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"But, reverend father," said Candide, "there is horrible evil in this world."

"What signifies it," said the Dervish, "whether there be evil or good? When his highness sends a ship to Egypt, does he trouble his head whether the mice on board are at their ease or not?"

"What, then, must we do?" said Pangloss.

"Hold your tongue," answered the Dervish.

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29 November 2007

Chronological Koran Part I: Early Meccan Period: A.D. 612-617

Chronological Koran compiled by Wolf Pangloss

Following the Yusuf Ali translation.

MECCAN SURAS
First Period

From the first to the fifth year of the Prophet's Mission. A.D. 612-17.
The Suras of the early Meccan period exhibit the dark feelings and suspicions of the Prophet, though the language is often very fine and the rhetorical cadence is full of poetic colour. The oaths with which he strengthens his teaching are very characteristic. The strong and comminatory attacks on his adversaries, of whom he even singles out some, are a marked feature of this period of his career. These Suras are the finest in the whole Qur'an and in them the passionate agitation of the Prophet appears at its height. (Sell)

The early Meccan suras were recited by Mohammed when he was just beginning his career as the prophet of the Arabs. This section of the Koran is poetic, relatively mild, and tolerant, though there is some fire and brimstone reserved for those among the Meccans who persecuted the Muslims, especially those of lower status than Mohammed. The early Meccan suras describe the Muslim way when the Muslims are outnumbered, weak, without support in a place, when they are preparing the ground and planting the seed.

96, 74, 111, 106, 108, 104, 107, 102, 105, 92, 90, 94, 93, 97, 86, 91, 8o, 68, 87, 95, 103, 85, 73, 101, 99, 82, 81, 53, 84, 100, 79, 77, 78, 88, 89, 75, 83, 69, 51, 52, 56, 70, 55, 112, 109, 113, 114, 1.

Part I: Early Meccan Period: A.D. 612-617


Al-`Alaq / The Clot (96)


When Mohammed first heard the voice of the angel Gabriel speak to him in the cave of Mount Hira, some three miles from Mecca, it said these things.

[96:1] Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created-
[96:2] Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood:
[96:3] Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful,-
[96:4] He Who taught (the use of) the pen,-
[96:5] Taught man that which he knew not.

And then the voice stopped for three years. Mohammed called the Meccans to Islam but few answered the call. He performed no miracles. He was tolerated because he was a member of the Quraysh tribe, the most powerful tribe in Mecca, but as the monotheistic nature of Islam became clear he was mocked and abused by almost everyone of the Quraysh. The Quraysh, after all, profited immensely by the 360 gods in the Kaaba and the pilgrimages of the Arab pagans and those of other religions who found their way to Mecca to see the gods. They feared what would happen to the tourist trade if the idols of the other gods were removed. The rest of sura 96 appears to have been inserted from a later period in Mecca, as it refers with anger to the violent opposition of Abu Jahl to Mohammed and the Muslims, as as of yet there were too few Muslims for Abu Jahl to oppose them.

[96:6] Day, but man doth transgress all bounds,
[96:7] In that he looketh upon himself as self-sufficient.
[96:8] Verily, to thy Lord is the return (of all).
[96:9] Seest thou one who forbids-
[96:10] A votary when he (turns) to pray?
[96:11] Seest thou if he is on (the road of) Guidance?-
[96:12] Or enjoins Righteousness?
[96:13] Seest thou if he denies (Truth) and turns away?
[96:14] Knoweth he not that Allah doth see?
[96:15] Let him beware! If he desist not, We will drag him by the forelock,-
[96:16] A lying, sinful forelock!
[96:17] Then, let him call (for help) to his council (of comrades):
[96:18] We will call on the angels of punishment (to deal with him)!
[96:19] Day, heed him not: But bow down in adoration, and bring thyself the closer (to Allah)!

Al-Mudathir / The Clothed One (74)


At the end of three years of silence, the voice spoke again.

[74:1] O thou wrapped up (in the mantle)!
[74:2] Arise and deliver thy warning!
[74:3] And thy Lord do thou magnify!
[74:4] And thy garments keep free from stain!
[74:5] And all abomination shun!
[74:6] Nor expect, in giving, any increase (for thyself)!
[74:7] But, for thy Lord's (Cause), be patient and constant!
[74:8] Finally, when the Trumpet is sounded,
[74:9] That will be- that Day - a Day of Distress,-
[74:10] Far from easy for those without Faith.
[74:11] Leave Me alone, (to deal) with the (creature) whom I created (bare and) alone!-
[74:12] To whom I granted resources in abundance,
[74:13] And sons to be by his side!-
[74:14] To whom I made (life) smooth and comfortable!
[74:15] Yet is he greedy-that I should add (yet more);-
[74:16] By no means! For to Our Signs he has been refractory!
[74:17] Soon will I visit him with a mount of calamities!
[74:18] For he thought and he plotted;-
[74:19] And woe to him! How he plotted!-
[74:20] Yea, Woe to him; How he plotted!-
[74:21] Then he looked round;
[74:22] Then he frowned and he scowled;
[74:23] Then he turned back and was haughty;
[74:24] Then said he: "This is nothing but magic, derived from of old;
[74:25] "This is nothing but the word of a mortal!"
[74:26] Soon will I cast him into Hell-Fire!
[74:27] And what will explain to thee what Hell-Fire is?
[74:28] Naught doth it permit to endure, and naught doth it leave alone!-
[74:29] Darkening and changing the colour of man!
[74:30] Over it are Nineteen.
[74:31] And We have set none but angels as Guardians of the Fire; and We have fixed their number only as a trial for Unbelievers,- in order that the People of the Book may arrive at certainty, and the Believers may increase in Faith,- and that no doubts may be left for the People of the Book and the Believers, and that those in whose hearts is a disease and the Unbelievers may say, "What symbol doth Allah intend by this?" Thus doth Allah leave to stray whom He pleaseth, and guide whom He pleaseth: and none can know the forces of thy Lord, except He and this is no other than a warning to mankind.
[74:32] Nay, verily: By the Moon,
[74:33] And by the Night as it retreateth,
[74:34] And by the Dawn as it shineth forth,-
[74:35] This is but one of the mighty (portents),
[74:36] A warning to mankind,-
[74:37] To any of you that chooses to press forward, or to follow behind;-
[74:38] Every soul will be (held) in pledge for its deeds.
[74:39] Except the Companions of the Right Hand.
[74:40] (They will be) in Gardens (of Delight): they will question each other,
[74:41] And (ask) of the Sinners:
[74:42] "What led you into Hell Fire?"
[74:43] They will say: "We were not of those who prayed;
[74:44] "Nor were we of those who fed the indigent;
[74:45] "But we used to talk vanities with vain talkers;
[74:46] "And we used to deny the Day of Judgment,
[74:47] "Until there came to us (the Hour) that is certain."
[74:48] Then will no intercession of (any) intercessors profit them.
[74:49] Then what is the matter with them that they turn away from admonition?-
[74:50] As if they were affrighted asses,
[74:51] Fleeing from a lion!
[74:52] Forsooth, each one of them wants to be given scrolls (of revelation) spread out!
[74:53] By no means! But they fear not the Hereafter,
[74:54] Nay, this surely is an admonition:
[74:55] Let any who will, keep it in remembrance!
[74:56] But none will keep it in remembrance except as Allah wills: He is the Lord of Righteousness, and the Lord of Forgiveness.

Al-Lahab / The Flame (111)


[111:1] Perish the hands of the Father of Flame! Perish he!
[111:2] No profit to him from all his wealth, and all his gains!
[111:3] Burnt soon will he be in a Fire of Blazing Flame!
[111:4] His wife shall carry the (crackling) wood - As fuel!-
[111:5] A twisted rope of palm-leaf fibre round her (own) neck!

Al-Quraysh / The Quraish (106)


[106:1] For the covenants (of security and safeguard enjoyed) by the Quraish,
[106:2] Their covenants (covering) journeys by winter and summer,-
[106:3] Let them adore the Lord of this House,
[106:4] Who provides them with food against hunger, and with security against fear (of danger).

Al-Kauthar / Abundance (108)


[108:1] To thee have We granted the Fount (of Abundance).
[108:2] Therefore to thy Lord turn in Prayer and Sacrifice.
[108:3] For he who hateth thee, he will be cut off (from Future Hope).

Al-Humazah / The Slanderer -OR- The Traducer (104)


[104:1] Woe to every (kind of) scandal-monger and-backbiter,
[104:2] Who pileth up wealth and layeth it by,
[104:3] Thinking that his wealth would make him last for ever!
[104:4] By no means! He will be sure to be thrown into That which Breaks to Pieces,
[104:5] And what will explain to thee That which Breaks to Pieces?
[104:6] (It is) the Fire of (the Wrath of) Allah kindled (to a blaze),
[104:7] The which doth mount (Right) to the Hearts:
[104:8] It shall be made into a vault over them,
[104:9] In columns outstretched.

Al-Ma’un / The Daily Necessaries -OR- Almsgiving (107)


[107:1] Seest thou one who denies the Judgment (to come)?
[107:2] Then such is the (man) who repulses the orphan (with harshness),
[107:3] And encourages not the feeding of the indigent.
[107:4] So woe to the worshippers
[107:5] Who are neglectful of their prayers,
[107:6] Those who (want but) to be seen (of men),
[107:7] But refuse (to supply) (even) neighbourly needs.

At-Takathur / Worldly Gain -OR- Competition (102)


[102:1] The mutual rivalry for piling up (the good things of this world) diverts you (from the more serious things),
[102:2] Until ye visit the graves.
[102:3] But nay, ye soon shall know (the reality).
[102:4] Again, ye soon shall know!
[102:5] Nay, were ye to know with certainty of mind, (ye would beware!)
[102:6] Ye shall certainly see Hell-Fire!
[102:7] Again, ye shall see it with certainty of sight!
[102:8] Then, shall ye be questioned that Day about the joy (ye indulged in!).

Al-Fil / The Elephant (105)


[105:1] Seest thou not how thy Lord dealt with the Companions of the Elephant?
[105:2] Did He not make their treacherous plan go astray?
[105:3] And He sent against them Flights of Birds,
[105:4] Striking them with stones of baked clay.
[105:5] Then did He make them like an empty field of stalks and straw, (of which the corn) has been eaten up.

