023 Al-Muminoon

those who humble themselves in their prayers,

and those who turn away from all that is vain,

and those who give zakah[1],

Translation notes: [1] Zakah (lit.,) purification and growth. Paying alms purifies and increases wealth.

and those who guard their sexual desires[2],

Translation notes: [2] i.e., illegal sexual acts.

except with their wives or slave women they may own, for then they are free of blame.

But whoever seeks anything beyond that, it is they who are the transgressors.

And those who are faithful to their trusts and pledges,

and those who properly observe their prayers.

Such will be the inheritors,

who will inherit Paradise[3]; they will abide therein forever.

Translation notes: [3] Al-Firdaws: the highest rank in Paradise.

We created man[4] from an extract of clay,

Translation notes: [4] i.e., Adam (عليه السلام).

then We placed him as a sperm-drop[5] in a safe place,

Translation notes: [5] i.e., a zygote.

then We made the sperm drop into a clinging clot, then We made the clinging clot into a lump, then We made the lump into bones, and We clothed the bones with flesh, and then We developed it into another creation[6]. So Blessed is Allah, the Best of Creators.

Translation notes: [6] After breathing the spirit into the embryo.

Then after that you will surely die,

then on the Day of Resurrection, you will surely be resurrected.

We have created above you seven levels [of heaven], and We have never been unaware of Our creation.

We send down water from the sky in due measure and cause it to stay in the earth, and We are surely able to take it away.

With this [water] We produce for you gardens of palm trees and grapevines, in which there are many fruits from which you eat,

and [olive] tree that grows at Mount Sinai, producing oil and condiments for those who eat.

And there is certainly a lesson for you in livestock animals. We provide you with a drink out of what they have in their bellies, and for you there are many benefits in them, and from their [meat] you eat,

and on them and on boats you are carried.

We sent Noah to his people. He said, “O my people, worship Allah; you have no god other than Him. Will you not then fear Him?”

The disbelieving chiefs of his people said, “This is only a man like yourselves who wants to be superior to you. If Allah had willed, He could have sent down angels. We have not heard such a thing from our forefathers.

He is just a madman, so bear with him for a while[7].”

Translation notes: [7] Perhaps he may recover from his insanity or his affair may become clear to people.

Noah said, “My Lord, help me, for they have rejected me.”

So We inspired him [saying], “Make the Ark under Our Eyes and according to Our directions. Then when Our command comes and the oven bursts with water[8], take on board a pair of each species and your family, except those against whom the decree has already been passed. And do not plead with Me concerning those who have done wrong, for they will surely be drowned.”

Translation notes: [8] Or the fountains of the earth gush forth.

Then when you and those who are with you have embarked on the Ark, say, “All praise is for Allah, Who saved us from the wrongdoing people.”

And say: “My Lord, make my landing a blessed landing, for You provide the best landing’”.

Indeed, there are signs in this, and We always put people to the test.

Then We raised up after them another generation[9],

Translation notes: [9] i.e., the people of ‘Aad.

and We sent to them a messenger[10] from among themselves [saying], “Worship Allah; you have no god other than Him. Will you not then fear Him?”

Translation notes: [10] i.e., Prophet Hūd, who was sent to the people of ‘Aad.

But the chiefs of his people who disbelieved and denied the meeting of the Hereafter, and whom We had made affluent in the life of this world, said, “He is no more than a man like yourselves; he eats what you eat and drinks what you drink.

If you obey a man like yourselves, you will surely be losers.

Does he promise you that when you have died and become dust and bones, you will be brought forth?

Far-fetched, utterly far-fetched is what you are promised![11]

Translation notes: [11] i.e., How distant and improbable is the resurrection!

There is nothing except our life in this world; we die, others are born, and none will be resurrected.

He is no more than a man who has fabricated lies about Allah, and we will never believe in him.”

Noah said, “My Lord, help me for they have rejected me.”

Allah said, “In a little while they will surely be regretful.”

So the huge blast[12] overtook them in all justice, and We swept them away like scum[13]. So away with the wrongdoing people!

Translation notes: [12] i.e., a piercing cry. [13] Ghutha’ literally means the froth thrown out by flood waters on the banks.

Then We raised after them other generations.

No nation can bring its appointed time forward, nor can it delay it.

Then We sent Our messengers in succession: every time a messenger came to his people, they rejected him. So We destroyed them, one after the others, and made them mere tales[14]. Away with the people who refuse to believe[15]!

Translation notes: [14] i.e., history or lessons for people. [15] i.e., those who refuse to believe in the messengers.

