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	Part XIII 53. `Yet I do not hold myself to be free from weakness, for human nature is surely prone to enjoin evil, except on whom my Lord has mercy. My Lord is of course Protector (against sins), Ever Merciful.' 54. And the king said, `Bring him to me. I will make him my special attache.' And when he (- Joseph came and) spoke to him, he (- the king) said, `From this day you hold a (notable) position of honour (and) trust with us.' 55. (Joseph) said, `Appoint me over the treasures (- granaries and stores) of the land, for I am a careful keeper and possessed of knowledge (of the Job).' 56. That is how We granted Joseph high power in the country. He wielded authority therein wherever he chose. We bestow Our mercy on whomsoever We will and We suffer not the reward of the doers of excellent deeds to be lost. 57. Yet those who believe and have been guarding against sin and dutiful, shall have a much better reward in the Hereafter. SECTION 8 58. And (in the years of famine) Joseph's brothers came (from Kin`ân to Egypt) and they presented themselves to him. But though he knew them they recognized him not. 59. When he had provided them with their provision he said, `(When you come next) bring me your brother from your father's side. Do you not see that I give full measure (of corn) and I am the best of hosts? 60. `But if you do not bring him to me, there shall be no more measure (of corn) for you from me, nor shall you find access to me.' 61. They said, `We will certainly persuade his father to part with him and we are sure to do (it).' 62. And he said to his servants, `Put their cash (they paid for the corn) in their saddle-bags,' (and to himself,) `that they may recognize it (as benevolence) when they return to their family and perhaps they may come back (with his brother on this account).' 63. So when they returned to their father they said, `Our father! (a further) measure (of corn) has been denied us (unless we take our brother Benjamin with us), therefore send our brother with us that we may have (our) measure (of corn) and we will surely be able to take (due) care of him.' 64. (Jacob) said, `Shall I trust you with him as I trusted you with his brother before? (I would rather trust Allâh.) Allâh is the best Guardian and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.' 65. And when they unpacked their goods they found their cash (too) returned to them. They said, `Our father! what more should we desire? Here is our cash returned to us. And (if Benjamin accompanies us we will make the best use of it,) we will bring food for our family and we will take care of our brother, and we shall have the measure of a camel-load in addition. That measure of corn (we have already brought) is a light one (and so little and insufficient). 66. He said, `Never will I send him with you until you give me a solemn pledge in the name of Allâh that you shall surely bring him to me unless it be that you yourselves are beset with difficult circumstances.' When they had given him their solemn pledge he said, `Allâh shall be Guardian over what we have agreed.' 67. And he also said (on their departure), `My sons! (reaching Egypt) enter (the city) not by one gate rather enter (it) by different gates. Yet I can avail you naught against (the decree of) Allâh. The decision only rests with Allâh. In Him do I put my trust and in Him let all who would trust, put their trust (in the like manner).' 68. And when they entered the city after the manner their father had bidden them (Jacob's object was achieved but) it could not at all help them against the decree of Allâh. All that it came to was that Jacob's desire he had in his mind was (thus) satisfied (and his purpose achieved) and he was surely possessed of knowledge because We had imparted full knowledge to him. But most people do not know (these things). SECTION 9 69. When they entered upon Joseph he betook his brother to himself for restful lodging (making him his personal guest). He (- Joseph) said (to Benjamin), `I am your (real) brother (Joseph), so now do not grieve over what they (- our other brothers) have been doing.' 70. When he had provided them with their provision (to set on a return journey), someone put a drinking cup in the saddle-bag of his brother (Benjamin). Then (it so happened that) a crier called, `O (men of) the caravan carrying the corn, you are most surely thieves.' 71. They (- men of the caravan) said turning towards them (- the heralds), `What is it that you are missing?' 72. They said, `We find the king's measuring vessel missing' and (added), `Whoever restores it shall receive a camel-load (of corn as a reward),' (and one of them said), `I am surely responsible for it.'