Al-Layl / The Night (92)


[92:1] By the Night as it conceals (the light);
[92:2] By the Day as it appears in glory;
[92:3] By (the mystery of) the creation of male and female;-
[92:4] Verily, (the ends) ye strive for are diverse.
[92:5] So he who gives (in charity) and fears (Allah),
[92:6] And (in all sincerity) testifies to the best,-
[92:7] We will indeed make smooth for him the path to Bliss.
[92:8] But he who is a greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient,
[92:9] And gives the lie to the best,-
[92:10] We will indeed make smooth for him the path to Misery;
[92:11] Nor will his wealth profit him when he falls headlong (into the Pit).
[92:12] Verily We take upon Ourselves to guide,
[92:13] And verily unto Us (belong) the End and the Beginning.
[92:14] Therefore do I warn you of a Fire blazing fiercely;
[92:15] None shall reach it but those most unfortunate ones
[92:16] Who give the lie to Truth and turn their backs.
[92:17] But those most devoted to Allah shall be removed far from it,-
[92:18] Those who spend their wealth for increase in self-purification,
[92:19] And have in their minds no favour from anyone for which a reward is expected in return,
[92:20] But only the desire to seek for the Countenance of their Lord Most High;
[92:21] And soon will they attain (complete) satisfaction.

Al-Balad / The City (90)


[90:1] I do call to witness this City;-
[90:2] And thou art a freeman of this City;-
[90:3] And (the mystic ties of) parent and child;-
[90:4] Verily We have created man into toil and struggle.
[90:5] Thinketh he, that none hath power over him?
[90:6] He may say (boastfully); Wealth have I squandered in abundance!
[90:7] Thinketh he that none beholdeth him?
[90:8] Have We not made for him a pair of eyes?-
[90:9] And a tongue, and a pair of lips?-
[90:10] And shown him the two highways?
[90:11] But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep.
[90:12] And what will explain to thee the path that is steep?-
[90:13] (It is:) freeing the bondman;
[90:14] Or the giving of food in a day of privation
[90:15] To the orphan with claims of relationship,
[90:16] Or to the indigent (down) in the dust.
[90:17] Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion.
[90:18] Such are the Companions of the Right Hand.
[90:19] But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand.
[90:20] On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round).

Al-Inshirah / The Expansion -OR- The Consolation (94)


[94:1] Have We not expanded thee thy breast?-
[94:2] And removed from thee thy burden
[94:3] The which did gall thy back?-
[94:4] And raised high the esteem (in which) thou (art held)?
[94:5] So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief:
[94:6] Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.
[94:7] Therefore, when thou art free (from thine immediate task), still labour hard,
[94:8] And to thy Lord turn (all) thy attention.

Ad-Duha / The Early Hours (93)


[93:1] By the Glorious Morning Light,
[93:2] And by the Night when it is still,-
[93:3] Thy Guardian-Lord hath not forsaken thee, nor is He displeased.
[93:4] And verily the Hereafter will be better for thee than the present.
[93:5] And soon will thy Guardian-Lord give thee (that wherewith) thou shalt be well-pleased.
[93:6] Did He not find thee an orphan and give thee shelter (and care)?
[93:7] And He found thee wandering, and He gave thee guidance.
[93:8] And He found thee in need, and made thee independent.
[93:9] Therefore, treat not the orphan with harshness,
[93:10] Nor repulse the petitioner (unheard);
[93:11] But the bounty of the Lord - rehearse and proclaim!

Al-Qadr / The Majesty -OR- The Power, Fate (97)


[97:1] We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power:
[97:2] And what will explain to thee what the night of power is?
[97:3] The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
[97:4] Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand:
[97:5] Peace!...This until the rise of morn!

At-Tariq / The Morning Star (86)


[86:1] By the Sky and the Night-Visitant (therein);-
[86:2] And what will explain to thee what the Night-Visitant is?-
[86:3] (It is) the Star of piercing brightness;-
[86:4] There is no soul but has a protector over it.
[86:5] Now let man but think from what he is created!
[86:6] He is created from a drop emitted-
[86:7] Proceeding from between the backbone and the ribs:
[86:8] Surely (Allah) is able to bring him back (to life)!
[86:9] The Day that (all) things secret will be tested,
[86:10] (Man) will have no power, and no helper.
[86:11] By the Firmament which returns (in its round),
[86:12] And by the Earth which opens out (for the gushing of springs or the sprouting of vegetation),-
[86:13] Behold this is the Word that distinguishes (Good from Evil):
[86:14] It is not a thing for amusement.
[86:15] As for them, they are but plotting a scheme,
[86:16] And I am planning a scheme.
[86:17] Therefore grant a delay to the Unbelievers: Give respite to them gently (for awhile).

Ash-Shams / The Sun (91)


[91:1] By the Sun and his (glorious) splendour;
[91:2] By the Moon as she follows him;
[91:3] By the Day as it shows up (the Sun's) glory;
[91:4] By the Night as it conceals it;
[91:5] By the Firmament and its (wonderful) structure;
[91:6] By the Earth and its (wide) expanse:
[91:7] By the Soul, and the proportion and order given to it;
[91:8] And its enlightenment as to its wrong and its right;-
[91:9] Truly he succeeds that purifies it,
[91:10] And he fails that corrupts it!
[91:11] The Thamud (people) rejected (their prophet) through their inordinate wrong-doing,
[91:12] Behold, the most wicked man among them was deputed (for impiety).
[91:13] But the Messenger of Allah said to them: "It is a She-camel of Allah! And (bar her not from) having her drink!"
[91:14] Then they rejected him (as a false prophet), and they hamstrung her. So their Lord, on account of their crime, obliterated their traces and made them equal (in destruction, high and low)!
[91:15] And for Him is no fear of its consequences.

`Abasa / He Frowned (80)


[80:1] (The Prophet) frowned and turned away,
[80:2] Because there came to him the blind man (interrupting).
[80:3] But what could tell thee but that perchance he might grow (in spiritual understanding)?-
[80:4] Or that he might receive admonition, and the teaching might profit him?
[80:5] As to one who regards Himself as self-sufficient,
[80:6] To him dost thou attend;
[80:7] Though it is no blame to thee if he grow not (in spiritual understanding).
[80:8] But as to him who came to thee striving earnestly,
[80:9] And with fear (in his heart),
[80:10] Of him wast thou unmindful.
[80:11] By no means (should it be so)! For it is indeed a Message of instruction:
[80:12] Therefore let whoso will, keep it in remembrance.
[80:13] (It is) in Books held (greatly) in honour,
[80:14] Exalted (in dignity), kept pure and holy,
[80:15] (Written) by the hands of scribes-
[80:16] Honourable and Pious and Just.
[80:17] Woe to man! What hath made him reject Allah;
[80:18] From what stuff hath He created him?
[80:19] From a sperm-drop: He hath created him, and then mouldeth him in due proportions;
[80:20] Then doth He make His path smooth for him;
[80:21] Then He causeth him to die, and putteth him in his grave;
[80:22] Then, when it is His Will, He will raise him up (again).
[80:23] By no means hath he fulfilled what Allah hath commanded him.
[80:24] Then let man look at his food, (and how We provide it):
[80:25] For that We pour forth water in abundance,
[80:26] And We split the earth in fragments,
[80:27] And produce therein corn,
[80:28] And Grapes and nutritious plants,
[80:29] And Olives and Dates,
[80:30] And enclosed Gardens, dense with lofty trees,
[80:31] And fruits and fodder,-
[80:32] For use and convenience to you and your cattle.
[80:33] At length, when there comes the Deafening Noise,-
[80:34] That Day shall a man flee from his own brother,
[80:35] And from his mother and his father,
[80:36] And from his wife and his children.
[80:37] Each one of them, that Day, will have enough concern (of his own) to make him indifferent to the others.
[80:38] Some faces that Day will be beaming,
[80:39] Laughing, rejoicing.
[80:40] And other faces that Day will be dust-stained,
[80:41] Blackness will cover them:
[80:42] Such will be the Rejecters of Allah, the doers of iniquity.

Al-Qalam / The Pen (68)


In the first verse Nun is not a word but an unexplained abbreviation.

[68:1] Nun. By the Pen and the (Record) which (men) write,-
[68:2] Thou art not, by the Grace of thy Lord, mad or possessed.
[68:3] Nay, verily for thee is a Reward unfailing:
[68:4] And thou (standest) on an exalted standard of character.
[68:5] Soon wilt thou see, and they will see,
[68:6] Which of you is afflicted with madness.
[68:7] Verily it is thy Lord that knoweth best, which (among men) hath strayed from His Path: and He knoweth best those who receive (true) Guidance.
[68:8] So hearken not to those who deny (the Truth).
[68:9] Their desire is that thou shouldst be pliant: so would they be pliant.
[68:10] Heed not the type of despicable men,- ready with oaths,
[68:11] A slanderer, going about with calumnies,
[68:12] (Habitually) hindering (all) good, transgressing beyond bounds, deep in sin,
[68:13] Violent (and cruel),- with all that, base-born,-
[68:14] Because he possesses wealth and (numerous) sons.
[68:15] When to him are rehearsed Our Signs, "Tales of the ancients", he cries!
[68:16] Soon shall We brand (the beast) on the snout!
[68:17] Verily We have tried them as We tried the People of the Garden, when they resolved to gather the fruits of the (garden) in the morning.
[68:18] But made no reservation, ("If it be Allah's Will").
[68:19] Then there came on the (garden) a visitation from thy Lord, (which swept away) all around, while they were asleep.
[68:20] So the (garden) became, by the morning, like a dark and desolate spot, (whose fruit had been gathered).
[68:21] As the morning broke, they called out, one to another,-
[68:22] "Go ye to your tilth (betimes) in the morning, if ye would gather the fruits."
[68:23] So they departed, conversing in secret low tones, (saying)-
[68:24] "Let not a single indigent person break in upon you into the (garden) this day."
[68:25] And they opened the morning, strong in an (unjust) resolve.
[68:26] But when they saw the (garden), they said: "We have surely lost our way:
[68:27] "Indeed we are shut out (of the fruits of our labour)!"
[68:28] Said one of them, more just (than the rest): "Did I not say to you, 'Why not glorify (Allah)?'"
[68:29] They said: "Glory to our Lord! Verily we have been doing wrong!"
[68:30] Then they turned, one against another, in reproach.
[68:31] They said: "Alas for us! We have indeed transgressed!
[68:32] "It may be that our Lord will give us in exchange a better (garden) than this: for we do turn to Him (in repentance)!"
[68:33] Such is the Punishment (in this life); but greater is the Punishment in the Hereafter,- if only they knew!
[68:34] Verily, for the Righteous, are Gardens of Delight, in the Presence of their Lord.
[68:35] Shall We then treat the People of Faith like the People of Sin?
[68:36] What is the matter with you? How judge ye?
[68:37] Or have ye a book through which ye learn-
[68:38] That ye shall have, through it whatever ye choose?
[68:39] Or have ye Covenants with Us to oath, reaching to the Day of Judgment, (providing) that ye shall have whatever ye shall demand?
[68:40] Ask thou of them, which of them will stand surety for that!
[68:41] Or have they some "Partners" (in Allahhead)? Then let them produce their "partners", if they are truthful!
[68:42] The Day that the shin shall be laid bare, and they shall be summoned to bow in adoration, but they shall not be able,-
[68:43] Their eyes will be cast down,- ignominy will cover them; seeing that they had been summoned aforetime to bow in adoration, while they were whole, (and had refused).
[68:44] Then leave Me alone with such as reject this Message: by degrees shall We punish them from directions they perceive not.
[68:45] A (long) respite will I grant them: truly powerful is My Plan.
[68:46] Or is it that thou dost ask them for a reward, so that they are burdened with a load of debt?-
[68:47] Or that the Unseen is in their hands, so that they can write it down?
[68:48] So wait with patience for the Command of thy Lord, and be not like the Companion of the Fish,- when he cried out in agony.
[68:49] Had not Grace from his Lord reached him, he would indeed have been cast off on the naked shore, in disgrace.
[68:50] Thus did his Lord choose him and make him of the Company of the Righteous.
[68:51] And the Unbelievers would almost trip thee up with their eyes when they hear the Message; and they say: "Surely he is possessed!"
[68:52] But it is nothing less than a Message to all the worlds.

