Part XX

60. Or Who is it that created the heavens and the earth, and sends down water for you from the clouds? (It is We.) Then We cause to grow with it orchards full of bloom and loveliness. You had no power to cause their trees to grow. Is there any god with Allâh? (There is none;) yet there are a people who ascribe (to Him) equals (in all these works, and deviate from the right path).

61. Or Who is it that made the earth a resting place; and made the rivers flow in it; and raised (on the earth) firm mountains for its advantage; and put a barrier between the two waters? Is there a god with Allâh (as an associate with Him in His works)? Nay, not so, yet most of them do not know (the truth).

62. Or Who is it that answers the distressed person when he calls on Him, and removes (his) distress? And Who is it that makes you (the) rulers in the land? Is there any other god with Allâh? Little is the heed you take!

63. Or Who is it that guides you (to the path of salvation) in all kinds of darkness (and vicissitudes) on the land and the sea; and Who is it that sends the winds as heralds of His mercy. Is there any god with Allâh (to do such things)? Highly-Exalted is Allâh above all the things they associate (with Him).

64. Or Who is it that originates the creation then keeps on repeating and reproducing it, and Who is it that provides for your sustenance (both physical and spiritual) from the heaven and the earth? Is there any other god with Allâh (capable of being a partner with Him in all these works)? Say, `Bring forward your proof (in support of your polytheistic beliefs) if you are truthful (in what you claim).'

65. Say, `There is no one in the heavens and the earth who knows the hidden realities save Allâh. And they (- the disbelievers) do not perceive when they will be raised up (to life again after death).'

66. Nay, (the fact is) their knowledge about the Hereafter has found its limit. Rather they are in doubt about it (- the life after death). Rather they are totally blind to it (- the existence of God Himself).

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67. And those who disbelieve say, `Is it that when we and our forefathers have been reduced to dust we shall really be brought forth (alive again)?

68. `We have been surely given this promise once before (this) and also our forefathers. But such a thing is nothing but tales of the ancients.'

69. Say, `Travel through the land and behold how (evil) has been the end of those who cut off their ties (with God).'

70. (Prophet!) do not grieve for them, nor feel distressed on account of their (hostile) intrigues (against you).

71. They say, `When will this promise (of your victory) come to pass if you are truthful?'

72. Say, `It is possible that a part of that (victory) which you are keen to precipitate may be close on your heels.'

73. And infact your Lord is full of grace to humankind, yet most of them render (Him) no thanks.

74. And surely your Lord knows the things which they hide in their hearts and those which they profess.

75. There is nothing hidden in the heavens and the earth but it is recorded in a Book revealing (the Divine decree).

76. Verily, this Qur'ân explains to the Children of Israel (both the Jews and the Christians) most of the things concerning which they are at variance.

77. And surely, this is a (source of) guidance and mercy for the believers.

78. (Prophet!) your Lord will rightly judge between them (- the believing and the disbelieving people) with His command (- the Qur'ân). He is the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing.

79. So put your trust in Allâh, for surely you stand on manifest truth.

80. Of course you cannot make the dead hear nor can you make the deaf hear (your) call when they retreat turning their backs (on you).

81. And you cannot guide the blind (as well) out of their error. You can make only those to hear who believe in Our Messages and so have surrendered themselves in submission (to Our will).

82. And when the judgment becomes due against them (-the unjust) We shall bring forth for them a (grossly) materialistic person which will rule over them (and also an insect which shall wound them to cause plague). That is because the people did not have firm faith in Our Messages.

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83. And (remind them of) the day when We shall gather together from every people a large group of those who cried lies to Our Messages; then they shall be arranged in separate columns.

84. Until when they arrive (before their Lord) He will say, `Did you not cry lies to My Messages before you had gained full knowledge about them? Or what (else) was it that you had been doing (about them)?'

85. And the judgment becomes due against them because they acted wrongly and they will not be able to speak (in their defence).

86. Do they not consider that We have made the night for them to rest and (have made) the day for giving light. Surely, in this there are signs for a people who would believe.

87. And (remind them of) the day when the trumpet will be blown, then, excepting those whom Allâh will (to keep them safe from terror), all those who are in the heavens and all those who are on the earth will be stricken with fear. And everyone shall come in submission to Him.

88. You see the mountains and think them to be firmly fixed while in fact they are passing away like clouds. (Such are) the works of Allâh Who has made everything perfect (in every way). Verily, He is fully Aware of your deeds.

