“And what is the matter with me that I should not worship Him Who created me, whereas it is towards Him that you are to return?”

“What! Shall I appoint Gods other than Allah? So that if the Most Gracious should wish me any harm, their intercession would be of no use to me, nor would they be able to save me?”

“Undoubtedly, I am then in open error.”

“Indeed I have believed in your Lord, so heed me.”

It was said to him, “Enter Paradise”; he said, “If only my people knew!”

“The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones!”

And after him, We did not send down any army from heaven against his people, nor did We intend to send down an army.

It was just one scream, and with it they were extinguished.

And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!”

Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which will not return to them?

And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us.

And a sign for them is the dead earth; We gave it life and We produced from it grain, so they eat from it.

And We have placed in it gardens of dates and grapes, and We have made springs of water in it.

So that they may eat from its fruits, whereas they are not manufactured by their hands! So will they not be grateful?

Purity is to Him Who created all pairs, from what the earth grows, and of themselves, and from the things they do not know.

And a sign for them is the night; We strip the day out of it, thereupon they are in darkness.

And the sun runs its course for its final destination; this is a command of the Almighty, the All Knowing.

And We have appointed positions for the moon till it returns like an old branch of the date palm.

It is not for the sun to catch up with the moon, nor does the night surpass the day; and each one of them floats in its orbit.

And a sign for them is that We lodged them in a laden ship, while they were in their forefathers backs.

And We have created for them similar ships, in which they now ride.

And if We will, We can drown them, so there would be no help in their distress, nor would they be saved.

Unless by mercy from Us, and as a comfort for a while.

And when it is said to them, “Beware of what is before you and what is behind you, in the hope of your gaining mercy”, they turn away!

And whenever a sign comes to them from the signs of their Lord, they always turn away from it!

And when it is said to them, “Spend in Allah’s cause, from what Allah has provided you”, the disbelievers say regarding the believers, “Shall we feed these, whom if Allah willed, would have fed? You are not but in open error!”

And they say, “When will this promise be fulfilled, if you are truthful?”

They await just one scream, which will overcome them while they are involved in worldly disputes.

Therefore neither able to make a will, nor returning to their homes.

And the Trumpet will be blown – so they will come forth from the graves, running towards their Lord.

Saying, “O our misfortune! Who has raised us from our sleep? This is what the Most Gracious had promised, and the Noble Messengers had spoken the truth!”

It is just one scream, and every one of them will be brought together before Us!

So this day no soul will be wronged in the least; and you will not be compensated except for your deeds.

Indeed this day the dwellers of Paradise are in comfort, with blissful hearts.

They and their wives are in shades, reclining on thrones.

In it (paradise) are fruits for them and whatever they ask for.

Upon them will be “Peace” – a Word from their Merciful Lord!

“And be separated (from others) this day, O you criminals!”

“O Descendants of Adam! Did I not take a covenant from you that you shall not worship the devil? Undoubtedly, he is your open enemy.”

“And that you shall worship Me? This is the Straight Path.”

“And he has indeed led a large number of you astray; so did you not have sense?”

“This is hell, which you were promised.”

“Enter it this day – the recompense of your disbelief.”

This day We will set a seal on their mouths, and their hands will speak out to Us and their feet will bear witness to their deeds.

And had We willed, We could have quenched their eyes so they would rush towards the path, unable to see a thing.

And had We willed, We could have disfigured their faces while they were in their homes, therefore unable to go forward or turn back.

And whomever We bring to an old age, We reverse him in creation; so do they not understand?

And We have not taught him (Prophet Mohammed- peace and blessings be upon him) to recite poetry, nor does it befit him; it is nothing but an advice and the bright Qur’an.

To warn the living*, and to prove the Word against disbelievers. (Only the believers are deemed alive in Allah’s sight.)

Did they not see that We have created animals for them from Our handiwork, so they are their owners?

And have subjected the animals for them, so they ride some animals and eat some?

And for them in the animals are numerous different benefits and drinks; so will they not be grateful?