	73. They replied, `By Allâh, you know well that we did not come to commit mischief in this country, nor are we (professional) thieves.' 74. They (- the Egyptians) said, `What shall be the punishment for this (theft) if you are (proved to be) liars?' 75. They replied, `The punishment for this is that he in whose saddle-bag this (vessel) is found shall himself be the penalty for it (and so he himself shall be confiscated as its forfeit). This is how we punish the wrong doers.' 76. Then he (- the king's herald) began (the search) with the sacks of others before (he came to) the sack of his (- Joseph's) brother (Benjamin). (Finding the vessel therein) he brought it out of his brother's sack. That is how We contrived for Joseph (to keep Benjamin with him, otherwise) he could not have taken his brother according to the king's law. Yet it came about as Allâh willed. We raise in degrees (of rank) whomsoever We will. And over and above every possessor of knowledge there is One (Almighty God), Who is All Knowing. 77. (Joseph's brothers) said, `If he has stolen, (no wonder) a brother of his had (also) committed theft before (this).' But Joseph kept it secret in his heart and did not disclose it to them. He (simply) said, `You are a worse case and Allâh knows best what you are alleging.' 78. (Brothers of Joseph) said, `O noble chief! surely he has an old father, advanced in years, so retain one of us in his place. Surely, we see you to be of the doers of good (to all).' 79. He said, `God forbid that we take anyone except the one with whom we found our property, for (otherwise) we would, of course, be unjust.' SECTION 10 80. When they were despaired of (moving) him, they retired to confer together in private. One of their leaders said, `Are you not aware that your father has bound you to a solemn pledge in the name of Allâh? And how before this, you fell short of your duty in respect of Joseph? Never will I, therefore, leave this land until my father gives me permission or Allâh, Who is the best of Judges, decides (the matter) for me. 81. `Return all of you to your father and say, "Our father! your son has committed the theft, and we say no more than what we know (and we did not witness him stealing), and we could not be guardians over what was unseen (by us). 82. "And you may inquire of (the inhabitants of) the city we were in, and of (the people of) the caravan carrying the corn we accompanied. We speak nothing but the truth".' 83. (So when, reaching home Jacob's sons gave all this information to him, Jacob) said, `Nay, it is not so, rather your (baser) selves have embellished to you an other (abominable) thing. So (now showing) patience is befitting. It is not far from (the grace of) Allâh to bring them all to me for He is indeed the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.' 84. And he turned away from them and said, `O my grief for Joseph!' and his eyes were drowned (with tears) for the pangs of grief and he was suppressing (his sorrow). 85. They said, `By Allâh! you will not cease mentioning Joseph until you are consumed away (for some disease) or become of the perished.' 86. He replied, `I complain of my anguish and of my sorrow to Allâh alone. I know from Allâh what you do not know. 87. `Go, my sons, and make a thorough search for Joseph and his brother. Do not despair of Allâh's soothing mercy. Verily, none but the people who deny (the truth) can ever lose hope of Allâh's soothing mercy.' 88. And when they (- Joseph's brothers) came again before him (- Joseph) they said, `O noble chief! distress and poverty (due to famine) has befallen us and our family. We have brought only a scanty amount of money. Give us (nonetheless) full measure (of corn) and show us charity. Surely, Allâh rewards the charitable.' 89. (Joseph) said, `Are you aware what you did to Joseph and his brother (- Benjamin to involve him in trouble) in your ignorance?' 90. They (were startled and) said, `Are you (Joseph)? Yes you are Joseph indeed!' He said, `(Yes) I am Joseph, and this is my brother (Benjamin), Allâh has indeed been gracious to us. As a matter of fact, he who guards against evil (seeking refuge in Him) and patiently perseveres, will find that Allâh suffers not the reward of the doers of good to others to be lost.' 91. They said, `By Allâh, Allâh has surely exalted you above us and we have indeed been guilty.' 92. (Joseph) said, `No reproach (from me shall be) on you this day. May Allâh forgive you; He is the Most Merciful to those who show mercy. 93. `Go with this my shirt and lay it before my father he will come to know (the whole affair and as well believe). And bring to me the whole of your family.' SECTION 11 94. So when the caravan with the corn departed (from Egypt) their father said (in Kin`ân), `If you do not pronounce my judgment to be weak and unsound (let me tell you that) I do scent the power of Joseph.'



