause), if they are sincere (in duty) toAllah and His Messenger. No ground (of complaint) can there be againstsuch as do right: and Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
92Nor (is there blame) on those who came to thee to be provided withmounts, and when thou saidst, “I can find no mounts for you,” theyturned back, their eyes streaming with tears of grief that they had noresources wherewith to provide the expenses.
93The ground (of complaint) is against such as claim exemption while theyare rich. They prefer to stay with the (women) who remain behind: Allahhath sealed their hearts; so they know not (what they miss).
94They will present their excuses to you when ye return to them. Saythou: “Present no excuses: we shall not believe you; Allah hath alreadyinformed us of the true state of matters concerning you: It is youractions that Allah and His Messenger will observe; in the end will ye bebrought back to Him Who knoweth what is hidden and what is open: thenwill He show you the truth of all that ye did.”
95They will swear to you by Allah, when ye return to them, that ye mayleave them alone. So leave them alone: For they are an abomination, andHell is their dwelling-place, a fitting recompense for the (evil) thatthey did.
96They will swear unto you, that ye may be pleased with them but if yeare pleased with them, Allah is not pleased with those who disobey.
97The Arabs of the desert are the worst in Unbelief and hypocrisy, andmost fitted to be in ignorance of the command which Allah hath sent downto His Messenger. But Allah is All-knowing, All-Wise.
98Some of the desert Arabs look upon their payments as a fine, and watchfor disasters for you: on them be the disaster of evil: for Allah is HeThat heareth and knoweth (all things).
99But some of the desert Arabs believe in Allah and the Last Day, andlook on their payments as pious gifts bringing them nearer to Allah andobtaining the prayers of the Messenger. Aye, indeed they bring themnearer (to Him): soon will Allah admit them to His Mercy: for Allah isOft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
100The vanguard (of Islam)- the first of those who forsook (their homes)and of those who gave them aid, and (also) those who follow them in(all) good deeds, well-pleased is Allah with them, as are they with Him:for them hath He prepared gardens under which rivers flow, to dwelltherein for ever: that is the supreme felicity.
101Certain of the desert Arabs round about you are hypocrites, as well as(desert Arabs) among the Medina folk: they are obstinate in hypocrisy:thou knowest them not: We know them: twice shall We punish them: and inaddition shall they be sent to a grievous penalty.
102Others (there are who) have acknowledged their wrong-doings: they havemixed an act that was good with another that was evil. Perhaps Allahwill turn unto them (in Mercy): for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, MostMerciful.
103Of their goods, take alms, that so thou mightest purify and sanctifythem; and pray on their behalf. Verily thy prayers are a source ofsecurity for them: And Allah is One Who heareth and knoweth.
104Know they not that Allah doth accept repentance from His votaries andreceives their gifts of charity, and that Allah is verily He, theOft-Returning, Most Merciful?
105And say: “Work (righteousness): Soon will Allah observe your work, andHis Messenger, and the Believers: Soon will ye be brought back to theknower of what is hidden and what is open: then will He show you thetruth of all that ye did.”
106There are (yet) others, held in suspense for the command of Allah,whether He will punish them, or turn in mercy to them: and Allah isAll-Knowing, Wise.
107And there are those who put up a mosque by way of mischief andinfidelity – to disunite the Believers – and in preparation for one whowarred against Allah and His Messenger aforetime. They will indeed swearthat their intention is nothing but good; But Allah doth declare thatthey are certainly liars.
108Never stand thou forth therein. There is a mosque whose foundation waslaid from the first day on piety; it is more worthy of the standingforth (for prayer) therein. In it are men who love to be purified; andAllah loveth those who make themselves pure.
109Which then is best? – he that layeth his foundation on piety to Allahand His good pleasure? – or he that layeth his foundation on anundermined sand-cliff ready to crumble to pieces? and it doth crumble topieces with him, into the fire of Hell. And Allah guideth not peoplethat do wrong.
110The foundation of those who so build is never free from suspicion andshakiness in their hearts, until their hearts are cut to pieces. AndAllah is All-Knowing, Wise.