89. Those who come with good deeds (before their Lord) shall have (even) better reward than they actually deserve. Such people will be secure from fear that day.

90. Those who come with (something) evil shall be hurled headlong into the Fire (and it will be said to them,) `You are certainly reaping the fruit of what you have been doing.'

91. Say, `In fact I am commanded to worship only the Lord of this city (- Makkah) which He has declared sacred. Everything belongs to Him. And I have also been commanded to be (one) of those who submit (to His will),

92. `And to recite (to the people), and follow the Qur'ân; so one who (on listening to it) follows guidance, does it for his own good. And (tell him) who goes astray (from the straight path) that my mission is only to give warning.'

93. And also say, `All true praise belongs to Allâh He will soon show you His signs and you shall recognise them. And your Lord is not at all unaware of what you do.

Chapter

28

Al-Qasas

(The Narrative)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Qasas).

1. Tâ Sîn Mîm - the Benign, the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing (God is revealing this Sûrah).

2. These are the verses of the perfect Book which explains everything vividly.

3. We recount to you (a portion) of the true account of Moses and Pharaoh with all accuracy for the benefit of the people who would believe.

4. (The facts are,) Pharaoh behaved arrogantly in (his) land. He divided its inhabitants into parties. He (oppressed them and thus) sought to weaken a section of them (- the Israelites). He killed their sons and sought to make their women immodest by sparing them. Infact he was of the evil doers.

5. And We chose to confer favour upon those who had been rendered weak in the land and to make them leaders and to bestow a kingdom upon them, thus make them inheritors (of Our blessings).

6. And (We chose) to establish them with all powers in the country and to visit Pharaoh and Hâmân and their hordes with that (power and supremacy) which they dreaded from those (Israelites rendered weak by them).

7. And We revealed to the mother of Moses (saying), `Give him (- Moses) suck. But when you have fear about him (- his life) cast him (placing him in a chest) into the river and entertain no fear, nor grief (about his welfare). Verily, We shall restore him to you and shall make him (one) of the Messengers.'

8. (Moses' mother cast him into the river according to the revelation,) then one of the family of Pharaoh picked him up with the result that he (one day) became an enemy to and (a source of) grief for them. Verily, Pharaoh, Hâmân and the hordes of them both were all wrong-doers.

9. And a woman of (the family of) Pharaoh said, `(This child will be) a (source of) joy and comfort to my and your eyes. Do not kill him, he may (prove to) be useful to us, or we may adopt him as a son.' And they did not perceive (Our purpose).

10. And the heart of the mother of Moses became free (from anxiety). She would have nearly disclosed his identity ( out of joy, how Allâh had become guardian of her child) had We not strengthened her heart to help her remain of the (firm minded) believers.

11. She said to his (- Moses') sister, `Follow him.' So she (followed and) watched him from a distance while they (- Pharaoh's people) took no notice (that she was keeping a watch over him).

12. And We had already (ordained and) made him refuse the wet nurses (to be suckled). So (when the question of his suckling arose after Moses was picked up from the river,) she (- Moses sister) said, `Shall I point out to you the people of a household who will bring him up for you and will be his sincere well-wishers?'

13. This was how We restored him to his mother so that she might be consoled (to see her child) and should no longer grieve and that she might know that the promise of Allâh was true; (a fact which) most of these (disbelievers of the Holy Prophet) do not know.

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14. And when he (- Moses) reached his (age of) full growth (and maturity) and attained perfection, We granted him wisdom and knowledge. That is how We reward the doers of good.

15. And (one day Moses) entered the city at a time when its inhabitants were idling (in a state of heedlessness), and found therein two men fighting with one another; one of his own party (- an Israelite), while the other (belonged to that) of his enemies. The one who belonged to his own people sought his (- Moses') help against the other who belonged to those of his enemies. Thereat Moses struck him (the latter) with his fist and this brought about his death. He (- Moses) said, `This (death of his) has occurred owing to (his) satanic action; he (- satan) is of course an enemy (of yours) misleading (and) cutting your ties (with God).'

16. (Moses) said (praying), `My Lord! I have involved myself into trouble, so protect me.' Thereupon He protected him (from the evil consequences of his act). Verily, He is the Great Protector, the Ever Merciful.