Al-A`la / The Most High (87)


[87:1] Glorify the name of thy Guardian-Lord Most High,
[87:2] Who hath created, and further, given order and proportion;
[87:3] Who hath ordained laws. And granted guidance;
[87:4] And Who bringeth out the (green and luscious) pasture,
[87:5] And then doth make it (but) swarthy stubble.
[87:6] By degrees shall We teach thee to declare (the Message), so thou shalt not forget,
[87:7] Except as Allah wills: For He knoweth what is manifest and what is hidden.
[87:8] And We will make it easy for thee (to follow) the simple (Path).
[87:9] Therefore give admonition in case the admonition profits (the hearer).
[87:10] The admonition will be received by those who fear (Allah):
[87:11] But it will be avoided by those most unfortunate ones,
[87:12] Who will enter the Great Fire,
[87:13] In which they will then neither die nor live.
[87:14] But those will prosper who purify themselves,
[87:15] And glorify the name of their Guardian-Lord, and (lift their hearts) in prayer.
[87:16] Day (behold), ye prefer the life of this world;
[87:17] But the Hereafter is better and more enduring.
[87:18] And this is in the Books of the earliest (Revelation),-
[87:19] The Books of Abraham and Moses.

At-Tin / The Fig (95)


[95:1] By the Fig and the Olive,
[95:2] And the Mount of Sinai,
[95:3] And this City of security,-
[95:4] We have indeed created man in the best of moulds,
[95:5] Then do We abase him (to be) the lowest of the low,-
[95:6] Except such as believe and do righteous deeds: For they shall have a reward unfailing.
[95:7] Then what can, after this, contradict thee, as to the judgment (to come)?
[95:8] Is not Allah the wisest of judges?

Al-`Asr / Time -OR- Epoch (103)


[103:1] By (the Token of) Time (through the ages),
[103:2] Verily Man is in loss,
[103:3] Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.

Al-Buruj / The Constellations (85)


[85:1] By the sky, (displaying) the Zodiacal Signs;
[85:2] By the promised Day (of Judgment);
[85:3] By one that witnesses, and the subject of the witness;-
[85:4] Woe to the makers of the pit (of fire),
[85:5] Fire supplied (abundantly) with fuel:
[85:6] Behold! they sat over against the (fire),
[85:7] And they witnessed (all) that they were doing against the Believers.
[85:8] And they ill-treated them for no other reason than that they believed in Allah, Exalted in Power, Worthy of all Praise!-
[85:9] Him to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth! And Allah is Witness to all things.
[85:10] Those who persecute (or draw into temptation) the Believers, men and women, and do not turn in repentance, will have the Penalty of Hell: They will have the Penalty of the Burning Fire.
[85:11] For those who believe and do righteous deeds, will be Gardens; beneath which rivers flow: That is the great Salvation, (the fulfilment of all desires),
[85:12] Truly strong is the Grip (and Power) of thy Lord.
[85:13] It is He Who creates from the very beginning, and He can restore (life).
[85:14] And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Full of Loving-Kindness,
[85:15] Lord of the Throne of Glory,
[85:16] Doer (without let) of all that He intends.
[85:17] Has the story reached thee, of the forces-
[85:18] Of Pharaoh and the Thamud?
[85:19] And yet the Unbelievers (persist) in rejecting (the Truth)!
[85:20] But Allah doth encompass them from behind!
[85:21] Nay, this is a Glorious Qur'an,
[85:22] (Inscribed) in a Tablet Preserved!

Al-Muzammil / The Mantled One (73)


[73:1] O thou folded in garments!
[73:2] Stand (to prayer) by night, but not all night,-
[73:3] Half of it,- or a little less,
[73:4] Or a little more; and recite the Qur'an in slow, measured rhythmic tones.
[73:5] Soon shall We send down to thee a weighty Message.
[73:6] Truly the rising by night is most potent for governing (the soul), and most suitable for (framing) the Word (of Prayer and Praise).
[73:7] True, there is for thee by day prolonged occupation with ordinary duties:
[73:8] But keep in remembrance the name of thy Lord and devote thyself to Him whole-heartedly.
[73:9] (He is) Lord of the East and the West: there is no god but He: take Him therefore for (thy) Disposer of Affairs.
[73:10] And have patience with what they say, and leave them with noble (dignity).
[73:11] And leave Me (alone to deal with) those in possession of the good things of life, who (yet) deny the Truth; and bear with them for a little while.
[73:12] With Us are Fetters (to bind them), and a Fire (to burn them),
[73:13] And a Food that chokes, and a Penalty Grievous.
[73:14] One Day the earth and the mountains will be in violent commotion. And the mountains will be as a heap of sand poured out and flowing down.
[73:15] We have sent to you, (O men!) a messenger, to be a witness concerning you, even as We sent a messenger to Pharaoh.
[73:16] But Pharaoh disobeyed the messenger; so We seized him with a heavy Punishment.
[73:17] Then how shall ye, if ye deny (Allah), guard yourselves against a Day that will make children hoary-headed?-
[73:18] Whereon the sky will be cleft asunder? His Promise needs must be accomplished.
[73:19] Verily this is an Admonition: therefore, whoso will, let him take a (straight) path to his Lord!
[73:20] Thy Lord doth know that thou standest forth (to prayer) nigh two-thirds of the night, or half the night, or a third of the night, and so doth a party of those with thee. But Allah doth appoint night and day in due measure He knoweth that ye are unable to keep count thereof. So He hath turned to you (in mercy): read ye, therefore, of the Qur'an as much as may be easy for you. He knoweth that there may be (some) among you in ill-health; others travelling through the land, seeking of Allah's bounty; yet others fighting in Allah's Cause, read ye, therefore, as much of the Qur'an as may be easy (for you); and establish regular Prayer and give regular Charity; and loan to Allah a Beautiful Loan. And whatever good ye send forth for your souls ye shall find it in Allah's Presence,- yea, better and greater, in Reward and seek ye the Grace of Allah: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Al-Qari`ah /The Terrible Calamity (101)


[101:1] The (Day) of Noise and Clamour:
[101:2] What is the (Day) of Noise and Clamour?
[101:3] And what will explain to thee what the (Day) of Noise and Clamour is?
[101:4] (It is) a Day whereon men will be like moths scattered about,
[101:5] And the mountains will be like carded wool.
[101:6] Then, he whose balance (of good deeds) will be (found) heavy,
[101:7] Will be in a life of good pleasure and satisfaction.
[101:8] But he whose balance (of good deeds) will be (found) light,-
[101:9] Will have his home in a (bottomless) Pit.
[101:10] And what will explain to thee what this is?
[101:11] (It is) a Fire Blazing fiercely!

Al-Zilzal / The Shaking -OR- Earthquake (99)


[99:1] When the earth is shaken to her (utmost) convulsion,
[99:2] And the earth throws up her burdens (from within),
[99:3] And man cries (distressed): 'What is the matter with her?'-
[99:4] On that Day will she declare her tidings:
[99:5] For that thy Lord will have given her inspiration.
[99:6] On that Day will men proceed in companies sorted out, to be shown the deeds that they (had done).
[99:7] Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good, see it!
[99:8] And anyone who has done an atom's weight of evil, shall see it.

Al-Infitar / The Cleaving Asunder (82)


[82:1] When the Sky is cleft asunder;
[82:2] When the Stars are scattered;
[82:3] When the Oceans are suffered to burst forth;
[82:4] And when the Graves are turned upside down;-
[82:5] (Then) shall each soul know what it hath sent forward and (what it hath) kept back.
[82:6] O man! What has seduced thee from thy Lord Most Beneficent?-
[82:7] Him Who created thee. Fashioned thee in due proportion, and gave thee a just bias;
[82:8] In whatever Form He wills, does He put thee together.
[82:9] Day! nit ye do reject Right and Judgment!
[82:10] But verily over you (are appointed angels) to protect you,-
[82:11] Kind and honourable,- Writing down (your deeds):
[82:12] They know (and understand) all that ye do.
[82:13] As for the Righteous, they will be in bliss;
[82:14] And the Wicked - they will be in the Fire,
[82:15] Which they will enter on the Day of Judgment,
[82:16] And they will not be able to keep away therefrom.
[82:17] And what will explain to thee what the Day of Judgment is?
[82:18] Again, what will explain to thee what the Day of Judgment is?
[82:19] (It will be) the Day when no soul shall have power (to do) aught for another: For the command, that Day, will be (wholly) with Allah.

At-Takwir / The Cessation (81)


[81:1] When the sun (with its spacious light) is folded up;
[81:2] When the stars fall, losing their lustre;
[81:3] When the mountains vanish (like a mirage);
[81:4] When the she-camels, ten months with young, are left untended;
[81:5] When the wild beasts are herded together (in the human habitations);
[81:6] When the oceans boil over with a swell;
[81:7] When the souls are sorted out, (being joined, like with like);
[81:8] When the female (infant), buried alive, is questioned -
[81:9] For what crime she was killed;
[81:10] When the scrolls are laid open;
[81:11] When the world on High is unveiled;
[81:12] When the Blazing Fire is kindled to fierce heat;
[81:13] And when the Garden is brought near;-
[81:14] (Then) shall each soul know what it has put forward.
[81:15] So verily I call to witness the planets - that recede,
[81:16] Go straight, or hide;
[81:17] And the Night as it dissipates;
[81:18] And the Dawn as it breathes away the darkness;-
[81:19] Verily this is the word of a most honourable Messenger,
[81:20] Endued with Power, with rank before the Lord of the Throne,
[81:21] With authority there, (and) faithful to his trust.
[81:22] And (O people!) your companion is not one possessed;
[81:23] And without doubt he saw him in the clear horizon.
[81:24] Neither doth he withhold grudgingly a knowledge of the Unseen.
[81:25] Nor is it the word of an evil spirit accursed.
[81:26] When whither go ye?
[81:27] Verily this is no less than a Message to (all) the Worlds:
[81:28] (With profit) to whoever among you wills to go straight:
[81:29] But ye shall not will except as Allah wills,- the Cherisher of the Worlds.

