037 As-Saaffaat

and those who drive [the clouds],

and those who recite Allah’s words[1],

Translation notes: [1] Allah swears by three kinds of angels in these three above-mentioned verses to emphasize what comes in the next verse.

indeed, your God is One,

Lord of the heavens and earth and all that is between them, and Lord of the points of sunrise.

We have adorned the sky with the beauty of the stars,

and for safeguarding it against every rebellious devil,

so that they cannot eavesdrop on the highest assembly [of angels] and are pelted from every side[2]

Translation notes: [2] By meteors.

to repel them; and for them there will be a perpetual punishment,

except who stealthily snatches away some words, he will be pursued by a piercing flame.

So ask them, “Are they more difficult to create or other things We created? We created them[3] from sticky clay.

Translation notes: [3] i.e., their father Adam.

Rather you are astonished, while they ridicule it,

and when they are reminded, they pay no heed,

and when they see a sign, they ridicule it,

and they say, “This is nothing but clear magic.

Is it that when we are dead and become dust and bones, will we really be raised up again,

and our forefathers too?”

Say, “Yes, and you will be disgraced.”

It will only be a single Blast[4], and at once they will be looking around.

Translation notes: [4] i.e., the second blow of the Trumpet.

They will say, “Woe to us! This is the Day of Judgment!”

[They will be told], “This is the Day of Decision that you used to deny.”

[The angels will be told], “Gather all those who did wrong and their fellows[5], and whatever they used to worship

Translation notes: [5] In wrongdoing or evil deeds.

besides Allah, and lead them to the way of Hell,

and stop them, for they are to be questioned.”

[They will be asked], “What is the matter with you, that you no longer help one another?”

Rather on that Day they will surrender completely.

They will turn to one another, reproaching one another.

[The followers] will say, “It was you who used to delude us from the right way[6].”

Translation notes: [6] Or you used to pressure us, or deceived us with false oaths, or claimed to have the truth.

[The misleaders] will say, “Rather, you yourselves were not believers,

and We had no power over you, rather you yourselves were a transgressing people.

Now the punishment of our Lord has come true against us; we will surely taste it.

We did misguide you, for we ourselves were misguided”.

On that Day they will all share in the punishment.

This is how We deal with the wicked,

for whenever it was said to them, “None has the right to be worshiped except Allah,” they became arrogant,

and said, “Are we going to abandon our gods for a mad poet[7]?”

Translation notes: [7] They mean the Prophet (ﷺ).

Rather, he came with the truth and confirmed the messengers.

You will surely taste the painful punishment,

and you will only be recompensed for what you used to do,

except the chosen slaves of Allah.

They will have a known provision,

fruits[8]; and they will be honored

Translation notes: [8] i.e., everything delicious that they desire.

in Gardens of Bliss,

facing one another[9] on couches.

Translation notes: [9] It implies that they will not harbor ill feelings toward one another.

They will be served with a cup of wine from a flowing stream,

white and delicious for those who drink.

It will cause no harm, nor will they be intoxicated by it,

and with them will be maidens of modest gaze[10] and beautiful eyes,

Translation notes: [10] i.e., chaste and bashful, looking only at their mates.

as if they were well-protected eggs[11].

Translation notes: [11] Or pristine pearls.

Then they will turn to one another asking[12].

Translation notes: [12] Of their lives in the world and what led them to Paradise.

One of them will say, “I had a close friend [in the world]

who used to say[13], ‘Are you one of those who believe

Translation notes: [13] Mockingly.

that when we die and become dust and bones, shall we be brought for judgment?’”

He will say[14], “Do you wish to see [his fate]?”

Translation notes: [14] To his companions in Paradise.

So he will look down and see him[15] in the midst of the Blazing Fire.

Translation notes: [15] His close friend who tried to dissuade him from faith.

He will say, “By Allah, you were about to ruin me.

Were it not for the grace of my Lord, I would have been among those who are brought [to Hell].”

[He will say to his fellow believers], “Are we not going to die anymore,

except for our first death, nor are we going to be punished?”

This is indeed the supreme triumph!

For such [reward] let the workers work.