	95. They (- people of Joseph's household) said, `By Allâh! you are (still) suffering from your old delusion.' 96. And when the bearer of the happy tidings came (to Jacob) he laid it (- the shirt) before him and he became enlightened (about the true state of affairs), he said, `Did I not tell you I know from Allâh what you do not know.' 97. They said, `Our father! pray that our sins are forgiven to us, for certainly we have been sinful.' 98. He (- Jacob) said, `I will certainly pray to my Lord to forgive you. Surely, He is the Most Forgiving, the Ever Merciful.' 99. And when they all came to Joseph he betook his parents to himself for a restful lodging (making them his personal guests) and said, `Enter the city, if Allâh will, you shall always be safe and secure.' 100. And he took his parents to the royal court and they all fell down prostrate (before God) because of him and he said, `My father! this is the real fulfillment of my vision of old. My Lord has made it come true. He has been gracious to me, indeed, when he released me out of the prison and brought you from the desert. (This all happened) after satan had stirred up discord between me and my brothers. Surely, my Lord is Benignant to whomsoever He pleases. He it is, Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.' 101. (Addressing his Lord, Joseph then said,) `My Lord! You have bestowed a part of the sovereignty upon me and it is You Who have imparted me true knowledge of the significance of (divine) sayings. O You, the Originator of the heavens and the earth! You alone are my Patron in this world and the Hereafter. Let it be that I die in a state of complete submission (to You), let it be that I join the righteous.' 102. (Prophet!) this (narrative) is a part of the important news of the hidden realities which We reveal to you. You were not present with these (enemies of yours) when they agreed upon their plan (against you) and they are (still) hatching subtle plots. 103. And many people, even though you ardently desire (it), will not at all believe. 104. While you ask from them no wages for it (- bringing this teaching contained in the Qur'ân). On the other hand this (Qur'ân) is but (a source of) eminence and glory for all humankind. SECTION 12 105. And many are the signs in the heavens and the earth, which they pass by turning away (arrogantly) from them. 106 Infact, most of them believe not in Allâh without (at the same time) ascribing partners (to Him). 107. Do they then, feel secure from the coming of an overwhelming punishment on them from Allâh, or the sudden coming of the Hour upon them, taking them unawares. 108. Say, `This is my path. I call to Allâh. I am on sure knowledge verifiable by reason and (so are) those who follow me. (I believe that) Holy is Allâh. I am not of the polytheists.' 109. And We sent none (as Messengers) before you but they were men from among the people of the townships to whom We revealed (Our will). Have they not then journeyed in the land and seen how was the end of their predecessors? Indeed, the abode of the Hereafter holds out better promises for those who guard against evil and keep their duty. Will you not then refrain (from disbelief and unrighteous deeds)? 110. (It always happened with the previous Messengers as well, they went on with their teachings) till when those Messengers despaired (of believing on the part of their people) and they (the people of their nation) thought that they have been told only lies (in the name of revelations), Our help reached these (Messengers) suddenly, delivering those whom We pleased. Surely, Our punishment is not averted from the people who sever their ties (with Us). 111. Most assuredly the narratives of the people (gone by) contain lessons for the people possessed of pure and clear understanding. This (Qur'ân) is no forged narrative. It is a fulfillment of those (prophecies contained in the Scriptures) which were before it and is a detailed exposition of all things, and a guide, and a mercy to a people who believe. Chapter 13 Al-Ra`d (The Thunder) (Revealed after Hijrah) With the name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful



	(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Ra`d). 1. Alif Lâm Mîm Râ - I am Allâh, the Best Knowing, the All-Seeing. These are the verses of the perfect Book, and that which has been revealed to you by your Lord is the complete truth. But most people do not (still) believe (in it). 2. Allâh is He Who raised up the heavens without any pillars that you can see, and He occupied the throne (of sovereignty). And He made the sun and the moon subservient (to you), each one of these (planets) pursues its course for a specified term. He regulates all affairs (of this universe). He explains in detail His Messages so that you may have firm conviction of the meeting with your Lord. 3. And it is He Who drew forth the earth (from another heavenly body) and made it productive and fertile by means of particles (of other planets), and made firm mountains and rivers on it. He has grown therein fruit of every kind in a pair comprising both sexes (the male stamens and female pistils). He causes the night to cover the day. Behold! in all this there are signs for a people who reflect. 4. And in the earth are (diverse) tracts side by side, and (in them there are) gardens of vines and (different kinds of) cornfields and date-palms; growing in clusters (many together from one root) and (others) growing separately from different roots. They are all watered with the same water, yet We make some of them excel others in (respect of) bearing fruit and (their) tastes. Behold! in all this, there are signs (to recognize their Lord) for a people who use their understanding. 5. And (you, O reader! are right) if you would wonder (at the disbelievers for) wondrous indeed are their words: `Is it true that we shall be raised to a new creation when we are reduced to dust (after death?).' These are the ones who disbelieve in their Lord and these are the ones who shall have halters around their necks. They shall be the fellows of the Fire wherein they shall abide. 6. They want you to hasten on (their) punishment in preference to (your doing them) good, whereas there has already been awarded (to the people) before them exemplary punishment. Verily, your Lord is full of forgiveness to humankind despite their unjust doings, yet your Lord is (likewise) Strict in inflicting punishment. 7. And those who disbelieve say, `Why has no sign (of destruction) been sent down to him from his Lord?' While you are nought but a Warner and a Guide for every people. SECTION 2 8. Allâh knows what every female carries and (He knows) what the wombs miscarry and what they nourish and help to grow. He has the (proper and fixed) measure of everything. 9. (He is the) Knower of the hidden realities and the visible, the Incomparably Great, the Most Exalted. 10. He among you, who conceals his thoughts and he who speaks them aloud, and (also) he who lurks by night and he who goes forth (openly) by day are all alike (in His knowledge). 11. He (- the Messenger) has companies (of angels) successively ranged before him and behind him. They guard him by the command of Allâh. Verily, Allâh does not change the condition of a people until they (first) change their ways and their minds. When Allâh decides upon punishing a people there is no averting it. (At that time) they have no helping friend apart from Him. 12. He it is, Who shows you the lightning to induce fear and to inspire hope (in you); and (it is He) Who raises the heavy clouds. 13. And the thunder glorifies Him with His true praise and (so do) the angels in awe of Him. He sends the thunderbolts and therewith smites whom He will. Yet they dispute about Allâh, though He is Mighty in prowess. 14. He alone deserves being called upon (in prayer). Those they call upon, apart from Him, give them no response whatsoever, but (these polytheists pray to them) like one who stretches forth both of his hands towards the water (wishing) that it may reach his mouth while it never reaches it. And the call of the disbelievers is nought but in vain. 15. All those that are in the heavens and on the earth submit to Allâh alone; whether they choose to obey willingly or not, and likewise do their shadows, in the mornings and evenings, (and they are all subject to the divine law (- His law of nature). [Prostration] 16. Ask (them), `Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth?' (They will not be able to answer it, therefore) say, `It is Allâh.' Say (again), `Have you, even then, taken, apart from Him (such other) helpers as have no power to receive good or avoid harm even for themselves?.' Say, `Is the blind person as good as the person who can see? Or are the different kinds of darkness the same as the light? Or have they ascribed to Allâh associate partners who have created the things as He has created, with the result that the two creations look similar to them?' Say, `Allâh (alone) is the Creator of all things and He is the One, the Most Supreme.' 17. He sends down some water from the clouds so that the water courses flow up to their capacity, and the torrent carries