And they have appointed Gods other than Allah, that perhaps they may be helped!

They (the appointed Gods) cannot help them; and they and their armies will come (to Us), as captives.

Therefore (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) do not grieve because of what they (the disbelievers) say; indeed We know what they conceal and what they disclose.

And did not man see that We have created him from a drop of semen? Yet he is an open quarreller!

And he invents an example for Us, while forgetting his own creation, saying, “Who is such that can revive the bones when they have completely rotted away?”

Proclaim (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him), “They will be revived by the One Who created them the first time; and He is the All Knowing of every creation.”

“The One Who has created for you fire from the green tree, so you kindle from it.”

And is it not possible for the One Who created the heavens and the earth to create the likes of them? It is surely possible, why not? And He is the Great Creator, the All Knowing of everything.

And His only task when He intends a thing is to command it, “Be” – and it thereupon happens!

Therefore Purity is to Him in Whose Hand* is the control over all things and it is towards Him that you will be returned. (Used as a metaphor to mean Power).

By oath of those who establish proper ranks.

And by oath of those who herd with a stern warning.

And by oath of the groups that read the Qur’an.

Indeed your God is surely only One.

Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them – and the Lord of the sun’s rising points.

We have indeed adorned the lowest heaven with stars as ornaments.

And to protect it from every rebellious devil.

They cannot listen to the speech of those on higher elevations and they are targeted from every side.

To make them flee, and for them is a never-ending punishment.

Except one who sometimes steals a part, so a blazing flame goes after him.

Therefore ask them (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him), “Are they a stronger creation, or are other things of our creation, (the angels, the heavens etc.)?” We have indeed created them from sticky clay.

Rather you are surprised, whereas they keep mocking.

And they do not understand, when explained to.

And whenever they see a sign, they mock at it.

And they say, “This is nothing but clear magic.”

“When we are dead and have turned into dust and bones, will we certainly be raised again?”

“And also our forefathers?”

Proclaim, “Yes, and with disgrace.”

So that is just a single jolt, thereupon they will begin staring.

And will say, “O our misfortune!” It will be said to them, “This is the Day of Justice.”

“This is the Day of Judgement, which you used to deny!”

“Gather all the unjust persons and their spouses, and all that they used to worship!” –

“Instead of Allah – and herd them to the path leading to hell.”

“And stop them – they are to be questioned.”

“What is the matter with you, that you do not help one another?”

In fact this day they have all surrendered.

And some of them inclined towards others, mutually questioning.

They said, “It is you who used to come to us from our right, in order to sway.”

They will answer, “You yourselves did not have faith!”

“And we did not have any control over you; but in fact you yourselves were rebellious.”

“So the Word of our Lord has proved true upon us; we will surely have to taste (the punishment).”

“We therefore led you astray, for we ourselves were astray!”

So this day they all are partners in the punishment.

This is how We deal with the guilty.

Indeed, when it was said to them, “There is no God except Allah”, they were haughty.

And they used to say, “Shall we forsake our Gods upon the sayings of a mad poet?”

In fact he has brought the Truth, and testified for the Noble Messengers!

“You surely have to taste the painful punishment.”

“And you will not be compensated except for your deeds.”

Except the chosen bondmen of Allah.

For them is the sustenance known to Us.

Fruits; and they will be honoured.

In Gardens of peace.

Facing one another on thrones.

Cups of wine will be presented to them in rounds, from a spring flowing in front of them.

White, delicious for the drinkers.

Neither does it intoxicate, nor give a headache.

And with them are those who do not set gaze upon men except their husbands, the maidens with gorgeous eyes.

As if they were eggs, safely hidden.

So one among them turns to the other, questioning. –

The speaker among them said, “I had a companion.” –

“Who used to tell me, ‘Do you believe it is true?’ –

‘That when we are dead and have turned into dust and bones, that we will either be rewarded or punished?’”

He said (to others on the thrones), “Will you take a glimpse (into hell) below?”