An-Najm / The Star (53)


The Star was the Surah with the Satanic Verses in it. This is the story of the Satanic Verses.
Negotiations were opened and one of the leading men of Mecca was deputed to visit Muhammad in order to induce him to come to some terms and to make some compromise. He said: I' Thou knowest, my cousin, that thou occupiest a high rank in our tribe and that thou hast brought before us a grave matter by which thou hast divided our community. Thou hast called us fools, hast blasphemed our gods, reviled our religion and charged our departed fathers with unbelief. Now, listen to me whilst I submit to thee proposals which, after reflecting upon, thou mayest deem acceptable.' Then riches and honour were offered to Muhammad. If only he would recognize the local deities, the Quraish would then also acknowledge Allah to be a God and would worship him as one of their deities. It was a great temptation,1 for Muhammad had sought the conversion of his fellow-citizens. Only forty or fifty had responded to his call and of them some were now exiles. The Quraish seemed as hard and as obstinate as ever. All was dark and gloomy, but here was a chance of reconciliation and of gaining the assent of the opposing party to the claims of Allah, though in a modified form. So the story goes that one day Muhammad came upon a group of the leading men of Mecca near the Ka'ba. He joined them and in a friendly manner began to recite the opening verses of Sura An-Najm (liii). It began with a strong assertion of his own position :—
By the Star when it setteth
Your compatriot erreth not, nor is led astray ;
Neither speaketh he from mere impulse,
The Qur'an is no other than a revelation revealed to him,
One mighty in power taught it him. 1-5.

Referring then to certain mysteries which had been revealed to him, he went on to speak of the Meccan idols:—
Do you see al-Lat and al-'Uzza
And Manat the third idol besides. 19-20.

And then came words meant to reconcile the Quraish, who were listening with deepened interest and who now, with much astonishment and pleasure, heard the words:—
These are the exalted Females
And verily their intercession is to be hoped for.

The closing words of the Sura, as Muhammad recited it, are :—
Prostrate yourself then to God and worship. 62.

With one accord they all did so. It was a remarkable scene. The Quraish were delighted and said, 'Now we know that it is the Lord alone that giveth life and taketh it away; that createth and supporteth. These our goddesses make intercession for us with Him, and as thou hast conceded unto them a position we are content to follow thee.' But Muhammad soon awoke to the fact that he had made a mistake and that he must at once retire from the false position he had taken up. He saw that the people still worshipped idols and that his concession had done no practical good. Then, according to Tradition, God consoled him by the revelation of words showing that former prophets had been likewise tempted of the devil:—
We have not sent an apostle or prophet before thee, among whose desires Satan injected not some wrong desire, but God shall bring to nought that which Satan had suggested. Sura Al-Hajj (xxii) 51.1

When God had thus restored the confidence of Muhammad, it is said that He sent him the true revelation concerning the idols and that this is the text as we now have it in the Sura An-Najm (liii) :—
Do you see al-Lat and al-'Uzza
And Manat the third idol besides,
What! shall ye have male progeny and God female,
This were indeed an unfair partition,
These are mere names and your fathers named then such. 19-33.

The Quraish were very angry and said, 'Muhammad hath repented of his favourable mention of the rank held by our goddesses before the Lord. He hath changed the same and brought other words in their stead,' so they stirred up the people to persecute the faithful with still more vigour. (
Sell)

After the incident of the Satanic Verses the Quraysh, who had tolerated Mohammed but thought him mad and perhaps inspired, began to hate him and the religion he preached and worked with ever increasing energy against it.

[53:1] By the Star when it goes down,-
[53:2] Your Companion is neither astray nor being misled.
[53:3] Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) Desire.
[53:4] It is no less than inspiration sent down to him:
[53:5] He was taught by one Mighty in Power,
[53:6] Endued with Wisdom: for he appeared (in stately form);
[53:7] While he was in the highest part of the horizon:
[53:8] Then he approached and came closer,
[53:9] And was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or (even) nearer;
[53:10] So did (Allah) convey the inspiration to His Servant- (conveyed) what He (meant) to convey.
[53:11] The (Prophet's) (mind and) heart in no way falsified that which he saw.
[53:12] Will ye then dispute with him concerning what he saw?
[53:13] For indeed he saw him at a second descent,
[53:14] Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass:
[53:15] Near it is the Garden of Abode.
[53:16] Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!)
[53:17] (His) sight never swerved, nor did it go wrong!
[53:18] For truly did he see, of the Signs of his Lord, the Greatest!
[53:19] Have ye seen Lat. and 'Uzza,
[53:20] And another, the third (goddess), Manat?
[53:21] What! for you the male sex, and for Him, the female?
[53:22] Behold, such would be indeed a division most unfair!
[53:23] These are nothing but names which ye have devised,- ye and your fathers,- for which Allah has sent down no authority (whatever). They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own souls desire!- Even though there has already come to them Guidance from their Lord!
[53:24] Nay, shall man have (just) anything he hankers after?
[53:25] But it is to Allah that the End and the Beginning (of all things) belong.
[53:26] How many-so-ever be the angels in the heavens, their intercession will avail nothing except after Allah has given leave for whom He pleases and that he is acceptable to Him.
[53:27] Those who believe not in the Hereafter, name the angels with female names.
[53:28] But they have no knowledge therein. They follow nothing but conjecture; and conjecture avails nothing against Truth.
[53:29] Therefore shun those who turn away from Our Message and desire nothing but the life of this world.
[53:30] That is as far as knowledge will reach them. Verily thy Lord knoweth best those who stray from His Path, and He knoweth best those who receive guidance.
[53:31] Yea, to Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: so that He rewards those who do evil, according to their deeds, and He rewards those who do good, with what is best.
[53:32] Those who avoid great sins and shameful deeds, only (falling into) small faults,- verily thy Lord is ample in forgiveness. He knows you well when He brings you out of the earth, And when ye are hidden in your mothers' wombs. Therefore justify not yourselves: He knows best who it is that guards against evil.
[53:33] Seest thou one who turns back,
[53:34] Gives a little, then hardens (his heart)?
[53:35] What! Has he knowledge of the Unseen so that he can see?
[53:36] Nay, is he not acquainted with what is in the Books of Moses-
[53:37] And of Abraham who fulfilled his engagements?-
[53:38] Namely, that no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another;
[53:39] That man can have nothing but what he strives for;
[53:40] That (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight:
[53:41] Then will he be rewarded with a reward complete;
[53:42] That to thy Lord is the final Goal;
[53:43] That it is He Who granteth Laughter and Tears;
[53:44] That it is He Who granteth Death and Life;
[53:45] That He did create in pairs,- male and female,
[53:46] From a seed when lodged (in its place);
[53:47] That He hath promised a Second Creation (Raising of the Dead);
[53:48] That it is He Who giveth wealth and satisfaction;
[53:49] That He is the Lord of Sirius (the Mighty Star);
[53:50] And that it is He Who destroyed the (powerful) ancient 'Ad (people),
[53:51] And the Thamud nor gave them a lease of perpetual life.
[53:52] And before them, the people of Noah, for that they were (all) most unjust and most insolent transgressors,
[53:53] And He destroyed the Overthrown Cities (of Sodom and Gomorrah).
[53:54] So that (ruins unknown) have covered them up.
[53:55] Then which of the gifts of thy Lord, (O man,) wilt thou dispute about?
[53:56] This is a Warner, of the (series of) Warners of old!
[53:57] The (Judgment) ever approaching draws nigh:
[53:58] No (soul) but Allah can lay it bare.
[53:59] Do ye then wonder at this recital?
[53:60] And will ye laugh and not weep,-
[53:61] Wasting your time in vanities?
[53:62] But fall ye down in prostration to Allah, and adore (Him)!

Al-Inshiqaq / The Rending (84)


[84:1] When the sky is rent asunder,
[84:2] And hearkens to (the Command of) its Lord, and it must needs (do so);-
[84:3] And when the earth is flattened out,
[84:4] And casts forth what is within it and becomes (clean) empty,
[84:5] And hearkens to (the Command of) its Lord,- and it must needs (do so);- (then will come Home the full reality).
[84:6] O thou man! Verily thou art ever toiling on towards thy Lord- painfully toiling,- but thou shalt meet Him.
[84:7] Then he who is given his Record in his right hand,
[84:8] Soon will his account be taken by an easy reckoning,
[84:9] And he will turn to his people, rejoicing!
[84:10] But he who is given his Record behind his back,-
[84:11] Soon will he cry for perdition,
[84:12] And he will enter a Blazing Fire.
[84:13] Truly, did he go about among his people, rejoicing!
[84:14] Truly, did he think that he would not have to return (to Us)!
[84:15] Nay, nay! for his Lord was (ever) watchful of him!
[84:16] So I do call to witness the ruddy glow of Sunset;
[84:17] The Night and its Homing;
[84:18] And the Moon in her fullness:
[84:19] Ye shall surely travel from stage to stage.
[84:20] What then is the matter with them, that they believe not?-
[84:21] And when the Qur'an is read to them, they fall not prostrate,
[84:22] But on the contrary the Unbelievers reject (it).
[84:23] But Allah has full knowledge of what they secrete (in their breasts)
[84:24] So announce to them a Penalty Grievous,
[84:25] Except to those who believe and work righteous deeds: For them is a Reward that will never fail.

Al-`Adiyat / The Assaulters -OR- The Chargers (100)


[100:1] By the (Steeds) that run, with panting (breath),
[100:2] And strike sparks of fire,
[100:3] And push home the charge in the morning,
[100:4] And raise the dust in clouds the while,
[100:5] And penetrate forthwith into the midst (of the foe) en masse;-
[100:6] Truly man is, to his Lord, ungrateful;
[100:7] And to that (fact) he bears witness (by his deeds);
[100:8] And violent is he in his love of wealth.
[100:9] Does he not know,- when that which is in the graves is scattered abroad
[100:10] And that which is (locked up) in (human) breasts is made manifest-
[100:11] That their Lord had been Well-acquainted with them, (even to) that Day?