	(on its surface) swelling foam. And out of that (metal) which the people heat in the fire seeking to make ornaments and other articles a similar foam rises to (the surface of) it. In this way does Allâh illustrate truth and falsehood. As for the foam it goes away as (does all) dross, but as to that which does good to humankind it stays in the earth. That is how Allâh sets forth excellent description of things. 18. There is an everlasting good (in store) for those who respond to the call of their Lord. And (as for) those who do not respond to His call, even though they had possessed all that is on the earth and as much more, they would certainly offer it to ransom (themselves) with it. It is these for whom an evil reckoning awaits and their refuge is Gehenna. What a wretched place to rest! SECTION 3 19. How can then he, who knows that what has been revealed to you from your Lord, is the truth, be like the person who is blind? Only those possessed of pure and clear under-standing do give thought. 20. These are the persons who fulfill the covenant (they made) with Allâh and do not break their solemn pledge. 21. These are the persons who keep the ties (of love and relationship) Allâh has commanded to be kept, who hold their Lord in awe and who dread the evil reckoning. 22. And these are the persons who patiently persevere (in virtues and in guarding against evil), seek the favour of their Lord, and observe Prayer, and who spend of what We have provided them, secretly and openly, and who avert evil (by repaying it) with good. It is these who shall have the best end of the (present) abode - 23. Everlasting Gardens of Paradise where they themselves, and (also) such of them as are righteous and fit (for earning a place in Heaven) from among their fathers and their spouses and their children shall enter. And angels shall attend on them from every door (saying), 24. `Peace be ever upon you because you patiently persevered (in virtues and guarded against sin).' How excellent and blissful is the reward of this abode in the Hereafter! 25. But as for those who break the covenant (they made) with Allâh after having ratified it, and sever the ties Allâh has commanded to be kept and disturb the peace of the country. It is these on whom lies the disapproval (of Allâh) and they shall have an evil end of this abode. 26. Allâh amplifies the means of livelihood for such of (His) people as He will and straitens them (for such of them as He will). (Some) people are happy with the present life whereas the present life, as compared with the Hereafter, is but a fleeting (and insignificant) enjoyment. SECTION 4 27. And those who disbelieve say, `Why has no sign (of the destruction of his opponents) been revealed to this (Prophet) from his Lord?' Say, `Verily, Allâh lets him go astray who wishes (to be left in error) and guides to Himself (only) those who turn again and again (to Him); 28. `Those who believe and whose hearts find peace in the remembrance of Allâh. Look! it is in the remembrance of Allâh alone that the hearts really find peace; 29. `Those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, an enviable state (of bliss) is theirs (in this world), and an excellent and blissful place of return (awaits them in the Hereafter).' 30. It is therefore, We have sent you to a people before whom other peoples have passed away, so that you may recite to them that (Qur'ân) which We have revealed to you, Yet they disbelieve in (God) the Most Gracious. Say, `He is my Lord, there is no other, cannot be and will never be One worthy of worship but He. In Him do I put my trust and to Him is my complete return.' 31. Had there been a Qur'ân whereby mountains could be moved, or whereby the earth could be torn asunder, or whereby the dead could be made to speak (it is this very Qur'ân indeed). Behold! the commandment and all power belongs to Allâh. Have not those who believe realized yet that if Allâh had (enforced) His will He would have indeed guided all humankind. And as for those who disbelieve, one calamity or the other will continue to befall them owing to their (evil) activities till you come to alight in their neighborhood, until the promise of Allâh (about the conquest of Makkah) comes to pass. Verily, Allâh will not fail (this) promise (of His). SECTION 5 32. And surely Messengers before you were treated scornfully. But (at first) I granted respite to those who disbelieved, after that I took them to task; and (behold) how (exemplary) was then My punishment. 33. How shall He Who stands (watchful) over each and every soul as to what it accomplishes (let them go unpunished inspite of His knowledge)? And yet they ascribe to Allâh several partners. Say, `(Would) you name their attributes;