111Allah hath purchased of the believers their persons and their goods;for theirs (in return) is the garden (of Paradise): they fight in Hiscause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth,through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur’an: and who is more faithful tohis covenant than Allah. Then rejoice in the bargain which ye haveconcluded: that is the supreme achievement.
112Those that turn (to Allah in repentance); that serve Him, and praiseHim; that wander in devotion to the cause of Allah; that bow down andprostrate themselves in prayer; that enjoin good and forbid evil; andobserve the limit set by Allah; (These do rejoice). So proclaim the gladtidings to the Believers.
113It is not fitting, for the Prophet and those who believe, that theyshould pray for forgiveness for Pagans, even though they be of kin,after it is clear to them that they are companions of the Fire.
114And Abraham prayed for his father’s forgiveness only because of apromise he had made to him. But when it became clear to him that he wasan enemy to Allah, he dissociated himself from him: for Abraham was mosttender-hearted, forbearing.
115And Allah will not mislead a people after He hath guided them, in orderthat He may make clear to them what to fear (and avoid)- for Allah hathknowledge of all things.
116Unto Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth. Hegiveth life and He taketh it. Except for Him ye have no protector norhelper.
117Allah turned with favour to the Prophet, the Muhajirs, and the Ansar,who followed him in a time of distress, after that the hearts of a partof them had nearly swerved (from duty); but He turned to them (also):for He is unto them Most Kind, Most Merciful.
118(He turned in mercy also) to the three who were left behind; (they feltguilty) to such a degree that the earth seemed constrained to them, forall its spaciousness, and their (very) souls seemed straitened to them,and they perceived that there is no fleeing from Allah (and no refuge)but to Himself. Then He turned to them, that they might repent: forAllah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
119 O ye who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are true (in word and deed).
120It was not fitting for the people of Medina and the Bedouin Arabs ofthe neighbourhood, to refuse to follow Allah’s Messenger, nor to prefertheir own lives to his: because nothing could they suffer or do, but wasreckoned to their credit as a deed of righteousness, whether theysuffered thirst, or fatigue, or hunger, in the cause of Allah, or trodpaths to raise the ire of the Unbelievers, or received any injurywhatever from an enemy: for Allah suffereth not the reward to be lost ofthose who do good;-
121Nor could they spend anything (for the cause) – small or great- nor cutacross a valley, but the deed is inscribed to their credit: that Allahmay requite their deed with the best (possible reward).
122Nor should the Believers all go forth together: if a contingent fromevery expedition remained behind, they could devote themselves tostudies in religion, and admonish the people when they return to them,that thus they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil).
123O ye who believe! fight the unbelievers who gird you about, and letthem find firmness in you: and know that Allah is with those who fearHim.
124Whenever there cometh down a sura, some of them say: “Which of you hashad His faith increased by it?” Yea, those who believe, their faith isincreased and they do rejoice.
125 But those in whose hearts is a disease, it will add doubt to their doubt, and they will die in a state of Unbelief.
126 See they not that they are tried every year once or twice? Yet they turn not in repentance, and they take no heed.
127Whenever there cometh down a Sura, they look at each other, (saying),”Doth anyone see you?” Then they turn aside: Allah hath turned theirhearts (from the light); for they are a people that understand not.
128Now hath come unto you a Messenger from amongst yourselves: it grieveshim that ye should perish; ardently anxious is he over you: to theBelievers is he most kind and merciful.
129But if they turn away, Say: “(Allah) sufficeth me: there is no god butHe: On Him is my trust, He the Lord of the Throne (of Glory) Supreme!”
10. Yunus (Jonah)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
1 A.L.R. These are the ayats of the Book of Wisdom.
2Is it a matter of wonderment to men that We have sent Our inspiration toa man from among themselves? That he should warn mankind (of theirdanger), and give the good news to the Believers that they have beforetheir Lord the lofty rank of truth. (But) say the Unbelievers: “This isindeed an evident sorcerer!”
3Verily your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in sixdays, and is firmly established on the throne (of authority), regulatingand governing all things. No intercessor (can plead with Him) exceptafter His leave (hath been obtained). This is Allah, your Lord; Himtherefore serve ye: will ye not receive admonition?
4To Him will be your return- of all of you. The promise of Allah is trueand sure. It is He Who beginneth the process of creation, and repeatethit, that He may reward with justice those who believe and workrighteousness; but those who reject Him will have draughts of boilingfluids, and a penalty grievous, because they did reject Him.