An-Naziat / Those Who Pulled Out -OR- Those Who Dragged Forth (79)


[79:1] By the (angels) who tear out (the souls of the wicked) with violence;
[79:2] By those who gently draw out (the souls of the blessed);
[79:3] And by those who glide along (on errands of mercy),
[79:4] Then press forward as in a race,
[79:5] Then arrange to do (the Commands of their Lord),
[79:6] One Day everything that can be in commotion will be in violent commotion,
[79:7] Followed by oft-repeated (commotions):
[79:8] Hearts that Day will be in agitation;
[79:9] Cast down will be (their owners') eyes.
[79:10] They say (now): "What! shall we indeed be returned to (our) former state?
[79:11] "What! - when we shall have become rotten bones?"
[79:12] They say: "It would, in that case, be a return with loss!"
[79:13] But verily, it will be but a single (Compelling) Cry,
[79:14] When, behold, they will be in the (full) awakening (to Judgment).
[79:15] Has the story of Moses reached thee?
[79:16] Behold, thy Lord did call to him in the sacred valley of Tuwa:-
[79:17] "Go thou to Pharaoh for he has indeed transgressed all bounds:
[79:18] "And say to him, 'Wouldst thou that thou shouldst be purified (from sin)?-
[79:19] "'And that I guide thee to thy Lord, so thou shouldst fear Him?'"
[79:20] Then did (Moses) show him the Great Sign.
[79:21] But (Pharaoh) rejected it and disobeyed (guidance);
[79:22] Further, he turned his back, striving hard (against Allah).
[79:23] Then he collected (his men) and made a proclamation,
[79:24] Saying, "I am your Lord, Most High".
[79:25] But Allah did punish him, (and made an) example of him, - in the Hereafter, as in this life.
[79:26] Verily in this is an instructive warning for whosoever feareth (Allah).
[79:27] What! Are ye the more difficult to create or the heaven (above)? (Allah) hath constructed it:
[79:28] On high hath He raised its canopy, and He hath given it order and perfection.
[79:29] Its night doth He endow with darkness, and its splendour doth He bring out (with light).
[79:30] And the earth, moreover, hath He extended (to a wide expanse);
[79:31] He draweth out therefrom its moisture and its pasture;
[79:32] And the mountains hath He firmly fixed;-
[79:33] For use and convenience to you and your cattle.
[79:34] Therefore, when there comes the great, overwhelming (Event),-
[79:35] The Day when man shall remember (all) that he strove for,
[79:36] And Hell-Fire shall be placed in full view for (all) to see,-
[79:37] Then, for such as had transgressed all bounds,
[79:38] And had preferred the life of this world,
[79:39] The Abode will be Hell-Fire;
[79:40] And for such as had entertained the fear of standing before their Lord's (tribunal) and had restrained (their) soul from lower desires,
[79:41] Their abode will be the Garden.
[79:42] They ask thee about the Hour,-'When will be its appointed time?
[79:43] Wherein art thou (concerned) with the declaration thereof?
[79:44] With thy Lord in the Limit fixed therefor.
[79:45] Thou art but a Warner for such as fear it.
[79:46] The Day they see it, (It will be) as if they had tarried but a single evening, or (at most till) the following morn!

Al-Mursalat / The Emissaries (77)


[77:1] By the (Winds) sent forth one after another (to man's profit);
[77:2] Which then blow violently in tempestuous Gusts,
[77:3] And scatter (things) far and wide;
[77:4] Then separate them, one from another,
[77:5] Then spread abroad a Message,
[77:6] Whether of Justification or of Warning;-
[77:7] Assuredly, what ye are promised must come to pass.
[77:8] Then when the stars become dim;
[77:9] When the heaven is cleft asunder;
[77:10] When the mountains are scattered (to the winds) as dust;
[77:11] And when the messengers are (all) appointed a time (to collect);-
[77:12] For what Day are these (portents) deferred?
[77:13] For the Day of Sorting out.
[77:14] And what will explain to thee what is the Day of Sorting out?
[77:15] Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!
[77:16] Did We not destroy the men of old (for their evil)?
[77:17] So shall We make later (generations) follow them.
[77:18] Thus do We deal with men of sin.
[77:19] Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!
[77:20] Have We not created you from a fluid (held) despicable?-
[77:21] The which We placed in a place of rest, firmly fixed,
[77:22] For a period (of gestation), determined (according to need)?
[77:23] For We do determine (according to need); for We are the best to determine (things).
[77:24] Ah woe, that Day! to the Rejecters of Truth!
[77:25] Have We not made the earth (as a place) to draw together.
[77:26] The living and the dead,
[77:27] And made therein mountains standing firm, lofty (in stature); and provided for you water sweet (and wholesome)?
[77:28] Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!
[77:29] (It will be said:) "Depart ye to that which ye used to reject as false!
[77:30] "Depart ye to a Shadow (of smoke ascending) in three columns,
[77:31] "(Which yields) no shade of coolness, and is of no use against the fierce Blaze.
[77:32] "Indeed it throws about sparks (huge) as Forts,
[77:33] "As if there were (a string of) yellow camels (marching swiftly)."
[77:34] Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!
[77:35] That will be a Day when they shall not be able to speak.
[77:36] Nor will it be open to them to put forth pleas.
[77:37] Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!
[77:38] That will be a Day of Sorting out! We shall gather you together and those before (you)!
[77:39] Now, if ye have a trick (or plot), use it against Me!
[77:40] Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!
[77:41] As to the Righteous, they shall be amidst (cool) shades and springs (of water).
[77:42] And (they shall have) fruits,- all they desire.
[77:43] "Eat ye and drink ye to your heart's content: for that ye worked (Righteousness).
[77:44] Thus do We certainly reward the Doers of Good.
[77:45] Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!
[77:46] (O ye unjust!) Eat ye and enjoy yourselves (but) a little while, for that ye are Sinners.
[77:47] Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!
[77:48] And when it is said to them, "Prostrate yourselves!" they do not so.
[77:49] Ah woe, that Day, to the Rejecters of Truth!
[77:50] Then what Message, after that, will they believe in?

An-Naba’ / The Tidings (78)


[78:1] Concerning what are they disputing?
[78:2] Concerning the Great News,
[78:3] About which they cannot agree.
[78:4] Verily, they shall soon (come to) know!
[78:5] Verily, verily they shall soon (come to) know!
[78:6] Have We not made the earth as a wide expanse,
[78:7] And the mountains as pegs?
[78:8] And (have We not) created you in pairs,
[78:9] And made your sleep for rest,
[78:10] And made the night as a covering,
[78:11] And made the day as a means of subsistence?
[78:12] And (have We not) built over you the seven firmaments,
[78:13] And placed (therein) a Light of Splendour?
[78:14] And do We not send down from the clouds water in abundance,
[78:15] That We may produce therewith corn and vegetables,
[78:16] And gardens of luxurious growth?
[78:17] Verily the Day of Sorting out is a thing appointed,
[78:18] The Day that the Trumpet shall be sounded, and ye shall come forth in crowds;
[78:19] And the heavens shall be opened as if there were doors,
[78:20] And the mountains shall vanish, as if they were a mirage.
[78:21] Truly Hell is as a place of ambush,
[78:22] For the transgressors a place of destination:
[78:23] They will dwell therein for ages.
[78:24] Nothing cool shall they taste therein, nor any drink,
[78:25] Save a boiling fluid and a fluid, dark, murky, intensely cold,
[78:26] A fitting recompense (for them).
[78:27] For that they used not to fear any account (for their deeds),
[78:28] But they (impudently) treated Our Signs as false.
[78:29] And all things have We preserved on record.
[78:30] "So taste ye (the fruits of your deeds); for no increase shall We grant you, except in Punishment."
[78:31] Verily for the Righteous there will be a fulfilment of (the heart's) desires;
[78:32] Gardens enclosed, and grapevines;
[78:33] And voluptuous women of equal age;
[78:34] And a cup full (to the brim).
[78:35] No vanity shall they hear therein, nor Untruth:-
[78:36] Recompense from thy Lord, a gift, (amply) sufficient,
[78:37] (From) the Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all between, (Allah) Most Gracious: None shall have power to argue with Him.
[78:38] The Day that the Spirit and the angels will stand forth in ranks, none shall speak except any who is permitted by (Allah) Most Gracious, and He will say what is right.
[78:39] That Day will be the sure Reality: Therefore, whoso will, let him take a (straight) return to his Lord!
[78:40] Verily, We have warned you of a Penalty near, the Day when man will see (the deeds) which his hands have sent forth, and the Unbeliever will say, "Woe unto me! Would that I were (metre) dust!"

Al-Ghashiyah / The Overwhelming Calamity (88)


[88:1] Has the story reached thee of the overwhelming (Event)?
[88:2] Some faces, that Day, will be humiliated,
[88:3] Labouring (hard), weary,-
[88:4] The while they enter the Blazing Fire,-
[88:5] The while they are given, to drink, of a boiling hot spring,
[88:6] No food will there be for them but a bitter Dhari'
[88:7] Which will neither nourish nor satisfy hunger.
[88:8] (Other) faces that Day will be joyful,
[88:9] Pleased with their striving,-
[88:10] In a Garden on high,
[88:11] Where they shall hear no (word) of vanity:
[88:12] Therein will be a bubbling spring:
[88:13] Therein will be Thrones (of dignity), raised on high,
[88:14] Goblets placed (ready),
[88:15] And cushions set in rows,
[88:16] And rich carpets (all) spread out.
[88:17] Do they not look at the Camels, how they are made?-
[88:18] And at the Sky, how it is raised high?-
[88:19] And at the Mountains, how they are fixed firm?-
[88:20] And at the Earth, how it is spread out?
[88:21] Therefore do thou give admonition, for thou art one to admonish.
[88:22] Thou art not one to manage (men's) affairs.
[88:23] But if any turn away and reject Allah,-
[88:24] Allah will punish him with a mighty Punishment,
[88:25] For to Us will be their return;
[88:26] Then it will be for Us to call them to account.

Al-Fajr / The Dawn (89)


[89:1] By the break of Day
[89:2] By the Nights twice five;
[89:3] By the even and odd (contrasted);
[89:4] And by the Night when it passeth away;-
[89:5] Is there (not) in these an adjuration (or evidence) for those who understand?
[89:6] Seest thou not how thy Lord dealt with the 'Ad (people),-
[89:7] Of the (city of) Iram, with lofty pillars,
[89:8] The like of which were not produced in (all) the land?
[89:9] And with the Thamud (people), who cut out (huge) rocks in the valley?-
[89:10] And with Pharaoh, lord of stakes?
[89:11] (All) these transgressed beyond bounds in the lands,
[89:12] And heaped therein mischief (on mischief).
[89:13] Therefore did thy Lord pour on them a scourge of diverse chastisements:
[89:14] For thy Lord is (as a Guardian) on a watch-tower.
[89:15] Now, as for man, when his Lord trieth him, giving him honour and gifts, then saith he, (puffed up), "My Lord hath honoured me."
[89:16] But when He trieth him, restricting his subsistence for him, then saith he (in despair), "My Lord hath humiliated me!"
[89:17] Nay, nay! but ye honour not the orphans!
[89:18] Nor do ye encourage one another to feed the poor!-
[89:19] And ye devour inheritance - all with greed,
[89:20] And ye love wealth with inordinate love!
[89:21] Nay! When the earth is pounded to powder,
[89:22] And thy Lord cometh, and His angels, rank upon rank,
[89:23] And Hell, that Day, is brought (face to face),- on that Day will man remember, but how will that remembrance profit him?
[89:24] He will say: "Ah! Would that I had sent forth (good deeds) for (this) my (Future) Life!"
[89:25] For, that Day, His Chastisement will be such as none (else) can inflict,
[89:26] And His bonds will be such as none (other) can bind.
[89:27] (To the righteous soul will be said:) "O (thou) soul, in (complete) rest and satisfaction!
[89:28] "Come back thou to thy Lord,- well pleased (thyself), and well-pleasing unto Him!
[89:29] "Enter thou, then, among My devotees!
[89:30] "Yea, enter thou My Heaven!