Then We sent Moses and his brother Aaron with Our signs[16] and compelling proof[17]

Translation notes: [16] Allah sent them both with nine clear signs or miracles: the staff turning into a snake, the bright hand, famine, shortage of crops, floods, locusts, lice, frogs, and blood. [17] i.e., compelling proof that they were Allah’s messengers.

to Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they showed arrogance and were haughty people.

They said, “Should we believe in two men like ourselves when their people are our slaves?”

So they rejected them both and were among those who were destroyed.

We gave Moses the Scripture so that they[18] might be guided.

Translation notes: [18] i.e., the Children of Israel.

We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign[19] and sheltered them on a hillside – a place of rest and a flowing stream[20].

Translation notes: [19] The miraculous birth of Jesus is clear proof of Allah's Omnipotence that Mary gave birth to him without male interference. [20] Other Prophets were rejected for being human beings; whereas, people went to two extremes regarding Jesus: some considered him as divine, while some others went to the other extreme by accusing Mary of unchastity, although they were witnesses of the miraculous birth of Jesus and had heard him speak in the cradle.

O messengers[21], eat from the lawful things[22] and act righteously, for I am All-Knowing of what you do.

Translation notes: [21] In this verse, all of the messengers have been addressed together, which indicates that they all belonged to the same community and their message was one. [22] They must be wholesome and earned in lawful ways.

Indeed, this religion of yours is one religion[23], and I am your Lord, so fear Me.

Translation notes: [23] i.e., the religion of Islam, which is submission to the will of Allah.

But people split up their religion into factions, each faction rejoicing in what it has[24].

Translation notes: [24] Of beliefs, opinions, and customs.

So leave them in their heedlessness for a while.

Do they think that what We give them wealth and children,

that We hasten to them all that is good? No, but they do not perceive it[25].

Translation notes: [25] They do not perceive that the good things given to them in this world are but a trial for them to increase in sin and disobedience.

Those who are in awe for fear of their Lord[26],

Translation notes: [26] In spite of their faith and righteousness, they are in awe of their Lord.

and those who believe in the verses of their Lord,

and those who do not associate partners with their Lord,

and those who do whatever [good] they do with their hearts fearful[27], knowing that they will return to their Lord –

Translation notes: [27] That their deeds may not be acceptable.

it is they who hasten to do good deeds, and they are foremost in them.

We do not burden a soul more than what it can bear. We have a Record [of their deeds][28] that tells the truth, and none will be wronged[29].

Translation notes: [28] It records every word he utters and every act he does. [29] By wrongfully punishing someone or diminishing the reward of those who did good.

But their hearts are oblivious to this[30], and they have other [evil] deeds that they are doing.

Translation notes: [30] They are heedless of the fact that everything they say or do is recorded in a Record, or that they are heedless of the Qur’an.

But as soon as We seize their affluent ones with punishment[31], they start crying for help.

Translation notes: [31] On the Day of Judgment.

“Do not cry for help today, for you will receive no help from Us.

My verses were recited to you, but you used to turn back on your heels,

feeling proud of this [Sacred House], spending night in evil talks [about the Qur’an].”

Have they not pondered the Words [of Allah], or has there come to them what did not come to their forefathers?

Or is it that they do not recognize their Messenger, so they deny him?

Or do they say, “There is madness in him?” Rather, he has come to them with the truth, but most of them are averse to the truth.

Were the Truth to follow their desires, the heavens and earth, and all those who are therein would have been ruined. In fact, We have given them their Reminder, but they are averse to their Reminder.

Or do you ask them for some reward[32]? But the reward of your Lord is best[33], and He is the Best of Providers.

Translation notes: [32] Which did not actually happen. [33] This was another proof of the Prophet’s prophethood, for he was conveying the message without demanding any recompense for it; rather, he staked his peaceful life and relationships with his people for accomplishing his mission.

Indeed, you are calling them to a straight path,

but those who do not believe in the Hereafter are deviating from that path.

Even if We were to show them mercy and relieve their adversity[34], they would still persist in their transgression, wandering blindly.

Translation notes: [34] It refers to the famine which occurred in Makkah some time after the advent of prophethood.

We have already seized them with punishment, but they did not humble themselves to their Lord, nor did they supplicate in humility,

until when We open for them a gateway of severe punishment, they will be plunged into utter despair.

It is He Who gave you hearing, sight and hearts. How little you give thanks[35]!

Translation notes: [35] The disbelievers, instead of showing gratefulness for the blessings of eyes, ears, mind, and heart; show ingratitude to their Creator.

And it is He Who spread you on earth, and to Him you will all be gathered.

It is He Who gives life and causes death, and to Him belongs the alternation of night and day[36]. Do you not understand?