	and would you inform Him of something important which is on the earth but unknown to Him, or are these merely empty (and false) words?' Nay, the fact of the matter is that their designing and their activities are made fair-seeming to the disbelievers (by satan), and they have been barred from the (right) path. And he whom Allâh forsakes has no guide. 34. They are doomed to punishment in the present life (and the next). But the punishment of the Hereafter will of course, be graver still. They will have no saviour at all from (the punishment of) Allâh. 35. The likeness of (the Garden of) Paradise which has been promised to those who become secure against sin and are dutiful is that (of a garden) served with running streams (to keep it green and flourishing). It has ever-lasting fruit and (so will be) its shade. Such is the end of those who guard against sins but the end of disbelievers is the Fire. 36. And those to whom We have given the insight of the Book (- the Qur'ân) rejoice at what has been revealed to you. But there are some factions (of other religions) who deny some of its parts. Say, `I have only been commanded to worship Allâh and not to associate (anything) with Him. To Him do I call (you) and to Him is my return.' 37. (Just as We revealed other Scriptures) so have We revealed it (- the Qur'ân) as a clear judgment (couched) in Arabic and if you (O reader!) were to follow their vain desires after the knowledge has come to you you will have not a single helper nor a saviour against (the punishment of) Allâh. SECTION 6 38. And most surely, We sent before you many Messengers and We gave them wives and children. Yet it was not possible for a Messenger to bring a sign but by Allâh's command. For everything that has an appointed term, there is a (divine) law (to regulate it). 39. Allâh repeals (the law relating to punishment) what He will and He establishes and confirms (what He pleases) and with Him is the source and origin of all laws and commandments. 40. We will indeed let you witness (O Muhammad! the realisation of) some of the punishments with which We threaten them (- the disbelievers) with before We cause you to die. You are responsible only for the delivery (of the Message) and the reckoning is Our Own responsibility. 41. Do they not see that We are invading the land (of disbelief and are gradually) reducing and curtailing it from its sides? Allâh judges the matter, there is none to reverse His judgment. Swift is He at calling to account. 42. And their predecessors did devise plans (against the truth) but all effective devising (and the success) of the plans rests with Allâh. He knows what every person accomplishes. The disbelievers will soon come to know who will gain the (good and successful) end of this abode. 43. And those who disbelieve say, `You are not a sent one (of God)'. Say, `Allâh suffices as a Witness between me and you, and (so are) those who possess knowledge of the Divine Book.' Chapter 14 Ibrâhîm (Abraham) (Revealed before Hijrah) With the name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful (I commence to read Sûrah Ibrâhîm). 1. Alif Lâm Râ - I am Allâh, the All-Seeing. (This is) a great Book which We have revealed to you that you may bring humankind, by the leave of their Lord, out of different kinds of darkness into light, to the path of the All-Mighty, the Praiseworthy, 2. (To the path of) Allâh, to Whom belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And woe to the disbelievers for a dreadful punishment (that will befall them)! 3. Such as prefer the present life to the Hereafter, and forsake the path of Allâh and hinder (the people) from it, and try to paint it as crooked, seeking to undertake it by remaining crooked. It is these who have gone far off in error. 4. And We sent no Messenger but (he spoke) in the language of his people so that he might make (all Our Messages) clear to them, yet Allâh leaves in error those who wish to remain in error and guides him who wishes to be guided (to



	the right path). And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. 5. And We sent Moses with Our signs saying, `Bring forth your people from different kinds of darkness into light and remind them of Allâh's favours and punishments. Behold! there are signs in these (narratives) for every patiently persevering and grateful person.' 6. And (call to mind) when Moses said to his people, `Remember Allâh's blessings upon you, when He delivered you from the people of Pharaoh, who afflicted you with painful sufferings and slew your sons and spared your women to make them immodest and in that (deliverance) there was a great reward from your Lord. SECTION 2 7. And (recall) when your Lord made it known (to you), `If you indeed be thankful, I will bestow more (favours) on you, but if you are ungrateful, (you will find that) My punishment is of course most severe.' 8. Moses said, `If you turn ungrateful, you and everyone on this earth altogether (remember that) Allâh stands in need of no thanks. Verily, Allâh is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy (in His Own right). 