He therefore looked down and saw him amidst the blazing fire.

He said, “By Allah, you had nearly ruined me!”

“And were it not for the munificence of my Lord, I too would have been seized and brought forth (captive)!”

“So are we never to die?” (The people of Paradise will ask the angels, with delight, after the announcement of everlasting life.)

“Except our earlier death, and nor will we be punished?”

“This is, most certainly, the supreme success.”

For such a reward should the workers perform.

So is this welcome better, or the tree of Zaqqum?

We have indeed made that a punishment for the unjust.

Indeed it is a tree that sprouts from the base of hell.

Its fruit like the heads of demons.

So indeed they will eat from it, and fill their bellies with it.

Then after it, indeed for them is the drink of boiling hot water.

Then surely their return is towards hell.

They had indeed found their forefathers astray.

So they hastily follow their footsteps!

And indeed before them, most of the former people went astray.

And indeed We had sent Heralds of warnings among them.

Therefore see what sort of fate befell those who were warned!

Except the chosen bondmen of Allah.

And indeed Nooh prayed to Us – so what an excellent Acceptor of Prayer We are!

And We rescued him and his household from the great calamity.

And We preserved his descendants.

And We kept his praise among the latter generations.

Peace be upon Nooh, among the entire people.

This is how We reward the virtuous.

He is indeed one of Our high ranking, firmly believing bondmen.

We then drowned the others.

And indeed Ibrahim is from his (Nooh’s) group.

When he came to his Lord, with a sound heart. (Free from falsehood).

When he said to his father (paternal uncle) and his people, “What do you worship?”

“What! You desire, through fabrication, Gods other than Allah?”

“So what do you assume regarding the Lord Of The Creation?” (That He will not punish you?)

He then shot a glance at the stars.

He then said, “I feel sick (of you)!”

And they turned their backs on him and went away. (The pagans thought he would transmit the disease).

He then sneaked upon their deities and said, “Do you not eat?”

“What is the matter with you, that you do not say anything?”

He then began striking them with his right hand, unseen by the people.

So the disbelievers came running towards him.

He said, “What! You worship what you yourselves have sculpted?”

“Whereas Allah has created you and your actions?”

They said, “Construct a building (furnace) for him, and then cast him in the blazing fire!”

So they tried to execute their evil scheme upon him – We therefore degraded them. (Allah saved him, by commanding the fire to turn cool).

And he said, “Indeed I shall go to my Lord Who will guide me.”

“My Lord! Give me a meritorious child.”

We therefore gave him the glad tidings of an intelligent son.

And when he became capable of working with him, Ibrahim said, “O my son, I dreamt that I am sacrificing you – therefore now consider what is your opinion”; he said, “O my father! Do what you are commanded! Allah willing, you will soon find me patiently enduring!”

Then (remember) when they both submitted to Allah’s command, and Ibrahim lay his son facing downwards. (The knife did not hurt Ismail)

And We called out to him, “O Ibrahim!”

“You have indeed made the dream come true”; and this is how We reward the virtuous.

Indeed this was a clear test.

And We rescued him in exchange of a great sacrifice. (The sacrifice of Ibrahim and Ismail – peace be upon them – is commemorated every year on 10, 11 and 12 Zil Haj).

And We kept his praise among the latter generations.

Peace be upon Ibrahim!

This is how We reward the virtuous.

He is indeed one of Our high ranking, firmly believing bondmen.

And We gave him the glad tidings of Ishaq, a Herald of the Hidden, from among those who deserve Our proximity.

And We sent blessings upon him and Ishaq; and among their descendants – some who do good deeds, and some who clearly wrong themselves.

And We indeed did a great favour to Moosa and Haroon.

And rescued them and their people from the great calamity.

And We helped them, so they were victorious.

And We bestowed the clear Book to both of them.

And guided them to the Straight Path.

And We kept their praise among the latter generations.

Peace be upon Moosa and Haroon!

This is how We reward the virtuous.