5It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be alight (of beauty), and measured out stages for her; that ye might knowthe number of years and the count (of time). Nowise did Allah createthis but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) doth He explain His Signs indetail, for those who understand.
6Verily, in the alternation of the night and the day, and in all thatAllah hath created, in the heavens and the earth, are signs for thosewho fear Him.
7Those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us, but are pleasedand satisfied with the life of the present, and those who heed not OurSigns:
8 Their abode is the Fire, because of the (evil) they earned.
9Those who believe, and work righteousness, their Lord will guide thembecause of their faith: beneath them will flow rivers in gardens ofbliss.
10(This will be) their cry therein: “Glory to Thee, O Allah.” And “Peace”will be their greeting therein! and the close of their cry will be:”Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds!”
11If Allah were to hasten for men the ill (they have earned) as theywould fain hasten on the good, then would their respite be settled atonce. But We leave those who rest not their hope on their meeting withUs, in their trespasses, wandering in distraction to and fro.
12When trouble toucheth a man, He crieth unto Us (in all postures)- lyingdown on his side, or sitting, or standing. But when We have solved histrouble, he passeth on his way as if he had never cried to Us for atrouble that touched him! thus do the deeds of transgressors seem fairin their eyes!
13Generations before you We destroyed when they did wrong: their apostlescame to them with clear signs, but they would not believe! thus do Werequite those who sin!
14 Then We made you heirs in the land after them, to see how ye would behave!
15But when Our Clear Signs are rehearsed unto them, those who rest nottheir hope on their meeting with Us, Say: “Bring us a reading other thanthis, or change this,” Say: “It is not for me, of my own accord, tochange it: I follow naught but what is revealed unto me: if I were todisobey my Lord, I should myself fear the penalty of a Great Day (tocome).”
16Say: “If Allah had so willed, I should not have rehearsed it to you,nor would He have made it known to you. A whole lifetime before thishave I tarried amongst you: will ye not then understand?”
17 Who doth more wrong than such as forge a lie against Allah, or deny His Signs? But never will prosper those who sin.
18They serve, besides Allah, things that hurt them not nor profit them,and they say: “These are our intercessors with Allah.” Say: “Do yeindeed inform Allah of something He knows not, in the heavens or onearth? Glory to Him! and far is He above the partners they ascribe (toHim)!”
19Mankind was but one nation, but differed (later). Had it not been for aword that went forth before from thy Lord, their differences would havebeen settled between them.
20They say: “Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?” Say: “TheUnseen is only for Allah (to know), then wait ye: I too will wait withyou.”
21When We make mankind taste of some mercy after adversity hath touchedthem, behold! they take to plotting against Our Signs! Say: “Swifter toplan is Allah.” Verily, Our messengers record all the plots that yemake!
22He it is Who enableth you to traverse through land and sea; so that yeeven board ships; they sail with them with a favourable wind, and theyrejoice thereat; then comes a stormy wind and the waves come to themfrom all sides, and they think they are being overwhelmed: they cry untoAllah, sincerely offering (their) duty unto Him saying, “If thou dostdeliver us from this, we shall truly show our gratitude!”
23But when he delivereth them, behold! they transgress insolently throughthe earth in defiance of right! O mankind! your insolence is againstyour own souls, an enjoyment of the life of the present: in the end, toUs is your return, and We shall show you the truth of all that ye did.
24The likeness of the life of the present is as the rain which We senddown from the skies: by its mingling arises the produce of the earth-which provides food for men and animals; (It grows) till the earth isclad with its golden ornaments and is decked out (in beauty); the peopleto whom it belongs think they have all powers of disposal over it;There reaches it Our command by night or by day, and We make it like aharvest clean-mown, as if it had not flourished only the day before!thus do We explain the Signs in detail for those who reflect.
25 But Allah doth call to the Home of Peace: He doth guide whom He pleaseth to a way that is straight.
26To those who do right is a goodly (reward)- Yea, more (than inmeasure)! No darkness nor shame shall cover their faces! they arecompanions of the garden; they will abide therein (for aye)!
