054 Al-Qamar

Whenever they see a sign[2], they turn away and say, “Same old magic!”

Translation notes: [2] The prophets were given signs or miracles as a proof that they were commissioned by Allah. Moses (عليه السلام) was given the miracles of staff and a bright hand. Jesus (عليه السلام) would give life to the dead and heal the blind and the leper. Muhammad (ﷺ) was given the Qur’an, a literary miracle, challenging the masters of Arabic eloquence. Nonetheless, he (ﷺ) performed other miracles such as splitting the moon, increasing food and water, and healing some ailments.

They deny [the truth] and follow their desires, but every matter will reach its inevitable end.

There have already come to them stories [of destroyed nations] that are sufficient to deter them,

which contain extensive wisdom, but the warnings are of no avail.

So turn away from them [O Prophet]. On the Day when the caller[3] will summon them to a horrific event[4],

Translation notes: [3] Isrāfīl, the angel assigned to blow the Trumpet and call all for resurrection. [4] i.e., Judgment Day.

with eyes downcast, they will come out of the graves like scattered locusts,

rushing headlong towards the caller. The disbelievers will say, “This is a hard Day!”

The people of Noah rejected [the truth] before them; they rejected Our slave and said, “He is a madman,” and he was intimidated.

So he called upon his Lord, “I am overpowered, so help me!”

So We opened the gates of the sky with water pouring down in torrents,

and We caused the earth to burst forth with springs, then the waters met for a preordained purpose.

We carried him on an [Ark made] of planks and nails,

sailing under Our [Watchful] Eyes; as a reward for the one [they] denied.

We have certainly left it[5] as a sign; is there anyone to take heed?

Translation notes: [5] i.e., the punishment, the Flood, or the Ark.

Then how were My punishment and My warnings[6]?

Translation notes: [6] As a warning to those who came after them.

We have certainly made the Qur’an easy to understand and remember; is there anyone to take heed?

‘Ād disbelieved. Then how were My punishment and My warnings?

We sent against them a furious wind[7] on a day of continuous misfortune,

Translation notes: [7] i.e., a tumultuous and screaming wind.

sweeping people away[8], as if they were trunks of uprooted palm trees.

Translation notes: [8] i.e., extracting them from the earth.

Then how were My punishment and My warnings?

We have certainly made the Qur’an easy to understand and remember; is there anyone to take heed?

Thamūd rejected the warnings,

They said, “Shall we follow a single human being[9] from among us? Then we would surely be in error and insanity!

Translation notes: [9] i.e., Prophet Sālih (عليه السلام).

Has the revelation been sent down upon him out of all of us? Rather, he is an insolent liar.”

Tomorrow they will know who the insolent liar is.

We are sending the she-camel as a test for them, so watch them [O Sālih] and be patient,

and tell them that the water is to be shared between them[10]; each should take its drink in turn.

Translation notes: [10] i.e., one day for the tribe of Thamūd and one day for the she-camel.

But they called their companion[11], and he undertook the task[12] and hamstrung her.

Translation notes: [11] i.e., the worst among them. [12] Or took his sword.

Then how [terrible] My punishment and My warnings were!

We sent against them a single blast, leaving them like trampled hedge-building twigs[13].

Translation notes: [13] The people of Thamūd were crushed like trampled and trodden twigs and pieces of bush lying around an enclosure for cattle.

We have certainly made the Qur’an easy to understand and remember; is there anyone to take heed?

The people of Lot rejected the warnings.

We sent against them a storm of pebbles, except the family of Lot whom We saved before dawn,

as a blessing from Us. Thus do We reward those who give thanks.

He had already warned them of Our punishing assault, but they doubted the warnings.

They even demanded that he let them have their way with his angel-guests[14], so We blinded their eyes, [saying], “Taste My punishment and My warnings!”

Translation notes: [14] Whom Allah sent in the form of handsome young men.

By the early morning a lasting torment overtook them.

Taste My punishment and My warnings!

We have certainly made the Qur’an easy to understand and remember; is there anyone to take heed?

Indeed, warnings came to the people of Pharaoh.

But they rejected all of Our signs, so We seized them with the grip of the All-Mighty, Most Powerful.

Are your disbelievers [O Makkans] superior to those[15] or have you been granted immunity in divine Scriptures?

Translation notes: [15] i.e., those destroyed peoples.

Or do they say, “We are a united front, bound to prevail.”?

Soon their united front will be defeated, and they will flee[16].

Translation notes: [16] This foretold event was fulfilled in the Battle of Badr.

But the Hour is their appointed time, and the Hour is more catastrophic and more bitter.

Indeed, the wicked are in error and blazes[17].

Translation notes: [17] i.e., will burn in the Hellfire.

On the Day when they will be dragged into the Fire on their faces, [they will be told], “Taste the agony of Hell[18]!”

Translation notes: [18] "Saqar" is one of the names of Hell.

We have surely created everything in a determined measure[19].

Translation notes: [19] Or perfectly preordained.

Our command is but a single word[20], which is fulfilled in the blink of an eye.

Translation notes: [20] Our command when We want something, We only say, "Be," and it is.

We have destroyed many like you [O Makkans][21]; is there anyone to take heed?

Translation notes: [21] In rejecting Allah's messengers.

Everything they did is in the written records,

and everything, small or big, is written down.

Indeed, the righteous will be in gardens and rivers[22],

Translation notes: [22] Rivers of water, honey, milk, and wine. See 47:15.

seated in honor in the presence of the Most Powerful Sovereign.