17. He (also) added, `My Lord! since You have always been kind and gracious to me, I can never be a helper and a supporter of the guilty?'

18. (The next day) early in the morning he entered the city apprehensive (of the enemy and) observing (the situation). And lo! the man who had sought his help the day before (again that day) cried out to him for help. Moses said to him, `You are a misguided fellow, away from the path of peace and piety.'

19. And when Moses intended to lay hold of the man (of the day before) who was (now) an enemy to both of them, the man said, `Moses! do you intend to kill me (today) as you killed a person yesterday? You are only trying to figure as a tyrant in the country. You have no mind to be of the promoters of peace.'

20. (Then it came to pass that) a man came running from the far end of the city (and) said, `Moses the chiefs are consulting together to kill you. Therefore leave (this place at once), I am, of course, your sincere well-wisher.'

21. So (Moses) left that (city) in fear and he kept watching (around) carefully. He said (praying at that time), `My Lord! deliver me from the unjust people.'

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22. When (Moses) set out turning his face towards Midian he said, `I hope my Lord will put me on the right course till I reach the goal.'

23. And when he arrived at the water of Midian, he found there a party of men watering (their flocks) and he found two ladies (standing) apart from them, holding (their flock) back. He said, `What is your problem?' they replied, `We cannot water (our flock) until the shepherds depart (having driven their flocks away), and our father is a very old man.'

24. So (Moses) watered (their flock) for them. Then he retired to (a place with) the shade and said, `My Lord! I stand in need of whatever good You may bestow on me.'

25. Now one of the two ladies came to him walking bashfully. She said, `My father calls you so that he may reward you for your having watered our flock (for us).' So when he (Moses) came to him and told him all that had taken place (with him), he (the father of the two ladies) said, `Have no fear, you have escaped from the unjust people.'

26. One of the two ladies said, `My dear father! take him into your service. You cannot do better than employ a man who is strong and trustworthy.'

27. He (their father) said (to Moses), `I intend to marry one of these two daughters of mine to you, provided you stay in my service for eight years. But if you extend (your stay) making it complete ten (years) it will be an act of grace on your part. I have no desire to be hard on you by laying any more burden (of responsibility) on you. Allâh willing, you will find me an upright person.'

28. (Moses) said, (accepting the proposal), `This is (a covenant) between us; whichever of the two terms I complete, I will be free from obligation and there shall be no injustice to me, and Allâh is witness over what we have agreed.'

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29. And when Moses had completed the agreed term and set forth with his family, he saw with feelings of warmth of affection and love, a sort of fire (on the way at a place) in the direction of the mount. He said to his family, `You stay

(here) I have seen with feelings of warmth of love and affection a fire. I hope to bring you some useful and important information from there or (at least) a burning brand from the fire that you may warm yourselves.'

30. And when he came close to it (- the fire) a voice called out to him from a blessed spot on the right side of the valley, from the direction of a tree, `Moses! surely I am, Allâh, the Lord of the worlds.

31. `And put down your staff on the ground.' Then, no sooner did he see it (- the staff) shifting like a tiny quickly moving serpent, than he turned his back and retreated and would not even look back. (God said,) `Moses! come forward, and have no fear. Surely, you are of those who are safe.

32. `Insert your hand into your bosom, it will come forth flawless (sparkling) white and draw back your arm towards yourself (to compose yourself) when you encounter fear. So these (two signs) are two proofs from your Lord to (be presented before) Pharaoh and his courtiers. For surely they are lawless and disobedient people.

33. (Moses) said, `My Lord! I killed a person from among them (accidentally) and I fear that they will kill me (before I am able to fulfill my mission).

34. `And my brother Aaron is more fluent and eloquent in speech than I, so send him with me as a helper to bear me out (for) I fear that they will treat me as a liar.'

35. (God) said, `We will surely strengthen your arm with your brother and We will give both of you so much power that they shall not reach you (to do you harm). So (go armed) with Our signs; you two and your followers will come out victorious.'

36. So when Moses came to them (- the people of Pharaoh) with Our clear signs they said, `This is but a forged and unprecedented fraud. We never heard such a thing in the time of our forefathers.'

37. And Moses said, `My Lord knows best who it is that has brought true guidance from Him, and who shall meet a good end in this world (and will have the reward of final abode in the Hereafter). The truth is that these wrongdoers shall never prosper.'