Is this a better accommodation or the tree of Zaqqūm[16]?[17]

Translation notes: [16] The tree of cactus. [17] The disbelievers of Makkah derided the Prophet (ﷺ) when he warned them of this tree. They wondered how a tree could grow in Hellfire. So Allah revealed this verse.

We have made it a trial for the wrongdoers.

It is a tree that grows in the bottom of the Blazing Fire;

its fruits are like heads of devils.

They will certainly eat from it, filling their bellies.

Then on top of that they will be given a mixture of scalding water,

then their final return will be to the Blazing Fire.

For they found their forefathers astray,

so they rushed to follow in their footsteps.

Indeed, most of the earlier people went astray before them,

even though We sent among them warners.

Then see how was the end of those who were warned,

except the chosen slaves of Allah.

Indeed, Noah called upon Us; how excellent are We at responding!

And We saved him and his household[18] from the great distress,

Translation notes: [18] i.e., the believers in his household.

and made his offspring[19] the only survivors,

Translation notes: [19] i.e., Noah’s offspring: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

and We left for him [a favorable mention] among later generations:

“Peace be upon Noah among all the nations.”

This is how We reward those who do good.

He was one of Our believing slaves.

Then we drowned the others.

Indeed, Abraham was one of those who followed his way.

When he came to his Lord with a sound heart,

and said to his father and his people, “What are you worshiping?

Is it false gods that you seek other than Allah?

Then what do you think of the Lord of the worlds?”

He then cast a glance at the stars[20],

Translation notes: [20] His people had faith in astrology, so Abraham pretended to do the same to show them that he was not able to join them at their pagan feast and to remain in their temple of idols, while he was planning to destroy their idols.

and said, “I am sick[21].”

Translation notes: [21] The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Ibrahim (peace be upon him) did not lie except for three lies: His saying {I am sick} and his saying {Rather, the chief of them did this} and his saying about his wife, “She is my sister.” [Al-Bukhāri, Muslim]. Two of them were for the sake of Allah, and the third one was for the sake of his sister.

So they went away from him and left.

Then he turned to their gods and said, “Why do you not eat[22]?

Translation notes: [22] The offerings placed before you.

What is wrong with you that you do not speak?”

Then he turned upon them, striking them with his right hand.

Then his people came rushing towards him.

He said, “Do you worship what you yourselves carve,

when it is Allah Who created you and all what you do?”

They said, “Build a pyre for him and throw him into the blazing fire.”

They contrived a plan against him, but We made them the lowest.

He said, “I am going to my Lord; He will guide me.

My Lord, grant me righteous offspring.”

So We gave him glad tidings of a forbearing boy[23].

Translation notes: [23] i.e., Ishmael

Then when he reached the age where he could work with him, Abraham said, “O my dear son, I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you. What do you think?” He said, “O my dear father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, one of the steadfast.”

When they both submitted [to Allah’s command] and Abraham laid him on his forehead,

and We called out to him, “O Abraham,

You have fulfilled the dream.” This is how We reward those who do good.

This was indeed a revealing test.

And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice[24],

Translation notes: [24] Allah Almighty sent a ram to be sacrificed in place of Ishmael.

and We left for him [a favorable mention] among later generations:

“Peace be upon Abraham.”

This is how We reward those who do good.

He was one of Our believing slaves.

And We gave him the glad tidings of Isaac[25], a prophet, and one of the righteous.

Translation notes: [25] The birth of Isaac is mentioned after the story of sacrifice, which verifies that the firstborn son who was sacrificed was indeed Ishmael and not Isaac, contrary to what is claimed by the Jews and Christians. This is also supported by 11:71, where Sarah is told that she would give birth to Isaac, who would have a son by the name of Jacob.

We blessed him[26] and Isaac, but among their offspring were some who did good and some who clearly wronged themselves.

Translation notes: [26] Abraham or Ishmael.

Indeed, We bestowed Our favor upon Moses and Aaron,

and We saved them and their people from the great distress[27],

Translation notes: [27] Of enslavement at the hands of Pharaoh and his people, as well as of drowning.

and We helped them, so they were victorious,

and We gave them both the clear Scripture,

and guided them to the straight path;

and We left for them [a favorable mention] among later generations:

“Peace be upon Moses and Aaron.”