Al-Qiyamah / The Resurrection (75)


[75:1] I do call to witness the Resurrection Day;
[75:2] And I do call to witness the self-reproaching spirit: (Eschew Evil).
[75:3] Does man think that We cannot assemble his bones?
[75:4] Nay, We are able to put together in perfect order the very tips of his fingers.
[75:5] But man wishes to do wrong (even) in the time in front of him.
[75:6] He questions: "When is the Day of Resurrection?"
[75:7] At length, when the sight is dazed,
[75:8] And the moon is buried in darkness.
[75:9] And the sun and moon are joined together,-
[75:10] That Day will Man say: "Where is the refuge?"
[75:11] By no means! No place of safety!
[75:12] Before thy Lord (alone), that Day will be the place of rest.
[75:13] That Day will Man be told (all) that he put forward, and all that he put back.
[75:14] Nay, man will be evidence against himself,
[75:15] Even though he were to put up his excuses.
[75:16] Move not thy tongue concerning the (Qur'an) to make haste therewith.
[75:17] It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it:
[75:18] But when We have promulgated it, follow thou its recital (as promulgated):
[75:19] Nay more, it is for Us to explain it (and make it clear):
[75:20] Nay, (ye men!) but ye love the fleeting life,
[75:21] And leave alone the Hereafter.
[75:22] Some faces, that Day, will beam (in brightness and beauty);-
[75:23] Looking towards their Lord;
[75:24] And some faces, that Day, will be sad and dismal,
[75:25] In the thought that some back-breaking calamity was about to be inflicted on them;
[75:26] Yea, when (the soul) reaches to the collar-bone (in its exit),
[75:27] And there will be a cry, "Who is a magician (to restore him)?"
[75:28] And he will conclude that it was (the Time) of Parting;
[75:29] And one leg will be joined with another:
[75:30] That Day the Drive will be (all) to thy Lord!
[75:31] So he gave nothing in charity, nor did he pray!-
[75:32] But on the contrary, he rejected Truth and turned away!
[75:33] Then did he stalk to his family in full conceit!
[75:34] Woe to thee, (O men!), yea, woe!
[75:35] Again, Woe to thee, (O men!), yea, woe!
[75:36] Does man think that he will be left uncontrolled, (without purpose)?
[75:37] Was he not a drop of sperm emitted (in lowly form)?
[75:38] Then did he become a leech-like clot; then did (Allah) make and fashion (him) in due proportion.
[75:39] And of him He made two sexes, male and female.
[75:40] Has not He, (the same), the power to give life to the dead?

At-Tatfif / The Defrauders (83)


[83:1] Woe to those that deal in fraud,-
[83:2] Those who, when they have to receive by measure from men, exact full measure,
[83:3] But when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than due.
[83:4] Do they not think that they will be called to account?-
[83:5] On a Mighty Day,
[83:6] A Day when (all) mankind will stand before the Lord of the Worlds?
[83:7] Nay! Surely the record of the wicked is (preserved) in Sijjin.
[83:8] And what will explain to thee what Sijjin is?
[83:9] (There is) a Register (fully) inscribed.
[83:10] Woe, that Day, to those that deny-
[83:11] Those that deny the Day of Judgment.
[83:12] And none can deny it but the Transgressor beyond bounds the Sinner!
[83:13] When Our Signs are rehearsed to him, he says, "Tales of the ancients!"
[83:14] By no means! but on their hearts is the stain of the (ill) which they do!
[83:15] Verily, from (the Light of) their Lord, that Day, will they be veiled.
[83:16] Further, they will enter the Fire of Hell.
[83:17] Further, it will be said to them: "This is the (reality) which ye rejected as false!
[83:18] Day, verily the record of the Righteous is (preserved) in 'Illiyin.
[83:19] And what will explain to thee what 'Illiyun is?
[83:20] (There is) a Register (fully) inscribed,
[83:21] To which bear witness those Nearest (to Allah).
[83:22] Truly the Righteous will be in Bliss:
[83:23] On Thrones (of Dignity) will they command a sight (of all things):
[83:24] Thou wilt recognise in their faces the beaming brightness of Bliss.
[83:25] Their thirst will be slaked with Pure Wine sealed:
[83:26] The seal thereof will be Musk: And for this let those aspire, who have aspirations:
[83:27] With it will be (given) a mixture of Tasnim:
[83:28] A spring, from (the waters) whereof drink those Nearest to Allah.
[83:29] Those in sin used to laugh at those who believed,
[83:30] And whenever they passed by them, used to wink at each other (in mockery);
[83:31] And when they returned to their own people, they would return jesting;
[83:32] And whenever they saw them, they would say, "Behold! These are the people truly astray!"
[83:33] But they had not been sent as keepers over them!
[83:34] But on this Day the Believers will laugh at the Unbelievers:
[83:35] On Thrones (of Dignity) they will command (a sight) (of all things).
[83:36] Will not the Unbelievers have been paid back for what they did?

Al-Haqqah / The Inevitable (69)


[69:1] The Sure Reality!
[69:2] What is the Sure Reality?
[69:3] And what will make thee realise what the Sure Reality is?
[69:4] The Thamud and the 'Ad People (branded) as false the Stunning Calamity!
[69:5] But the Thamud,- they were destroyed by a terrible Storm of thunder and lightning!
[69:6] And the 'Ad, they were destroyed by a furious Wind, exceedingly violent;
[69:7] He made it rage against them seven nights and eight days in succession: so that thou couldst see the (whole) people lying prostrate in its (path), as they had been roots of hollow palm-trees tumbled down!
[69:8] Then seest thou any of them left surviving?
[69:9] And Pharaoh, and those before him, and the Cities Overthrown, committed habitual Sin.
[69:10] And disobeyed (each) the messenger of their Lord; so He punished them with an abundant Penalty.
[69:11] We, when the water (of Noah's Flood) overflowed beyond its limits, carried you (mankind), in the floating (Ark),
[69:12] That We might make it a Message unto you, and that ears (that should hear the tale and) retain its memory should bear its (lessons) in remembrance.
[69:13] Then, when one blast is sounded on the Trumpet,
[69:14] And the earth is moved, and its mountains, and they are crushed to powder at one stroke,-
[69:15] On that Day shall the (Great) Event come to pass.
[69:16] And the sky will be rent asunder, for it will that Day be flimsy,
[69:17] And the angels will be on its sides, and eight will, that Day, bear the Throne of thy Lord above them.
[69:18] That Day shall ye be brought to Judgment: not an act of yours that ye hide will be hidden.
[69:19] Then he that will be given his Record in his right hand will say: "Ah here! Read ye my Record!
[69:20] "I did really understand that my Account would (One Day) reach me!"
[69:21] And he will be in a life of Bliss,
[69:22] In a Garden on high,
[69:23] The Fruits whereof (will hang in bunches) low and near.
[69:24] "Eat ye and drink ye, with full satisfaction; because of the (good) that ye sent before you, in the days that are gone!"
[69:25] And he that will be given his Record in his left hand, will say: "Ah! Would that my Record had not been given to me!
[69:26] "And that I had never realised how my account (stood)!
[69:27] "Ah! Would that (Death) had made an end of me!
[69:28] "Of no profit to me has been my wealth!
[69:29] "My power has perished from me!"...
[69:30] (The stern command will say): "Seize ye him, and bind ye him,
[69:31] "And burn ye him in the Blazing Fire.
[69:32] "Further, make him march in a chain, whereof the length is seventy cubits!
[69:33] "This was he that would not believe in Allah Most High.
[69:34] "And would not encourage the feeding of the indigent!
[69:35] "So no friend hath he here this Day.
[69:36] "Nor hath he any food except the corruption from the washing of wounds,
[69:37] "Which none do eat but those in sin."
[69:38] So I do call to witness what ye see,
[69:39] And what ye see not,
[69:40] That this is verily the word of an honoured messenger;
[69:41] It is not the word of a poet: little it is ye believe!
[69:42] Nor is it the word of a soothsayer: little admonition it is ye receive.
[69:43] (This is) a Message sent down from the Lord of the Worlds.
[69:44] And if the messenger were to invent any sayings in Our name,
[69:45] We should certainly seize him by his right hand,
[69:46] And We should certainly then cut off the artery of his heart:
[69:47] Nor could any of you withhold him (from Our wrath).
[69:48] But verily this is a Message for the Allah-fearing.
[69:49] And We certainly know that there are amongst you those that reject (it).
[69:50] But truly (Revelation) is a cause of sorrow for the Unbelievers.
[69:51] But verily it is Truth of assured certainty.
[69:52] So glorify the name of thy Lord Most High.

Adh-Dhariyat / The Scatterers -OR- The Winnowing Winds (51)