38. And Pharaoh said, `O chiefs of my court! I know for you no god other than myself. And O Hâmân! light a fire for me on (the bricks of) clay and get a high building, (high like a tower) be built for me that I may (by climbing over it) have a look at the God of Moses, for I take him to be certainly of those who tell lies.'

39. And he (- Pharaoh) and his hosts behaved arrogantly in the land without any justification and as if they thought that they would never be brought back to Us.

40. So We seized him and his hosts and We cast them into the Sea. Behold, how (evil) was the end of these wrongdoers!

41. And We made them archetypes (of evil) who invited (people) to the Fire, and on the Day of Resurrection they will find no help.

42. And We have made them to be followed by a curse in this world and on the Day of Resurrection they will be among those deprived of all good.

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43. After We had destroyed the earlier generations We gave Moses the Scripture (which contained) enlightening arguments for the people (of Israel) and (served as) a guidance and (promised them) mercy so that they might take heed.

44. (Prophet!) you were not on the western side (of the Mount of Sinai) when We granted Moses the commission (of prophethood), nor were you (personally) present with the witnesses (there when they were making the prophecy about your advent).

45. But We have raised many a generation since then (after Moses) and a long period of time has passed over them. Nor have you been living among the people of Midian reciting Our Messages to them. Indeed it is We Who have sent (you as a Messenger) and have revealed all this information (to you).

46. And you were not (present) at the foot of the Mount (with Moses) when We called (to you); but all these (revelation) are from the mercy of your Lord, so that you may warn the people to whom no Warner had come (for a long time) before you, that they may attain eminence.

47. And (We have sent you to them) lest when some evil befalls them because of that their hands have sent forward, they should say, `Our Lord, why did You not send a Messenger to us? (If You had sent one) we would have followed Your commandments and would have been of the believers.'

48. But now that the truth has come to them from Us they say, `Why has he (- this Messenger) not been given the like of that which was given to Moses?' Did the people (- the disbelievers) not reject before this that which was given to Moses? They say, `They (- Moses and Muhammad) are both frauds who support each other.' They also say, `We reject (the claim of) each one of them.'

49. Say, `If (Moses and Muhammad are both fraudulent and) you speak the truth, then bring a Book from Allâh which is a better guide than these two (- the Torah and the Qur'ân), that I may follow it.'

50. If they (do not accept the challenge and) do not answer you, know that they are just following their own low and evil desires. And who should be more erring than one who leaving aside the guidance from Allâh only follows his own low and evil desires. Verily, Allâh does not guide the wrongdoing people to success.

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51. We have been sending uninterrupted revelations to them so that they may rise to eminence.

52. (Many of) the people to whom We gave the Scripture before this (- the Qur'ân) believe in it (too).

53. And when this (Qur'ân) is recited to them, they say, `We believe in it. It is (a revelation) from our Lord, full of truth and wisdom. Indeed, we had submitted (to Him) even before it.'

54. They are the people who will be given their reward twice over for they have been suffering patiently (for the cause of the truth). They meet evil by repaying it with good and spend (in the cause of Allâh) out of that which We have provided them with.

55. And when they hear something vain they turn away from it and say (to those who indulge in vain talk), `We shall reap the fruit of our deeds and you shall reap the fruit of yours.' (Bidding them good bye then say,) `Peace be upon you. We have no desire to have any concern with the ignorant.'

56. (Prophet!) it is not possible for you to guide whomsoever you wish, but Allâh guides whomsoever He will. He knows fully well those who would accept guidance.

57. (Some of the) people say, `If we join you and follow (this Qur'ânic) guidance we shall be snatched away from our country.' (Tell them on Our behalf,) `Have We not settled them in a safe (and) secure place to which all kinds of fruit are brought? It is a goodly provision made by Us.' Yet most of them do not know (this true fact).

58. We destroyed (so many people of) many a township, who were proud of their civilization and their (easy and plentiful) means of livelihood. There lie their dwellings (all in ruin). They have been but little occupied since. It is We alone Who are Everlasting.

59. Your Lord would never destroy the towns until He has raised a Messenger in their central place to recite to the people thereof Our Messages, nor would We destroy the towns unless their citizens be unjust.

60. And (O people!) whatever of anything you have been given is only the passing enjoyment of the present life and its (mere) pomp and show. But that (reward) which Allâh has (for you) is much better and more lasting than this. Will you not then make use of your understanding?