9. Has not the important news come to you of your predecessors, the people of Noah, (the tribes of) `Âd and Thamûd and those who came after them. None knows them (now) but Allâh. Their Messengers (of God) came to them with clear proofs, but they put their hands again and again on their mouths (showing great resentment and out of rage) saying, `We have already rejected that (revelation) you have been sent with and infact we are in disquieting doubt as to that (faith) you call us to.' 10. Their Messengers (of God) said, `Is there any doubt about Allâh, the Originator of the heavens and the earth? He calls you (to Himself) that He may protect you against your sins and grant you respite till an appointed time (to the end of your lives).' They said, `You are nothing but a human being like ourselves. You desire to stop us from (worshipping) that our fathers have been worshipping, well better bring us some manifest authority.' 11. Their Messengers (of God) said to them, `It is true we are nothing but human beings like yourselves but Allâh shows (His) favours (by sending revelations and prophethood) to such of His servants as He will. It is not (possible) for us to bring you an authority except by the leave of Allâh. (We put our trust in Him) and in Allâh (alone) should the believers put their trust. 12. `And why should we not put our trust in Allâh while He has guided us in our ways? We will surely endure patiently all persecutions you have subjected us to. So in Allâh alone let those put their trust who have learnt to put their trust in Him.' SECTION 3 13. And those who disbelieved, then said to their Messengers (of God), `We will, assuredly, turn you out of our country or you will have to return to our creed.' Then did their Lord send (His) revelation to them (- the Messengers) saying, `We will invariably destroy these wrong doers. 14. `And We will surely make you occupy the country after them. That (promise) shall hold good for everyone of him who fears to stand before My tribunal and fears My threatful warning.' 15. They sought a judgment, (but when it came) every haughty person (and) enemy (of truth) met with no success (and was utterly disappointed). 16. Gehenna lies before him where he shall be made to drink boiling and repulsive water. 17. He will try to sip it but shall not be able to swallow it easily, and death shall come to him from every quarter; yet he shall not die. Moreover he shall see before him further harsh doom. 18. The works of those who disbelieve in (the Messages and blessings of) their Lord, are like ashes on which the wind blows violently on a tempestuous day. They shall have no power to reap the fruit of their deeds. That is indeed an extremely ruinous error. 19. Have you (O reader!) not considered that Allâh created the heavens and the earth to suit the requirements of truth and wisdom. If He (so) will, He can do away with you and bring forth a new creation. 20. And that is not at all difficult for Allâh. 21. (Beware of the Day when) the people shall appear before Allâh in a body so that the weak shall say to those who considered themselves great, `We were your followers definitely. Can you not help (to save) us (today) in any manner against the punishment of Allâh?' They will reply, `Had Allâh guided us (to a way of deliverance) we would have surely guided you. It makes no difference for us (now) whether we show impatience or remain patient. There is no way of escape for us (this day).' SECTION 4 22. When the judgment (of God) has been passed (and matter decided), satan will say (to these people), `Verily, Allâh



	made you a true promise, and I (also) made you a promise but I failed you. I had no authority over you, however, I called you and you obeyed me. Therefore blame me not (now) but you should blame your ownselves. I can render you no help, nor can you render me any help. In as much as your associating me as partner (with God), I have already declared that I have nothing to do with it. As for the wrong doers, there awaits them a grievous punishment.' 23. But those who believe and do righteous deeds shall be made to enter Gardens served with running streams (to keep them green and flourishing). There they shall abide in for ever by the leave of their Lord. Their greeting therein shall be, `Peace.' 24. Have you (O reader!) not considered how Allâh compares a holy word to a good tree whose (each) root is firm and whose (every) branch (spreads out) to the very sky. 25. This (tree) goes on bringing forth its fruit at all times by the leave of its Lord. And Allâh gives excellent descriptions (of things) for the people so that they may take heed. 26. And the likeness of an evil word is as an evil tree which can be uprooted from above the earth; it has no stability. 