[51:1] By the (Winds) that scatter broadcast;
[51:2] And those that lift and bear away heavy weights;
[51:3] And those that flow with ease and gentleness;
[51:4] And those that distribute and apportion by Command;-
[51:5] Verily that which ye are promised is true;
[51:6] And verily Judgment and Justice must indeed come to pass.
[51:7] By the Sky with (its) numerous Paths,
[51:8] Truly ye are in a doctrine discordant,
[51:9] Through which are deluded (away from the Truth) such as would be deluded.
[51:10] Woe to the falsehood-mongers,-
[51:11] Those who (flounder) heedless in a flood of confusion:
[51:12] They ask, "When will be the Day of Judgment and Justice?"
[51:13] (It will be) a Day when they will be tried (and tested) over the Fire!
[51:14] "Taste ye your trial! This is what ye used to ask to be hastened!"
[51:15] As to the Righteous, they will be in the midst of Gardens and Springs,
[51:16] Taking joy in the things which their Lord gives them, because, before then, they lived a good life.
[51:17] They were in the habit of sleeping but little by night,
[51:18] And in the hour of early dawn, they (were found) praying for Forgiveness;
[51:19] And in their wealth and possessions (was remembered) the right of the (needy,) him who asked, and him who (for some reason) was prevented (from asking).
[51:20] On the earth are signs for those of assured Faith,
[51:21] As also in your own selves: Will ye not then see?
[51:22] And in heaven is your Sustenance, as (also) that which ye are promised.
[51:23] Then, by the Lord of heaven and earth, this is the very Truth, as much as the fact that ye can speak intelligently to each other.
[51:24] Has the story reached thee, of the honoured guests of Abraham?
[51:25] Behold, they entered his presence, and said: "Peace!" He said, "Peace!" (and thought, "These seem) unusual people."
[51:26] Then he turned quickly to his household, brought out a fatted calf,
[51:27] And placed it before them.. he said, "Will ye not eat?"
[51:28] (When they did not eat), He conceived a fear of them. They said, "Fear not," and they gave him glad tidings of a son endowed with knowledge.
[51:29] But his wife came forward (laughing) aloud: she smote her forehead and said: "A barren old woman!"
[51:30] They said, "Even so has thy Lord spoken: and He is full of Wisdom and Knowledge."
[51:31] (Abraham) said: "And what, O ye Messengers, is your errand (now)?"
[51:32] They said, "We have been sent to a people (deep) in sin;-
[51:33] "To bring on, on them, (a shower of) stones of clay (brimstone),
[51:34] "Marked as from thy Lord for those who trespass beyond bounds."
[51:35] Then We evacuated those of the Believers who were there,
[51:36] But We found not there any just (Muslim) persons except in one house:
[51:37] And We left there a Sign for such as fear the Grievous Penalty.
[51:38] And in Moses (was another Sign): Behold, We sent him to Pharaoh, with authority manifest.
[51:39] But (Pharaoh) turned back with his Chiefs, and said, "A sorcerer, or one possessed!"
[51:40] So We took him and his forces, and threw them into the sea; and his was the blame.
[51:41] And in the 'Ad (people) (was another Sign): Behold, We sent against them the devastating Wind:
[51:42] It left nothing whatever that it came up against, but reduced it to ruin and rottenness.
[51:43] And in the Thamud (was another Sign): Behold, they were told, "Enjoy (your brief day) for a little while!"
[51:44] But they insolently defied the Command of their Lord: So the stunning noise (of an earthquake) seized them, even while they were looking on.
[51:45] Then they could not even stand (on their feet), nor could they help themselves.
[51:46] So were the People of Noah before them for they wickedly transgressed.
[51:47] With power and skill did We construct the Firmament: for it is We Who create the vastness of pace.
[51:48] And We have spread out the (spacious) earth: How excellently We do spread out!
[51:49] And of every thing We have created pairs: That ye may receive instruction.
[51:50] Hasten ye then (at once) to Allah: I am from Him a Warner to you, clear and open!
[51:51] And make not another an object of worship with Allah: I am from Him a Warner to you, clear and open!
[51:52] Similarly, no messenger came to the Peoples before them, but they said (of him) in like manner, "A sorcerer, or one possessed"!
[51:53] Is this the legacy they have transmitted, one to another? Nay, they are themselves a people transgressing beyond bounds!
[51:54] So turn away from them: not thine is the blame.
[51:55] But teach (thy Message) for teaching benefits the Believers.
[51:56] I have only created Jinns and men, that they may serve Me.
[51:57] No Sustenance do I require of them, nor do I require that they should feed Me.
[51:58] For Allah is He Who gives (all) Sustenance,- Lord of Power,- Steadfast (for ever).
[51:59] For the Wrong-doers, their portion is like unto the portion of their fellows (of earlier generations): then let them not ask Me to hasten (that portion)!
[51:60] Woe, then, to the Unbelievers, on account of that Day of theirs which they have been promised!

At-Tur / The Mountain (52)


[52:1] By the Mount (of Revelation);
[52:2] By a Decree inscribed
[52:3] In a Scroll unfolded;
[52:4] By the much-frequented Fane;
[52:5] By the Canopy Raised High;
[52:6] And by the Ocean filled with Swell;-
[52:7] Verily, the Doom of thy Lord will indeed come to pass;-
[52:8] There is none can avert it;-
[52:9] On the Day when the firmament will be in dreadful commotion.
[52:10] And the mountains will fly hither and thither.
[52:11] Then woe that Day to those that treat (Truth) as Falsehood;-
[52:12] That play (and paddle) in shallow trifles.
[52:13] That Day shall they be thrust down to the Fire of Hell, irresistibly.
[52:14] "This:, it will be said, "Is the Fire,- which ye were wont to deny!
[52:15] "Is this then a fake, or is it ye that do not see?
[52:16] "Burn ye therein: the same is it to you whether ye bear it with patience, or not: Ye but receive the recompense of your (own) deeds."
[52:17] As to the Righteous, they will be in Gardens, and in Happiness,-
[52:18] Enjoying the (Bliss) which their Lord hath bestowed on them, and their Lord shall deliver them from the Penalty of the Fire.
[52:19] (To them will be said:) "Eat and drink ye, with profit and health, because of your (good) deeds."
[52:20] They will recline (with ease) on Thrones (of dignity) arranged in ranks; and We shall join them to Companions, with beautiful big and lustrous eyes.
[52:21] And those who believe and whose families follow them in Faith,- to them shall We join their families: Nor shall We deprive them (of the fruit) of aught of their works: (Yet) is each individual in pledge for his deeds.
[52:22] And We shall bestow on them, of fruit and meat, anything they shall desire.
[52:23] They shall there exchange, one with another, a (loving) cup free of frivolity, free of all taint of ill.
[52:24] Round about them will serve, (devoted) to them, young male servants (handsome) as Pearls well-guarded.
[52:25] They will advance to each other, engaging in mutual enquiry.
[52:26] They will say: "Aforetime, we were not without fear for the sake of our people.
[52:27] "But Allah has been good to us, and has delivered us from the Penalty of the Scorching Wind.
[52:28] "Truly, we did call unto Him from of old: truly it is He, the Beneficent, the Merciful!"
[52:29] Therefore proclaim thou the praises (of thy Lord): for by the Grace of thy Lord, thou art no (vulgar) soothsayer, nor art thou one possessed.
[52:30] Or do they say:- "A Poet! we await for him some calamity (hatched) by Time!"
[52:31] Say thou: "Await ye!- I too will wait along with you!"
[52:32] Is it that their faculties of understanding urge them to this, or are they but a people transgressing beyond bounds?
[52:33] Or do they say, "He fabricated the (Message)"? Nay, they have no faith!
[52:34] Let them then produce a recital like unto it,- If (it be) they speak the truth!
[52:35] Were they created of nothing, or were they themselves the creators?
[52:36] Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Nay, they have no firm belief.
[52:37] Or are the Treasures of thy Lord with them, or are they the managers (of affairs)?
[52:38] Or have they a ladder, by which they can (climb up to heaven and) listen (to its secrets)? Then let (such a) listener of theirs produce a manifest proof.
[52:39] Or has He only daughters and ye have sons?
[52:40] Or is it that thou dost ask for a reward, so that they are burdened with a load of debt?-
[52:41] Or that the Unseen in it their hands, and they write it down?
[52:42] Or do they intend a plot (against thee)? But those who defy Allah are themselves involved in a Plot!
[52:43] Or have they a god other than Allah? Exalted is Allah far above the things they associate with Him!
[52:44] Were they to see a piece of the sky falling (on them), they would (only) say: "Clouds gathered in heaps!"
[52:45] So leave them alone until they encounter that Day of theirs, wherein they shall (perforce) swoon (with terror),-
[52:46] The Day when their plotting will avail them nothing and no help shall be given them.
[52:47] And verily, for those who do wrong, there is another punishment besides this: But most of them understand not.
[52:48] Now await in patience the command of thy Lord: for verily thou art in Our eyes: and celebrate the praises of thy Lord the while thou standest forth,
[52:49] And for part of the night also praise thou Him,- and at the retreat of the stars!

Al-Waqi`ah / That Which is Coming (56)


[56:1] When the Event inevitable cometh to pass,
[56:2] Then will no (soul) entertain falsehood concerning its coming.
[56:3] (Many) will it bring low; (many) will it exalt;
[56:4] When the earth shall be shaken to its depths,
[56:5] And the mountains shall be crumbled to atoms,
[56:6] Becoming dust scattered abroad,
[56:7] And ye shall be sorted out into three classes.
[56:8] Then (there will be) the Companions of the Right Hand;- What will be the Companions of the Right Hand?
[56:9] And the Companions of the Left Hand,- what will be the Companions of the Left Hand?
[56:10] And those Foremost (in Faith) will be Foremost (in the Hereafter).
[56:11] These will be those Nearest to Allah:
[56:12] In Gardens of Bliss:
[56:13] A number of people from those of old,
[56:14] And a few from those of later times.
[56:15] (They will be) on Thrones encrusted (with gold and precious stones),
[56:16] Reclining on them, facing each other.
[56:17] Round about them will (serve) youths of perpetual (freshness),
[56:18] With goblets, (shining) beakers, and cups (filled) out of clear-flowing fountains:
[56:19] No after-ache will they receive therefrom, nor will they suffer intoxication:
[56:20] And with fruits, any that they may select:
[56:21] And the flesh of fowls, any that they may desire.
[56:22] And (there will be) Companions with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes,-
[56:23] Like unto Pearls well-guarded.
[56:24] A Reward for the deeds of their past (life).
[56:25] Not frivolity will they hear therein, nor any taint of ill,-
[56:26] Only the saying, "Peace! Peace".
[56:27] The Companions of the Right Hand,- what will be the Companions of the Right Hand?
[56:28] (They will be) among Lote-trees without thorns,
[56:29] Among Talh trees with flowers (or fruits) piled one above another,-
[56:30] In shade long-extended,
[56:31] By water flowing constantly,
[56:32] And fruit in abundance.
[56:33] Whose season is not limited, nor (supply) forbidden,
[56:34] And on Thrones (of Dignity), raised high.
[56:35] We have created (their Companions) of special creation.
[56:36] And made them virgin - pure (and undefiled), -
[56:37] Beloved (by nature), equal in age,-
[56:38] For the Companions of the Right Hand.
[56:39] A (goodly) number from those of old,
[56:40] And a (goodly) number from those of later times.
[56:41] The Companions of the Left Hand,- what will be the Companions of the Left Hand?
[56:42] (They will be) in the midst of a Fierce Blast of Fire and in Boiling Water,
[56:43] And in the shades of Black Smoke:
[56:44] Nothing (will there be) to refresh, nor to please:
[56:45] For that they were wont to be indulged, before that, in wealth (and luxury),
[56:46] And persisted obstinately in wickedness supreme!
[56:47] And they used to say, "What! when we die and become dust and bones, shall we then indeed be raised up again?-
[56:48] "(We) and our fathers of old?"
[56:49] Say: "Yea, those of old and those of later times,
[56:50] "All will certainly be gathered together for the meeting appointed for a Day well-known.
[56:51] "Then will ye truly,- O ye that go wrong, and treat (Truth) as Falsehood!-
[56:52] "Ye will surely taste of the Tree of Zaqqum.
[56:53] "Then will ye fill your insides therewith,
[56:54] "And drink Boiling Water on top of it:
[56:55] "Indeed ye shall drink like diseased camels raging with thirst!"
[56:56] Such will be their entertainment on the Day of Requital!
[56:57] It is We Who have created you: why will ye not witness the Truth?
[56:58] Do ye then see?- The (human Seed) that ye throw out,-
[56:59] Is it ye who create it, or are We the Creators?
[56:60] We have decreed Death to be your common lot, and We are not to be frustrated
[56:61] from changing your Forms and creating you (again) in (forms) that ye know not.
[56:62] And ye certainly know already the first form of creation: why then do ye not celebrate His praises?
[56:63] See ye the seed that ye sow in the ground?
[56:64] Is it ye that cause it to grow, or are We the Cause?
[56:65] Were it Our Will, We could crumble it to dry powder, and ye would be left in wonderment,
[56:66] (Saying), "We are indeed left with debts (for nothing):
[56:67] "Indeed are we shut out (of the fruits of our labour)"
[56:68] See ye the water which ye drink?
[56:69] Do ye bring it down (in rain) from the cloud or do We?
[56:70] Were it Our Will, We could make it salt (and unpalatable): then why do ye not give thanks?
[56:71] See ye the Fire which ye kindle?
[56:72] Is it ye who grow the tree which feeds the fire, or do We grow it?
[56:73] We have made it a memorial (of Our handiwork), and an article of comfort and convenience for the denizens of deserts.
[56:74] Then celebrate with praises the name of thy Lord, the Supreme!
[56:75] Furthermore I call to witness the setting of the Stars,-
[56:76] And that is indeed a mighty adjuration if ye but knew,-
[56:77] That this is indeed a qur'an Most Honourable,
[56:78] In Book well-guarded,
[56:79] Which none shall touch but those who are clean:
[56:80] A Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds.
[56:81] Is it such a Message that ye would hold in light esteem?
[56:82] And have ye made it your livelihood that ye should declare it false?
[56:83] Then why do ye not (intervene) when (the soul of the dying man) reaches the throat,-
[56:84] And ye the while (sit) looking on,-
[56:85] But We are nearer to him than ye, and yet see not,-
[56:86] Then why do ye not,- If you are exempt from (future) account,-
[56:87] Call back the soul, if ye are true (in the claim of independence)?
[56:88] Thus, then, if he be of those Nearest to Allah,
[56:89] (There is for him) Rest and Satisfaction, and a Garden of Delights.
[56:90] And if he be of the Companions of the Right Hand,
[56:91] (For him is the salutation), "Peace be unto thee", from the Companions of the Right Hand.
[56:92] And if he be of those who treat (Truth) as Falsehood, who go wrong,
[56:93] For him is Entertainment with Boiling Water.
[56:94] And burning in Hell-Fire.
[56:95] Verily, this is the Very Truth and Certainly.
[56:96] So celebrate with praises the name of thy Lord, the Supreme.