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61. Can the person to whom We have made a fair promise, which will be also made good to him, be compared to the one whom We have provided with good things (of passing nature) of this life and who will be among those brought (before Us to render an account of his deeds).

62. (Let these people not forget) the day when He will call to them and say, `Where are My (so called) associated partners about whom you had made (such) pretensions?'

63. (Thus) those who have been doomed to condemnation will say, `Our Lord! these are the people whom we led astray, we led them astray even as we had gone astray ourselves. (Now we declare before You that) we have nothing to do with them and we turn to You. It was not us that they worshipped.'

64. It will be said (to them), `Call on your (so called) associated partners (with God).' So they will call on them but they will give them no answer. And they will (actually) see the punishment. (How good it would have been) if they had followed the right path!

65. (Let these disbelievers not forget) the day when He will call on them and say, `What response did you make to (the call of) the Messengers?'

66. But on that day they will become confused and forget all their excuses and they will not even (be in a position to) consult one another.

67. Yet he who repents and believes and does deeds of righteousness, is likely to be of those who attain the goal.

68. And your Lord creates what He will, and chooses (for humankind) whatever is best for them. People have no (such power and) choice. Holy is Allâh and far above all that they associate with Him.

69. Your Lord knows what they keep secret in their hearts, and (He knows) all that they profess.

70. And He is Allâh, there is no other, cannot be and will never be One worthy of worship but He. All kind of true and perfect praise belongs to Him in the beginning and the Hereafter. The sovereignty and the judgment belongs to Him and to Him shall you be brought back.

71. Say, `Have you (ever) considered that if Allâh should make the night continue over you perpetually till the Day of Resurrection there is no god other than Allâh Who could bring you light? Will you not (then) give ear (to the Message of God)?'

72. Say, `Have you (ever) considered that if Allâh should make the day to continue over you perpetually till the Day of Resurrection, there is no god other than Allâh Who could bring you night wherein you might take rest? Will you not (then) use your eyes (to witness the signs of Allâh)?'

73. Behold! it is through His mercy that He has made the night and the day for you so that you may take rest therein and seek of His bounty and so that you may render (Him) thanks.

74. And (let these disbelievers not forget) the day when He will call to them and say, `Where are My (so called) associated partners about whom you had many pretensions?'

75. And We shall (on that day) bring out a witness from every people and then say (to the polytheist), `Bring a clear proof of your claim.' Then they will know that the true right (to Godhood) only belongs to Allâh and all (their false deities) that they used to forge will be lost to them.

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76. Verily, Korah belonged to the tribe of Moses (- the Israelites) but he rose against them (- his own people). We had given him so much riches that his hoarded wealth would have weighed down a party of strong men. (Recall the time) when his people said to him, `Do not exult too much for Allâh surely does not love those who exult beyond measure.

77. `And seek the home of the Hereafter by means of that which Allâh has given you. And do not neglect (to acquire) your portion (of righteous deeds) in the present life. And do good to others as Allâh has done good to you. And do not seek to promote evil in the land, for Allâh does not love the evil doers who create mischief.'

78. (Korah) said, `(All) this (wealth) that I have been given is because of the knowledge I possess.' But did he not know that Allâh had destroyed before him generations of people who were mightier than he and greater in riches and number? And the guilty shall not be questioned about their sins (their sins being self evident).

79. Then (it came to pass one day that) he
(- Korah) appeared before his people in all his pomp and show. (Thereupon) those who were desirous of (the provisions and enjoyment of) the life of this world said, `If only we could have the like of all that Korah has been given. He is, truly speaking, the master of a great fortune.'

80. But the men of knowledge said, `Woe to you! The reward which Allâh has for those who believe and do good deeds is much better (than all this), but it shall be granted only to those who are patiently persevering.'

81. Then (it came about that) We made him and his household extinct into the bowels of the earth so that he had no party who could help him against Allâh, nor was he of those who could defend themselves and could ask for help.

82. Now the very people who had coveted his (lot and) position the day before began to say, `Ruin seize you! it is indeed Allâh Who multiplies the means of livelihood for such of His servants as He will and makes them scant (for such of His people as He will). Had not Allâh been gracious to us He would have sunk us (also into the bowels of the earth). Ruin seize you! (the fact is that) those who are ungrateful never prosper.'

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83. This is the Abode of the Hereafter, We assign it to those only who do not seek
self-exaltation in the earth, nor corruption. Indeed, those who guard against evil shall meet a happy end.