Translation notes: [36] The One Who possesses all these powers is the only One worthy of worship without any partners with Him.

But[37] they say the like of what the earlier peoples said.

Translation notes: [37] Instead of using their understanding and reason.

They say, “Is it that when we die and become dust and bones, will we really be resurrected[38]?

Translation notes: [38] The One Who created the earth and everything on it from nothing, it is easy for Him to re-create them once again.

This is what we and our forefathers were promised before; this is nothing but ancient fables.”

Say, “To whom belong the earth and all those who are on it, if you really know?”

They will say, “To Allah.” Say, “Will you not then take heed?”

Say, “Who is the Lord of the seven heavens and the Lord of the Mighty Throne?”

They will say, “Allah.” Say, “Will you not then fear Him?”

Say, “In Whose Hand is the dominion of all things – and He gives protection while none can protect against Him – if you really know?”

They will say, “Allah.” Say, “Then how can you be deluded?”

In fact, We brought them the truth, but they are certainly liars[39].

Translation notes: [39] For claiming that Allah has partners and offspring, and that there is no life after death.

Allah has never begotten a son, nor is there any god besides Him. Otherwise, each god would have taken away what he had created, and each would have tried to gain supremacy over the other[40]. Glory be to Allah far above what they ascribe to Him!

Translation notes: [40] Then there would have been serious conflicts and wars among different sovereigns and gods.

Knower of the unseen and the seen. Exalted is He far above what they associate with Him!

Say, “My Lord, if You show me what they[41] are warned of,

Translation notes: [41] i.e., the pagans of Makkah.

my Lord, then do not include me among the wrongdoing people[42].”

Translation notes: [42] Allah’s punishment should be dreaded by all; when it comes, it does not only destroy the wicked but may also involve the righteous.

We are surely able to show you that of which We have warned them.

Repel evil with what is best; We know well what they claim[43].

Translation notes: [43] That there are other gods besides Allah, and that the Prophet is a liar, a poet, etc.

And say, “My Lord, I seek refuge with You from the temptations of the devils.

And I seek refuge with You, my Lord, that they even come near me.”

Until when death comes to one of them, he says, “My Lord, send me back,

so that I may do righteous deeds in what I left behind.” No, it is only a word he utters. And behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected[44]

Translation notes: [44] i.e., Once they die, there will be no chance of returning to the world, and they shall remain in that state until the Day of Resurrection.

When the Trumpet is blown[45], there will be no kinship ties between them on that Day, nor will they ask about one another[46].

Translation notes: [45] When the Trumpet is blown on the Day of Resurrection by an angel, everyone on earth will die. Then it will be blown a second time, and all will raise for Judgment. See 39:68. [46] For everyone will be worried and anxious about his own plight.

So those whose scales [of good deeds] are heavy, it is they who will be successful.

But those whose scales are light, they are the ones who have lost their souls, abiding in Hell forever.

The Fire will scorch their faces, leaving them disfigured[47].

Translation notes: [47] Kālih means a face whose skin has been removed by scorching until the jaws are exposed.

“Were not My verses recited to you, and you used to reject them?”

They will say, “Our Lord, our misfortune overwhelmed us, and we were a people who went astray.

Our Lord, take us out of this; if we returned [to evil], we would certainly be wrongdoers.”

Allah will say, “Stay therein despised and do not speak to Me[48].

Translation notes: [48] i.e., Do not plead your case with Me.

There was a group of My slaves who used to pray, ‘Our Lord, we believe, so forgive us and have mercy upon us, and You are the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.’

But you took them in mockery until they made you forget My remembrance, and you used to laugh at them.

I have rewarded them Today for their patience; it is they who are the successful.”

He will say, “How many years did you stay on earth?”

They will say, “We stayed for a day or part of a day; ask those who keep count.”[49]

Translation notes: [49] Compared to the duration and misery of their stay in Hell, their life in this world will seem extremely short to them.

Allah will say, “You only stayed for a while, if only you had known[50].

Translation notes: [50] That the life of this world was transitory and was a test, but you did not realize it.

Did you think that We created you with no purpose and that you would not be brought back to Us?”

Exalted is Allah, the True Sovereign[51]! None has the right to be worshiped except Him, the Lord of the Honorable Throne.

Translation notes: [51] The One Who owns everything in existence.

Whoever invokes another god besides Allah, for which he has no proof, his reckoning will be with his Lord[52]. Indeed, the disbelievers will never succeed.

Translation notes: [52] i.e., he cannot escape His accountability.

Say, “My Lord, forgive and have mercy, and you are the Best of those who show mercy.”