Indeed they are two of Our high ranking, firmly believing bondmen.

And indeed Ilyas is one of the Noble Messengers.

When he said to his people, “Do you not fear?”

“What! You worship Baal (an idol) and leave the Best Creator?” –

“Allah – Who is your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers?”

In response they denied him, so they will surely be brought forth as captives.

Except the chosen bondmen of Allah.

And We kept his praise among the latter generations.

Peace be upon Ilyas!

This is how We reward the virtuous.

He is indeed one of Our high ranking, firmly believing bondmen.

And indeed Lut is one of the Noble Messengers.

When We rescued him and his entire household.

Except an old woman, who became of those who stayed behind.

We then destroyed the others.

And indeed you pass over them in the morning. –

And during the night; so do you not have sense?

And indeed Yunus is one of the Noble Messengers.

When he left towards the laden ship.

Then lots were drawn and he became of those who were pushed into the sea.

The fish then swallowed him and he blamed himself. (For not waiting for Allah’s command.)

And were he not one of those who praise. –

He would have remained in its belly till the day when all will be raised.

We then put him ashore on a plain, and he was sick.

And We grew a tree of gourd (as a shelter) above him.

And We sent him towards a hundred thousand people, in fact more.

So they accepted faith – We therefore gave them usage for a while.

Therefore ask them (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him), whether the daughters are for your Lord and the sons for them!

Or that have We created the angels as females, while they were present?

Pay heed! It is their slander that they say. –

That “Allah has offspring”; and indeed, surely, they are liars.

“Has he chosen daughters instead of sons?”

“What is the matter with you? What sort of a judgement you impose!”

“So do you not ponder?”

“Or do you have some clear proof?”

“Then bring forth your Book, if you are truthful!”

And they have appointed a relationship between Him and the jinns; and indeed the jinns surely know that they will be brought forth.

Purity is to Allah from the matters they fabricate.

Except the chosen bondmen of Allah.

Therefore you and all what you worship. (The disbelievers and their deities.)

You cannot make anyone rebel against Him.

Except the one who will go into the blazing fire.

And the angels say, “Each one of us has an appointed known position.”

“And indeed we, with our wings spread, await the command.”

“And indeed we are those who say His purity.”

And indeed the disbelievers used to say, –

“If we had some advice from the earlier generations,” –

“We would certainly be the chosen bondmen of Allah.”

They therefore denied it, so they will soon come to know.

And indeed Our Word has already gone forth for Our bondmen who were sent.

That undoubtedly, only they will be helped.

And surely, only Our army will be victorious.

Therefore turn away from them for some time.

And watch them, for they will soon see.

So are they being impatient for Our punishment?

So when it does descend in their courtyards – so what an evil morning it will be for those who were warned!

And turn away from them for some time.

And wait, for they will soon see.

Purity is to your Lord, the Lord of Honour, from all what they say.

And peace is upon the Noble Messengers.

And all praise is to Allah, the Lord Of The Creation.

Saad* – By oath of the renowned Qur’an, (Alphabet of the Arabic language; Allah and to whomever He reveals, know their precise meanings.)

In fact, the disbelievers are in false pride and opposition.

Many a generation We did destroy before them – thereupon they cried out whereas it is not the time to escape!

And they were surprised that a Herald of Warning came to them from among themselves; and the disbelievers said, “He is a magician, a great liar!”

“Has he made all the Gods into One God? This is really something very strange!”

And their leaders went about, “Leave him and cling steadfastly to your Gods! Indeed he has a hidden objective in this!”

“We never heard of this even in Christianity, the latest religion; this is clearly a newly fabricated matter.”

“Is the Qur’an which is sent to him, among us?” In fact they are in a doubt concerning My Book; in fact, they have not yet tasted My punishment.

Or do they hold the treasures of the mercy of your Lord, the Almighty, the Great Bestower?

Is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, for them? So would they not just ascend using ropes?

This is just one of the disgraced armies, that will be routed there and then.