This is how We reward those who do good.

They were truly of Our believing slaves.

Elijah was indeed one of the messengers.

When he said to his people: “Do you not fear Allah?

Do you call upon Ba‘l[28] and ignore the Best of the Creators,

Translation notes: [28] A great idol worshiped by the people.

Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers?”

But they rejected him, so they will surely be brought [for punishment],

except the chosen slaves of Allah.

And We left for him [a favorable mention] among later generations:

“Peace be upon Elias.”

This is how We reward those who do good.

He was one of Our believing slaves.

Lot was indeed one of the messengers.

When We saved him and all of his household,

except an old woman[29] who was among those who stayed behind.

Translation notes: [29] Lot’s wife, who was not a believer.

Then We destroyed the rest.

You [Makkans] pass by their ruins by day

and by night. Do you still not understand?

Jonah was indeed one of the messengers.

When he fled to the fully laden ship,

then he cast lots[30] with them, but was among those who lost.

Translation notes: [30] To determine who would be cast overboard in order to save the rest of the passengers; the ship was about to sink, for it was overloaded.

The whale then swallowed him while he was blameworthy[31].

Translation notes: [31] For leaving his people without Allah’s permission.

Were it not for the fact that he was one of those who glorify Allah,

he would have stayed in its belly until the Day of Resurrection[32].

Translation notes: [32] The belly of the fish would have turned to be his grave.

But We cast him ashore on a barren land while he was ill,

and caused a gourd vine[33] to grow over him.

Translation notes: [33] For its cooling shade and as food for him.

We sent him[34] to one hundred thousand people or more,

Translation notes: [34] i.e., We sent him thereafter to his people.

and they believed, so We let them enjoy for a while.

So ask them, “Does your Lord have daughters while they have sons?”[35]

Translation notes: [35] The pagans of Makkah claimed that angels were Allah’s daughters, while preferring sons for themselves.

Or did We create the angels as females while they were watching?

No indeed, it is one of their fabrications when they say,

“Allah has children,” and they are truly liars.

Did He choose daughters over sons[36]?

Translation notes: [36] i.e., daughters that you hate over sons that you like?

What is the matter with you? How do you judge?

Will you not then take heed?

Do you have any compelling proof?

Then bring your scripture, if you are truthful.

They claim that there is a kinship between Him and the jinn[37], when the jinn themselves know that such people will surely be brought [for punishment].

Translation notes: [37] It was claimed by some Arab pagans that angels are daughters of Allah through female jinn.

Glorified is Allah far above what they ascribe [to Him].

But not the chosen slaves of Allah[38].

Translation notes: [38] Who do not ascribe to Allah such false claims.

So you and whatever you worship

none of you can lure anyone away from Him,

except those who are destined to burn in the Blazing Fire[39].

Translation notes: [39] Due to their disbelief and evil deeds.

[The angels say][40], “There is none among us but has a known station[41]:

Translation notes: [40] Refuting the disbelievers’ false claims about them. [41] In worshiping Allah and obeying Him in our assigned tasks.

We are indeed those who stand lined up in rows,

and we are indeed those who glorify Allah.”

And [the pagans] used to say[42],

Translation notes: [42] Before the revelation of the Qur’an.

“If only we had a scripture[43] like the previous people,

Translation notes: [43] Such as the Torah and the Gospel.

we would have surely been true slaves of Allah.”

But they rejected it[44]; soon they will come to know.

Translation notes: [44] i.e., their own message, the Qur’an.

Our Word has already been given to Our slaves, the messengers,

that it is surely they who will be given victory,

and that Our soldiers will surely be the victors.

So turn away from them for a while.

Wait and see; soon they will see [their end].

Do they really seek to hasten Our punishment?

When it[45] descends on their courtyard, how terrible will be the morning of those who were warned!

Translation notes: [45] Allah’s punishment.

And turn away from them for a while.

Wait and see; soon they will see [their end].

Glory be to your Lord, the Lord of Might, far above what they ascribe [to Him],

and peace be upon the messengers,

and all praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.