84. He who brings good deeds (into the presence of his Lord on the Day of judgment) shall have a reward (at His hand) better than he merits. But he who brings evil (let him bear in mind that) those who do evil shall only reap the fruit according to what they did.

85. (Prophet!) He who has made (the teaching of) the Qur'ân binding on you shall most surely bring you back to your ordained place of return, (the place of Pilgrimage - Makkah). Say, `My Lord knows him best who has brought guidance as well as those who are steeped in clear error.'

86. (Prophet!) you had never expected that the Book would be revealed to you. It is only the mercy of your Lord (that it has been revealed to you). So do not be a supporter of the disbelievers.

87. And do not let them (the disbelievers) turn you away from the commandments of Allâh when once they have been revealed to you. And call (humankind) to your Lord and be not of those who associate partners (with Him).

88. Call on no other god beside Allâh. There is no other, cannot be and will never be One worthy of worship but He. Every thing is liable to perish but those (righteous deeds) by means of which you seek His attention. The sovereignty as well as judgment belongs to Him and to Him you shall all be brought back.

Chapter

29

Al-`Ankabût

(The Spider)

(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,

the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful

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

1. Alif Lâm Mîm - I am Allâh, the All-Knowing.

2. Do the people think that they will be left alone and not tried with hardships for the mere fact that they profess belief.

3. Whereas We did already try those who were before them with hardships. Allâh will surely bring to light those who are true in their faith as He will bring to light also the liars (by putting them into troubles).

4. Or do those who do evil deeds think that they will escape Our punishment? How ill they judge!

5. He that looks forward to meet Allâh (let him be prepared for it) for the time appointed by Allâh is bound to come. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

6. And he who strives hard (in the way of Allâh) does it, infact, for his own good. Verily, Allâh is Independent of the worlds.

7. And those who believe and do deeds of righteousness We shall invariably rid them of their evils and We shall, of course, reward them according to the best of their deeds.

8. We have enjoined on a human being to be kind to his parents, but should they stress upon you to associate with Me things which you know to be nothing at all you shall not obey them. You shall all have to return to Me (after all). I shall tell you all that you have been doing (in your life).

9. And as to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness We will certainly admit them to (the fold of) the righteous.

10. There are some (hypocrites) among the people who say, `We believe in Allâh.' But when they are made to suffer in the cause of Allâh they regard the persecution by people as it were the punishment from Allâh. Yet if help comes from your Lord (and He gives you victory) they are sure to say, `Of course, we were with you, (we should also have a share in it).' Why! does not Allâh know well enough what lies hidden in the hearts of all beings?

11. Indeed, Allâh will bring to light those who believe, and He will also reveal the hypocrites.

12. And those who disbelieve say to those who believe, `Follow our way and we will bear (the consequences of) your sins (at the time of judgment), whereas they can bear nothing whatsoever of their sins. They are as a matter of fact liars.

13. (On the other hand) they will certainly have to bear the burdens of their own sins as well as (some) burdens (of leading others astray) over and above their own burdens. And they will be questioned on the Day of Resurrection about (the lies) that they used to fabricate.

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14. And we indeed sent Noah to his people and he (- his teachings) stayed among them for (as long as) a thousand years short of fifty years (- nine hundred and fifty years). While his people were steeped in wrongdoings they were caught in the Deluge.

15. However, We delivered him and (along with him all) those who were in the Ark, and We made this (event) a sign for the peoples.

16. And (We sent) Abraham. (Recall the time) when he said to his people, `Worship Allâh and take Him as a shield. That is best for you if you but knew.

17. `(The things) you worship apart from Allâh are only false gods. And (in calling them gods) you forge lies. Those (gods) whom you worship beside Allâh do not have the means to provide sustenance for you. Therefore seek sustenance and provision for yourselves from Allâh and worship Him and give Him thanks for you will be brought back to Him (one day).

18. `And if you deny (me) then (you should not forget that) people before you have also cried lies (to their respective Messengers), and the Messenger is responsible only for conveying (the Divine Message to the people) in clear terms.

19. `Do the people not (ever) consider how Allâh originates the creation, then continues repeating and reproducing it. This (work of creation and reproduction) is indeed easy for Allâh.'