Before them, the people of Nooh had denied, and the tribe of A’ad, and Firaun who used to crucify.

And the tribe of Thamud, and the people of Lut, and the People of the Woods; these are the groups.

None of them was such that it did not deny the Noble Messengers, therefore My punishment became inevitable.

They await just one Scream, which no one can avert.

And they said, “Our Lord! Give us our share quickly, before the Day of Reckoning.”

Have patience upon what they say, and remember Our bondman Dawud, the one blessed with favours; he is indeed most inclined (towards His Lord).

Indeed We subjected the hills to say the praise with him, at night and at morn.

And birds gathered together; they were all obedient to him.

And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and just speech.

And did the news of the two disputants reach you? When they scaled over the wall into Dawud’s mosque.

When they entered upon David, so he feared them – they said, “Do not fear! We are two disputants, one of whom has wronged the other, therefore judge fairly between us and do not judge unjustly – and show us the right way.”

“This is my brother; he has ninety nine ewes and I have one ewe; and he now says ‘Give that one also to me’ – and he is very demanding in speech.”

Said Dawud, “He is indeed being unjust to you in that he demands to add your ewe to his ewes; and indeed most partners wrong one another, except those who believe and do good deeds – and they are very few!” Thereupon Dawud realised that We had tested him, so he sought forgiveness from his Lord, and fell prostrate and inclined (towards his Lord). (Command of Prostration # 10)

We therefore forgave him this; and indeed for him in Our presence are, surely, proximity and an excellent abode.

“O Dawud! We have indeed appointed you as a Viceroy in the earth, therefore judge between mankind with the truth, and do not follow desire for it will lead you astray from Allah’s path; indeed for those who stray away from Allah’s path is a severe punishment, because they forgot the Day of Reckoning.”

And We have not created the heaven and the earth and all that is between them without purpose; this is what the disbelievers assume; therefore ruin is for the disbelievers, by the fire.

Shall We make those who believe and do good deeds equal to those who spread turmoil in the earth? Or shall We equate the pious with the disobedient?

This is a Book which We have sent down upon you, a blessed Book, for them to ponder upon its verses, and for men of intellect to accept advice.

And We bestowed Sulaiman to Dawud; what an excellent bondman! He is indeed most inclined.

When fast footed steeds were presented to him at evening.

Therefore Sulaiman said, “I cherish the love of these horses*, out of remembrance of my Lord”; he then ordered them to be raced until they vanished in a curtain out of sight. (To be used in holy war.)

He then ordered, “Bring them back to me”; and he began caressing their shins and necks.

And We indeed tested Sulaiman, and placed a dead body on his throne – he therefore inclined towards His Lord.

He said, “My Lord! Forgive me and bestow upon me a kingdom, which shall not befit anyone after me; indeed only You are the Great Bestower.”

We therefore gave the wind under his control, moving steadily by his command wherever he wished.

And made the demons subservient to him, all builders and divers.

And other demons bound in chains.

“This is Our bestowal – you may therefore bestow favours or withhold them – you will not be questioned.”

And indeed for him in Our presence are, surely, proximity and an excellent abode.

And remember Our bondman Ayyub (Job); when he cried out* to his Lord, “The devil has struck me with hardship and pain.” (After seven years of patience.)

We said to him, “Strike the earth with your foot; this cool spring is for bathing and drinking.” (A spring of gushed forth when he struck the earth – this was a miracle.)

And We bestowed his household to him and one more similar to it – as a mercy from Us, and as a remembrance for the people of intellect.

And We said, “Take a broom in your hand and strike her with it, and do not break your vow”; We indeed found him patiently enduring; what an excellent bondman! He is indeed most inclined.

And remember Our bondmen Ibrahim, and Ishaq, and Yaqub – the men of power and knowledge.

We indeed gave them distinction with a genuine affair – the remembrance of the (everlasting) abode.

And in Our sight, they are indeed the chosen ones, the beloved.

And remember Ismail and Yasa’a (Elisha) and Zul-Kifl; and they are all excellent.