27. Allâh strengthens those who have believed with the (true) word firmly established, (both) in the present life and in the Hereafter. Allâh perishes the wrongdoers and Allâh does whatever He will. SECTION 5 28. Have you not seen those who have done away with Allâh's favour for (their) ingratitude. They have landed their people into the abode of ruin - 29. In Gehenna; they shall enter it. What a wretched place to settle in! 30. And they set up compeers to Allâh to lead (people) astray from His path, say, `(Well) enjoy yourselves a while; you are heading towards the Fire.' 31. Say to My servants who have believed, to observe Prayer and to spend secretly and openly out of that We have provided for them, before there comes the day (of reckoning) when neither bargaining, nor fast-friendship shall help them (to get salvation). 32. Allâh is He Who created the heavens and the earth and He causes water to come down from the clouds and He brings forth fruits therewith to be your sustenance. He has made subservient to you the ships that they may sail through the sea by His leave and He has made subservient to you the rivers (also). 33. And He has made subservient to you the sun and the moon, both moving constantly (according to some fixed laws), and He has made subservient to you the night and the day. 34. He has given you of all that you wanted of Him (by your natural demand). And if you try to count Allâh's bounties, you will not be able to number them. Surely, a human being is very unjust, very ungrateful. SECTION 6 35. (Recall the time) when Abraham said, `My Lord, make this (would be) city (of Makkah) secure and a haven of peace, and keep me and my children away from worshipping idols. 36. `My Lord! a large number of people has gone astray because of these (idols) to be sure. Then whoso follows me he is certainly of me. As for the person who disobeys me, (I can say only,) You are indeed Great Protector (against faults), Ever Merciful. 37. `Our Lord! I have settled some of my children in an uncultivable valley (of Makkah), in the vicinity of your Holy House. Our Lord! (I have done) so that they may observe prayer. Then make the hearts of the people incline towards them and provide them with fruits so that they may always give thanks. 38. `Our Lord! You know all that we keep secret and all that we make known. There is nothing either on the earth or in the heaven that may be hidden from Allâh. 39. `All true and perfect praise belongs to Allâh Who has given me despite my old age (two sons) - Ismâîl and Isaac. My Lord is of course, the Hearer of prayers. 40. `My Lord! make me a constant and steadfast observer of prayer and my children (as well). Our Lord! (bestow Your Grace on us) and accept my prayer. 41. `Our Lord! protect me, my parents and the believers, against faults on the day when the reckoning takes place.' SECTION 7 42. And (O reader!) do not think that Allâh is unaware of all that these wrongdoers do. He only defers their punishment to the day when the eyes (of the people) will fixedly stare (in horror). 43. They will be running in panic with their necks outstretched and heads erect, they will not be able to wink their eyes, and their hearts (utterly) void (of courage and hope).



	44. Warn these people of the day when the (threatened) punishment overtakes them, and those who are unjust will say, `Our Lord! grant us respite for a short term, we will respond to Your call and follow the Messengers.' (It will be said to them), `Did you not swear before now (that) you would never have a fall? 45. `(You said this though) you occupied the dwelling places of those who had wronged themselves and it had been clear to you how We had dealt with them (- the unjust). We have set forth all these descriptions for you clearly.' 46. They have (already) hatched their plots. But even though they have plots that can move mountains, Allâh has power over (rendering) their plots (ineffective). 47. So (O reader!) do not think that Allâh is going to break His Promise He made to His Messengers. Allâh is All-Mighty, Lord of retribution. 48. Beware of the day when this earth will be changed into another earth and the heavens (as well shall be superseded by other heavens) and they (- all people) shall appear before Allâh, the One, the Most Supreme. 49. And on that day you shall see these guilty bound together in chains. 50. Pitch will form their raiments and the fire shall envelop their faces; 51. (This will be) so that Allâh may reward every soul according to his deeds. Verily, Allâh is Swift at reckoning. 52. This (Qur'ân) is a Message to, (and sufficient to meet all the requirements of) all humankind. (It has other aims to serve,) and that they may be warned thereby, and that they may know that He is the only One God, and that those possessed of pure knowledge may take heed. Chapter 15 A l - Hijr (The Rock) (Revealed before Hijrah) With the name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful (I commence to read Sûrah Al-Hijr). 1. Alif Lâm Râ - I am Allâh, the All-Seeing. These are the verses of the perfect Book and of the Qur'ân, that distinguishes the right from the wrong.