27But those who have earned evil will have a reward of like evil:ignominy will cover their (faces); No defender will they have from (thewrath of) Allah. Their faces will be covered, as it were, with piecesfrom the depth of the darkness of night: they are companions of theFire: they will abide therein (for aye)!
28One day shall We gather them all together. Then shall We say to thosewho joined gods (with Us): “To your place! ye and those ye joined as’partners’ We shall separate them, and their “Partners” shall say: “Itwas not us that ye worshipped!”
29 “Enough is Allah for a witness between us and you: we certainly knew nothing of your worship of us!”
30There will every soul prove (the fruits of) the deeds it sent before:they will be brought back to Allah their rightful Lord, and theirinvented falsehoods will leave them in the lurch.
31Say: “Who is it that sustains you (in life) from the sky and from theearth? or who is it that has power over hearing and sight? And who is itthat brings out the living from the dead and the dead from the living?and who is it that rules and regulates all affairs?” They will soon say,”Allah”. Say, “will ye not then show piety (to Him)?”
32 Such is Allah, your real Cherisher and Sustainer: apart from truth, what (remains) but error? How then are ye turned away?
33 Thus is the word of thy Lord proved true against those who rebel: Verily they will not believe.
34Say: “Of your ‘partners’, can any originate creation and repeat it?”Say: “It is Allah Who originates creation and repeats it: then how areye deluded away (from the truth)?”
35Say: “Of your ‘partners’ is there any that can give any guidancetowards truth?” Say: “It is Allah Who gives guidance towards truth, isthen He Who gives guidance to truth more worthy to be followed, or hewho finds not guidance (himself) unless he is guided? what then is thematter with you? How judge ye?”
36But most of them follow nothing but fancy: truly fancy can be of noavail against truth. Verily Allah is well aware of all that they do.
37This Qur’an is not such as can be produced by other than Allah. On thecontrary, it is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before it, anda fuller explanation of the Book – wherein there is no doubt – from theLord of the worlds.
38Or do they say, “He forged it”? say: “Bring then a Sura like unto it,and call (to your aid) anyone you can besides Allah, if it be ye speakthe truth!”
39Nay, they charge with falsehood that whose knowledge they cannotcompass, even before the elucidation thereof hath reached them: thus didthose before them make charges of falsehood: but see what was the endof those who did wrong!
40 Of them there are some who believe therein, and some who do not: and thy Lord knoweth best those who are out for mischief.
41If they charge thee with falsehood, say: “My work to me, and yours toyou! ye are free from responsibility for what I do, and I for what yedo!”
42Among them are some who (pretend to) listen to thee: But canst thoumake the deaf to hear, even though they are without understanding?
43 And among them are some who look at thee: but canst thou guide the blind, even though they will not see?
44 Verily Allah will not deal unjustly with man in aught: It is man that wrongs his own soul.
45One day He will gather them together: (It will be) as if they hadtarried but an hour of a day: they will recognize each other: assuredlythose will be lost who denied the meeting with Allah and refused toreceive true guidance.
46Whether We show thee (realized in thy life-time) some part of what Wepromise them, or We take thy soul (to Our Mercy) (Before that), in anycase, to Us is their return: ultimately Allah is witness, to all thatthey do.
47To every people (was sent) an apostle: when their apostle comes (beforethem), the matter will be judged between them with justice, and theywill not be wronged.
48 They say: “When will this promise come to pass, if ye speak the truth?”
49Say: “I have no power over any harm or profit to myself except as Allahwilleth. To every people is a term appointed: when their term isreached, not an hour can they cause delay, nor (an hour) can theyadvance (it in anticipation).”
50 Say: “Do ye see, if His punishment should come to you by night or by day, what portion of it would the sinners wish to hasten?
51“Would ye then believe in it at last, when it actually cometh to pass?(It will then be said): ‘Ah! now? and ye wanted (aforetime) to hasten iton!’
52 “At length will be said to the wrong-doers: ‘Taste ye the enduring punishment! ye get but the recompense of what ye earned!'”
53 They seek to be informed by thee: “Is that true?” Say: “Aye! by my Lord! it is the very truth! and ye cannot frustrate it!”