Al-Ma`arij / The Ladders (70)


[70:1] A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall-
[70:2] The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,-
[70:3] (A Penalty) from Allah, Lord of the Ways of Ascent.
[70:4] The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is (as) fifty thousand years:
[70:5] Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment).
[70:6] They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event):
[70:7] But We see it (quite) near.
[70:8] The Day that the sky will be like molten brass,
[70:9] And the mountains will be like wool,
[70:10] And no friend will ask after a friend,
[70:11] Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be: Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children,
[70:12] His wife and his brother,
[70:13] His kindred who sheltered him,
[70:14] And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him:
[70:15] By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!-
[70:16] Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!-
[70:17] Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the Right).
[70:18] And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)!
[70:19] Truly man was created very impatient;-
[70:20] Fretful when evil touches him;
[70:21] And niggardly when good reaches him;-
[70:22] Not so those devoted to Prayer;-
[70:23] Those who remain steadfast to their prayer;
[70:24] And those in whose wealth is a recognised right.
[70:25] For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking);
[70:26] And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment;
[70:27] And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,-
[70:28] For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;-
[70:29] And those who guard their chastity,
[70:30] Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed,
[70:31] But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;-
[70:32] And those who respect their trusts and covenants;
[70:33] And those who stand firm in their testimonies;
[70:34] And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;-
[70:35] Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss).
[70:36] Now what is the matter with the Unbelievers that they rush madly before thee-
[70:37] From the right and from the left, in crowds?
[70:38] Does every man of them long to enter the Garden of Bliss?
[70:39] By no means! For We have created them out of the (base matter) they know!
[70:40] Now I do call to witness the Lord of all points in the East and the West that We can certainly-
[70:41] Substitute for them better (men) than they; And We are not to be defeated (in Our Plan).
[70:42] So leave them to plunge in vain talk and play about, until they encounter that Day of theirs which they have been promised!-
[70:43] The Day whereon they will issue from their sepulchres in sudden haste as if they were rushing to a goal-post (fixed for them),-
[70:44] Their eyes lowered in dejection,- ignominy covering them (all over)! such is the Day the which they are promised!

Ar-Rahman / The Merciful (55)


[55:1] (Allah) Most Gracious!
[55:2] It is He Who has taught the Qur'an.
[55:3] He has created man:
[55:4] He has taught him speech (and intelligence).
[55:5] The sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed;
[55:6] And the herbs and the trees - both (alike) prostrate in adoration.
[55:7] And the Firmament has He raised high, and He has set up the Balance (of Justice),
[55:8] In order that ye may not transgress (due) balance.
[55:9] So establish weight with justice and fall not short in the balance.
[55:10] It is He Who has spread out the earth for (His) creatures:
[55:11] Therein is fruit and date-palms, producing spathes (enclosing dates);
[55:12] Also corn, with (its) leaves and stalk for fodder, and sweet-smelling plants.
[55:13] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:14] He created man from sounding clay like unto pottery,
[55:15] And He created Jinns from fire free of smoke:
[55:16] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:17] (He is) Lord of the two Easts and Lord of the two Wests:
[55:18] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:19] He has let free the two bodies of flowing water, meeting together:
[55:20] Between them is a Barrier which they do not transgress:
[55:21] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:22] Out of them come Pearls and Coral:
[55:23] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:24] And His are the Ships sailing smoothly through the seas, lofty as mountains:
[55:25] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:26] All that is on earth will perish:
[55:27] But will abide (for ever) the Face of thy Lord,- full of Majesty, Bounty and Honour.
[55:28] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:29] Of Him seeks (its need) every creature in the heavens and on earth: every day in (new) Splendour doth He (shine)!
[55:30] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:31] Soon shall We settle your affairs, O both ye worlds!
[55:32] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:33] O ye assembly of Jinns and men! If it be ye can pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, pass ye! not without authority shall ye be able to pass!
[55:34] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:35] On you will be sent (O ye evil ones twain!) a flame of fire (to burn) and a smoke (to choke): no defence will ye have:
[55:36] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:37] When the sky is rent asunder, and it becomes red like ointment:
[55:38] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:39] On that Day no question will be asked of man or Jinn as to his sin.
[55:40] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:41] (For) the sinners will be known by their marks: and they will be seized by their forelocks and their feet.
[55:42] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:43] This is the Hell which the Sinners deny:
[55:44] In its midst and in the midst of boiling hot water will they wander round!
[55:45] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:46] But for such as fear the time when they will stand before (the Judgment Seat of) their Lord, there will be two Gardens-
[55:47] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-
[55:48] Containing all kinds (of trees and delights);-
[55:49] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-
[55:50] In them (each) will be two Springs flowing (free);
[55:51] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-
[55:52] In them will be Fruits of every kind, two and two.
[55:53] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:54] They will recline on Carpets, whose inner linings will be of rich brocade: the Fruit of the Gardens will be near (and easy of reach).
[55:55] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:56] In them will be (Maidens), chaste, restraining their glances, whom no man or Jinn before them has touched;-
[55:57] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-
[55:58] Like unto Rubies and coral.
[55:59] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:60] Is there any Reward for Good - other than Good?
[55:61] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:62] And besides these two, there are two other Gardens,-
[55:63] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-
[55:64] Dark-green in colour (from plentiful watering).
[55:65] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:66] In them (each) will be two Springs pouring forth water in continuous abundance:
[55:67] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:68] In them will be Fruits, and dates and pomegranates:
[55:69] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:70] In them will be fair (Companions), good, beautiful;-
[55:71] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-
[55:72] Companions restrained (as to their glances), in (goodly) pavilions;-
[55:73] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-
[55:74] Whom no man or Jinn before them has touched;-
[55:75] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-
[55:76] Reclining on green Cushions and rich Carpets of beauty.
[55:77] Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
[55:78] Blessed be the name of thy Lord, full of Majesty, Bounty and Honour.

Al-Ikhlas / The Unity (112)


[112:1] Say: He is Allah, the One and Only;
[112:2] Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;
[112:3] He begetteth not, nor is He begotten;
[112:4] And there is none like unto Him.

Al-Kafirun / The Unbelievers (109)


[109:1] Say : O ye that reject Faith!
[109:2] I worship not that which ye worship,
[109:3] Nor will ye worship that which I worship.
[109:4] And I will not worship that which ye have been wont to worship,
[109:5] Nor will ye worship that which I worship.
[109:6] To you be your Way, and to me mine.

Al-Falaq / The Daybreak (113)


This Sura and the following one (114) are called the al-Ma'udhatain, or preservative chapters, and are engraved on amulets as charms against evil.

[113:1] Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the Dawn
[113:2] From the mischief of created things;
[113:3] From the mischief of Darkness as it overspreads;
[113:4] From the mischief of those who practise secret arts;
[113:5] And from the mischief of the envious one as he practises envy.

An-Nas / The Men (114)


[114:1] Say: I seek refuge with the Lord and Cherisher of Mankind,
[114:2] The King (or Ruler) of Mankind,
[114:3] The god (or judge) of Mankind,-
[114:4] From the mischief of the Whisperer (of Evil), who withdraws (after his whisper),-
[114:5] (The same) who whispers into the hearts of Mankind,-
[114:6] Among Jinns and among men.

Al-Fatihah / The Opening (1)


Muslims recite "The Opening" five times a day, and at every time of prayer.

[1:1] In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
[1:2] Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds;
[1:3] Most Gracious, Most Merciful;
[1:4] Master of the Day of Judgment.
[1:5] Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek.
[1:6] Show us the straight way,
[1:7] The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.

Toward the end of the first period at Mecca, Mohammed sent some of his followers away from their persecution at the hands of his fellow tribesmen, the Quraysh, to Abyssinia for a few months.
The promised allurements of Paradise and all the threatened terrors of hell and all this alleged supernatural power over witchcraft failed to win over the Quraish, and the Prophet, being then unable to protect his poorer followers and unwilling to run the risk of their perversion, recommended them to emigrate to Abyssinia, a country at that time in close commercial relations with Arabia. The emigrants were few in number, but it was an evidence to the Meccans that their faith was real and that exile was preferable to possibly forced recantation. (Sell)

At the end of the months, the Quraysh relented in their persecution of the Muslims and invited the Abyssinian exiles to return.

END of Chronological Koran Part I

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Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.

                Matthew 7:15-16