This is an advice; and indeed for the pious is an excellent abode.

Everlasting Gardens – all its gates are open for them.

Reclining on pillows, in it they ask for fruits and drinks in plenty.

And with them are the pure spouses, who do not set gaze upon men except their husbands, of single age.

This is the promise being given to you, for the Day of Reckoning.

Indeed this is Our sustenance, which will never end.

This is for the virtuous; and indeed for the rebellious is a wretched destination.

Hell; which they shall enter; what an evil resting-place!

This is for the criminals – so that they may taste it – boiling hot water and pus.

And similar other punishments in pairs.

“Here is another group that was with you, falling along with you”; they will answer, “Do not give them plenty of open space; they surely have to enter the fire – let them also be confined!”

The followers will say, “In fact, for you! May you not get open space! It is you who brought this calamity upon us!” So what a wretched destination.

They say, “Our Lord! Whoever has brought this calamity upon us – double the punishment of the fire for him!”

And they say, “What is the matter with us that we do not see the men whom we thought were evil?”

“Did we mock at them or did our eyes turn away from them?”

Indeed this is really true – the people of the hell quarrelling among themselves.

Proclaim (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him), “I am purely a Herald of Warning – and there is no God except Allah, the One, the All Dominant.”

“Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them – the Almighty, the Oft Forgiving.”

Say, “That is a great tidings.”

“You are neglectful of it!”

“What did I know of the heavenly world, when the angels had disputed.”

“I receive only the divine revelations, that I am purely a clear Herald of Warning.”

(Remember) When your Lord said to the angels, “I will create a human from clay.” –

“So when I have perfected him and breathed into him a spirit from Myself, (you all) fall down before him in prostration.”

So all the angels prostrated, every one, without exception.

Except Iblis; he was proud and was, from the beginning, a disbeliever.

Said Allah, “O Iblis! What prevented you from prostrating before one whom I have created with My hands*? Have you become proud or were you haughty from the beginning?” (Used as a metaphor).

Said Iblis, “I am better than him; You made me from fire, and You have created him from clay!”

He said, “Therefore exit from heaven, for you have been outcast.” (To disrespect the Prophets – peace and blessings be upon them – is blasphemy.)

“And indeed My curse is upon you till the Day of Judgement.”

He said, “My Lord! Therefore give me respite till the day when all will be raised.”

Said Allah, “You are therefore among those given respite.”

“Until the time of the known day.”

He said, “Therefore, by oath of Your honour, I will surely mislead all of them.”

“Except Your chosen bondmen among them.”

Said Allah, “So this is the truth; and I speak only the truth.” –

“That I will fill hell with you and with those among them who follow you, all together.”

Say (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) “I do not ask any fee from you for the Qur’an, and I am not a fabricator.”

“It is not but an advice for the entire world.”

“And you will come to know of its tidings, after a while.”

The revelation of the Book is from Allah, the Most Honourable, the Wise.

We have indeed divinely revealed the Book to you (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) with the truth, therefore worship Allah, as His sincere bondman.

Pay heed! Worship is for Allah only; and those who have taken others as their supporters beside Him say; “We worship* them only so that they get us closer to Allah”; Allah will surely judge between them regarding the matter in which they dispute; indeed Allah does not guide one who is a big liar, extremely ungrateful. (*The pagans regarded their idols as smaller Gods and worshipped them. So did the Christians. This does not apply to Muslims who only respect their elders, and ask for their blessings.)

Were Allah to create a son* for Himself, He would have chosen any one from His creation! Purity is to Him! He is Allah, the One, the All Dominant. (*Which is impossible.)

It is He Who created the heavens and the earth with the truth; He envelops the night over day and envelops the day over night, and He has subjected the sun and the moon; each one runs for its appointed term; pay heed! He only is the Most Honourable, the Oft Forgiving.

It is He Who created you from a single being, and then from the same being created its spouse, and sent down for you eight pairs of animals; He creates you in your mothers’ wombs, from one sort to another, in a triple darkness; such is Allah, your Lord – for Him only is the kingship; there is no God except Him; so where are you being turned away?