54Every soul that hath sinned, if it possessed all that is on earth,would fain give it in ransom: They would declare (their) repentance whenthey see the penalty: but the judgment between them will be withjustice, and no wrong will be done unto them.
55Is it not (the case) that to Allah belongeth whatever is in the heavensand on earth? Is it not (the case) that Allah’s promise is assuredlytrue? Yet most of them understand not.
56 It is He Who giveth life and who taketh it, and to Him shall ye all be brought back.
57O mankind! there hath come to you a direction from your Lord and ahealing for the (diseases) in your hearts, and for those who believe, aguidance and a Mercy.
58 Say: “In the bounty of Allah. And in His Mercy, in that let them rejoice”: that is better than the (wealth) they hoard.
59Say: “See ye what things Allah hath sent down to you for sustenance?Yet ye hold forbidden some things thereof and (some things) lawful.”Say: “Hath Allah indeed permitted you, or do ye invent (things) toattribute to Allah.”
60And what think those who invent lies against Allah, of the Day ofJudgment? Verily Allah is full of bounty to mankind, but most of themare ungrateful.
61In whatever business thou mayest be, and whatever portion thou mayestbe reciting from the Qur’an, and whatever deed ye (mankind) may bedoing, We are witnesses thereof when ye are deeply engrossed therein.Nor is hidden from thy Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom on theearth or in heaven. And not the least and not the greatest of thesethings but are recorded in a clear record.
62 Behold! verily on the friends of Allah there is no fear, nor shall they grieve;
63 Those who believe and (constantly) guard against evil;
64For them are glad tidings, in the life of the present and in theHereafter; no change can there be in the words of Allah. This is indeedthe supreme felicity.
65 Let not their speech grieve thee: for all power and honour belong to Allah. It is He Who heareth and knoweth (all things).
66Behold! verily to Allah belong all creatures, in the heavens and onearth. What do they follow who worship as His “partners” other thanAllah. They follow nothing but fancy, and they do nothing but lie.
67He it is That hath made you the night that ye may rest therein, and theday to make things visible (to you). Verily in this are signs for thosewho listen (to His Message).
68They say: “(Allah) hath begotten a son!” – Glory be to Him! He isself-sufficient! His are all things in the heavens and on earth! Nowarrant have ye for this! say ye about Allah what ye know not?
69 Say: “Those who invent a lie against Allah will never prosper.”
70A little enjoyment in this world! and then, to Us will be their return,then shall We make them taste the severest penalty for theirblasphemies.
71Relate to them the story of Noah. Behold! he said to his people: “O mypeople, if it be hard on your (mind) that I should stay (with you) andcommemorate the signs of Allah, yet I put my trust in Allah. Get ye thenan agreement about your plan and among your partners, so your plan beon to you dark and dubious. Then pass your sentence on me, and give meno respite.
72“But if ye turn back, (consider): no reward have I asked of you: myreward is only due from Allah, and I have been commanded to be of thosewho submit to Allah’s will (in Islam).”
73They rejected Him, but We delivered him, and those with him, in theArk, and We made them inherit (the earth), while We overwhelmed in theflood those who rejected Our Signs. Then see what was the end of thosewho were warned (but heeded not)!
74Then after him We sent (many) apostles to their peoples: they broughtthem Clear Signs, but they would not believe what they had alreadyrejected beforehand. Thus do We seal the hearts of the transgressors.
75Then after them sent We Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh and his chiefs withOur Signs. But they were arrogant: they were a people in sin.
76 When the Truth did come to them from Us, they said: “This is indeed evident sorcery!”
77Said Moses: “Say ye (this) about the truth when it hath (actually)reached you? Is sorcery (like) this? But sorcerers will not prosper.”
78They said: “Hast thou come to us to turn us away from the ways we foundour fathers following, in order that thou and thy brother may havegreatness in the land? But not we shall believe in you!”
79 Said Pharaoh: “Bring me every sorcerer well versed.”
80 When the sorcerers came, Moses said to them: “Throw ye what ye (wish) to throw!”
81When they had had their throw, Moses said: “What ye have brought issorcery: Allah will surely make it of no effect: for Allah prosperethnot the work of those who make mischief.
82 “And Allah by His words doth prove and establish His truth, however much the sinners may hate it!”