20. Say, `Travel through the earth and observe how He brought about the first creation. Allâh will as well bring about the second creation in the Hereafter. Verily, Allâh is Possessor of (prudential) powers over all (His) desired things.

21. `He punishes whom He will (of the guilty) and shows mercy to whom He will and to Him you shall have to be turned back.

22. `You cannot escape (Him) on the earth or in the heaven and you have no patron nor (even) a helper apart from Allâh.'

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23. And those who deny the signs of Allâh and (deny) that they will meet Him are actually despaired of My mercy. It is they for whom awaits a grievous punishment.

24. His people had no response to make (to Abraham) but they said, `Kill him (- Abraham) or rather burn him.' (At last they decided upon burning him) but Allâh delivered him from the fire. There are sure signs in this (episode) for the people who would believe.

25. (Abraham) said, `You have certainly taken for yourselves idols (for worship) apart from Allâh as a mark of mutual love between you (all polytheist brethren) in the present life. But on the Day of Resurrection you will disown one another and curse one another and your resort will be the Fire and you will have none to help you.'

26. And Lot became a believer because of him, and (Abraham) said, `I shall migrate (where I have been commanded to) by my Lord. He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.'

27. And We bestowed on him (righteous offsprings,) Isaac (a son) and Jacob (a grandson), and We perpetuated (the gift of) prophethood and the Scripture in his descendants. And We gave him his reward in this life and he will most surely (occupy an eminent place) among the righteous in the Hereafter.

28. And (We sent) Lot. Behold, he said to his people, `You indulge in such an obscenity as is unprecedented and unsurpassed in the whole world.

29. `Is it not true you approach men (lustfully) and commit highway robbery? (Is it not true also) you commit indecent action in your gatherings?' But his people had no response to make, (yet) they said, `Bring upon us the punishment of Allâh if you are of those who speak the truth.'

30. (Thereupon Lot) said, `Help me, my Lord! against these people who work corruption.'

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31. And when Our messengers came to Abraham with important news, they said, `We are going to destroy people of this township for its inhabitants are certainly wrongdoers.'

32. (Abraham) said, `But Lot is (living) there (in that township).' They said, `We know very well who are (living) in it. We will surely save him and his family except his wife, who is among those who stay behind.'

33. And when Our messengers came to Lot he felt distressed on account of their (coming) for he felt helpless to give them protection. But they (- the messenger) said, `Have no fear and do not grieve, (Allâh promises you protection saying,) "We will deliver you and all your household except your wife (who will not leave the place stricken with calamity and) who is among those staying behind.

34. `(As for) the inhabitants of this township; We are going to bring down upon them an unavoidable calamity, for they have been behaving disobediently."'

35. Behold! We have left there (- in the ruins of this township) a clear sign for a people who would care to understand.

36. And to Midianites (We sent) their kinsman Shu`aib. He said, `My people worship Allâh and hope (putting your faithful confidence in it) for the Last Day and do not act corruptly, behaving lawlessly in the country.'

37. But (instead of obeying him) they cried him (-Shu`aib) lies. So they were caught in a violent earthquake and they became (corpses) laid down on their breasts on the ground in their dwellings.

38. And (We destroyed the tribes of) `âd and Thamûd; and (this) must have become clear to you from their dwellings. Satan made their (evil) deeds fair-seeming to them and (by making them take pride in their doings) turned them away from the right way, though they were enlightened and sagacious people.

39. And (similar was the fate met by) Korah, Pharaoh and Hâmân. Moses had come to them with manifest signs but they behaved arrogantly on the earth yet they could not outstrip (Us and thus escape Our punishment).

40. In short We took each one of them to task for his sins. Against some of them We sent a violent storm of sand and stones while others were overtaken by a roaring blast and some others We made extinct in (the bowls of) the earth, and yet others We drowned. It was far from Allâh to have done injustice to them. Rather they were doing wrong to themselves.

41. The case of those who take helping friends apart from Allâh is like the case of the spider that takes (to itself) a house, yet of (all) houses the house of the spider is the frailest. If they but knew (the flimsiness and fragility of their idols they would not have sought their protection).

42. Verily, Allâh knows whatever they call upon apart from Him. He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

43 These are the (various) situations which We set forth for the (benefit of) humankind, yet, except for the learned, nobody tries to grasp them.

44. Allâh has created the heavens and the earth to suit the requirements of truth and wisdom (and for a significant end). In this there is, in fact, a great sign for the believers.