If you become ungrateful, then (know that) indeed Allah is Independent of you; and He does not like the ungratefulness of His bondmen; and if you give thanks, He is pleased with it for you; and no burdened soul will bear another soul’s burden; you have then to return towards your Lord – He will therefore inform you of what you used to do; undoubtedly, He knows what lies within the hearts.

And when some hardship strikes man, he prays to his Lord, inclined only towards Him – then when Allah grants him a favour from Himself, he forgets why he had prayed to Him earlier, and sets up equals to Allah in order to mislead from Allah’s way; proclaim, “Revel in your disbelief for some days; you are indeed of the people of the fire.”

Will he, whose night hours pass in obedience while prostrating and standing, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, ever be equal to the disobedient? Proclaim, “Are the knowledgeable and the ignorant equal?” It is only the men of intellect who heed advice.

Proclaim (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him), “O my slaves who have accepted faith! Fear your Lord; for those who do good deeds in this world is goodness (in return); and Allah’s earth is spacious; it is the steadfast who will be paid their full reward, without account.”

Say, “I am commanded that I must worship Allah as His sincere bondman.” (And so must you too.)

“And I am commanded that I be the first to submit.”

Say, “Were I to disobey my Lord, I too would fear the punishment of the great Day (of Resurrection).”

Proclaim, “I worship only Allah, as His sincere bondman.”

“Therefore you can worship what you want besides Him!” Say, “The worst losers are those who will lose themselves and their household on the Day of Resurrection; pay heed! This is the plain loss!”

Above them are mountains of fire and beneath them are mountains of fire; Allah scares His bondmen with this; “O My bondmen! Fear Me!”

And those who stayed away from the worship of idols, and inclined towards Allah – for them are glad tidings; therefore give glad tidings to My bondmen. –

Those who heed attentively and follow the best from it; it is these whom Allah has guided, and it is these who have intelligence.

So will the one upon whom the Word of punishment has proved true, ever be equal to those who are forgiven? So will you guide and save the one who deserves the fire? (Because the hearts of some disbelievers are sealed).

But for those who fear their Lord, are the high chambers with more high chambers built above them – rivers flowing beneath them; a promise of Allah; Allah does not renege on His promise.

Did you not see that it is Allah Who sent down water from the sky, and then with it made springs in the earth, and then with it produces crops of various colours, and then it dries up and you see it has become yellow, and He then fragments them into small pieces; indeed in this is a reminder for people of intellect.

So will he whose bosom Allah has opened up for Islam – he is therefore upon a light from his Lord – ever be equal to one who is stone hearted? Therefore ruin is for those whose hearts are hardened towards the remembrance of Allah; they are in open error.

Allah has sent down the best of Books (the Holy Qur’an), which is consistent throughout, the one with paired statements; the hairs on the skins of those who fear their Lord, stand on end with it; then their skins and their hearts soften, inclined towards the remembrance of Allah; this is the guidance of Allah, He may guide whomever He wills with it; and whomever Allah sends astray, there is no guide for him.

So will he who will not have a shield except his own face against the wretched punishment on the Day of Resurrection, ever be equal to one who is forgiven? And it will be said to the unjust, “Taste what you have earned!”

Those before them had denied, therefore the punishment came to them from a place they did not know.

So Allah made them taste humiliation in the life of this world; and indeed the punishment of the Hereafter is the greatest; if only they knew!

And We have indeed illustrated examples of all kinds in this Qur’an, so that they may ponder.

The Qur’an in Arabic, having no deviation at all, so that they may be pious.

Allah illustrates an example – “A man having several wicked masters as partners, and another man belonging wholly to just one master; are the two equal in comparison?” All praise is to Allah; in fact, most among them do not know.

Indeed you (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) will taste death, and they (the disbelievers) too will die.

Then you will dispute before your Lord on the Day of Resurrection.