83But none believed in Moses except some children of his people, becauseof the fear of Pharaoh and his chiefs, lest they should persecute them;and certainly Pharaoh was mighty on the earth and one who transgressedall bounds.
84 Moses said: “O my people! If ye do (really) believe in Allah, then in Him put your trust if ye submit (your will to His).”
85 They said: “In Allah do we put out trust. Our Lord! make us not a trial for those who practise oppression.”
86 “And deliver us by Thy Mercy from those who reject (Thee).”
87We inspired Moses and his brother with this Message: “Provide dwellingsfor your people in Egypt, make your dwellings into places of worship,and establish regular prayers: and give glad tidings to those whobelieve!”
88Moses prayed: “Our Lord! Thou hast indeed bestowed on Pharaoh and hischiefs splendour and wealth in the life of the present, and so, OurLord, they mislead (men) from Thy Path. Deface our Lord, the features oftheir wealth, and send hardness to their hearts, so they will notbelieve until they see the grievous penalty.”
89 Allah said: “Accepted is your prayer (O Moses and Aaron)! So stand ye straight, and follow not the path of those who know not.”
90We took the Children of Israel across the sea: Pharaoh and his hostsfollowed them in insolence and spite. At length, when overwhelmed withthe flood, he said: “I believe that there is no god except Him Whom theChildren of Israel believe in: I am of those who submit (to Allah inIslam).”
91 (It was said to him): “Ah now! But a little while before, wast thou in rebellion! and thou didst mischief (and violence)!”
92“This day shall We save thee in the body, that thou mayest be a sign tothose who come after thee! but verily, many among mankind are heedlessof Our Signs!”
93We settled the Children of Israel in a beautiful dwelling-place, andprovided for them sustenance of the best: it was after knowledge hadbeen granted to them, that they fell into schisms. Verily Allah willjudge between them as to the schisms amongst them, on the Day ofJudgment.
94If thou wert in doubt as to what We have revealed unto thee, then askthose who have been reading the Book from before thee: the Truth hathindeed come to thee from thy Lord: so be in no wise of those in doubt.
95 Nor be of those who reject the signs of Allah, or thou shalt be of those who perish.
96 Those against whom the word of thy Lord hath been verified would not believe-
97 Even if every Sign was brought unto them, until they see (for themselves) the grievous penalty.
98Why was there not a single township (among those We warned), whichbelieved, so its faith should have profited it, except the people ofJonah? When they believed, We removed from them the penalty of ignominyin the life of the present, and permitted them to enjoy (their life) fora while.
99If it had been thy Lord’s will, they would all have believed, all whoare on earth! wilt thou then compel mankind, against their will, tobelieve!
100 No soul can believe, except by the will of Allah, and He will place doubt (or obscurity) on those who will not understand.
101 Say: “Behold all that is in the heavens and on earth”; but neither Signs nor Warners profit those who believe not.
102Do they then expect (anything) but (what happened in) the days of themen who passed away before them? Say: “Wait ye then: for I, too, willwait with you.”
103In the end We deliver Our apostles and those who believe: Thus is itfitting on Our part that We should deliver those who believe!
104Say: “O ye men! If ye are in doubt as to my religion, (behold!) Iworship not what ye worship, other than Allah. But I worship Allah – Whowill take your souls (at death): I am commanded to be (in the ranks) ofthe Believers,
105 “And further (thus): ‘set thy face towards religion with true piety, and never in any wise be of the Unbelievers.'”
106“‘Nor call on any, other than Allah. Such will neither profit thee norhurt thee: if thou dost, behold! thou shalt certainly be of those who dowrong.'”
107If Allah do touch thee with hurt, there is none can remove it but He:if He do design some benefit for thee, there is none can keep back Hisfavour: He causeth it to reach whomsoever of His servants He pleaseth.And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
108Say: “O ye men! Now Truth hath reached you from your Lord! those whoreceive guidance, do so for the good of their own souls; those whostray, do so to their own loss: and I am not (set) over you to arrangeyour affairs.”
109 Follow thou the inspiration sent unto thee, and be patient and constant, till Allah do decide: for He is the best to decide.
[Click here to read more of The Holy Qu’ran, an English translation by Maulana Muhammad Ali.]