007 Al-A'raaf

This is a Book that has been sent down to you [O Prophet], so do not let your heart be troubled by it; so that you may warn thereby and as a reminder to the believers.

Follow [O mankind] what has been sent down to you from your Lord, and do not follow any guardians besides Him. Little it is that you take heed!

How many towns We have destroyed, and Our punishment came upon them at night or while they were taking midday rest.

Their only cry, when Our punishment came upon them, was, “We were indeed wrongdoers.”

So We will surely question those to whom the messengers were sent, and We will surely question the messengers themselves.

Then We will surely give them a full account [of their deeds] on the basis of knowledge, for We were never absent.

The weighing [of deeds] on that Day will be true and just. Those whose scales [of good deeds] are heavy, it is they who will be successful.

But those whose scales are light, it is they who have lost their own souls, because they wrongfully rejected Our verses.

We established you on earth and provided you with means of livelihood therein. Little do you give thanks.

We surely created you, then shaped you, then We said to the angels, “Prostrate before Adam,” so they prostrated, except Iblīs [i.e., Satan], who was not one of those who prostrated[2].

Translation notes: [2] See 2:34.

Allah said, “What prevented you from prostrating when I ordered you?” He said, “I am better than him; You created me from fire and created him from clay.”

Allah said, “Then get down from here! It is not for you to show arrogance[3] here. Get out, for you are one of the disgraced.”

Translation notes: [3] The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “None who has a mote’s weight of arrogance in his heart shall enter Paradise.” [Muslim: 91].

He said, “Grant me respite until the Day they are resurrected.”

Allah said, “You are of those who are granted respite”.

He said, “Since You have led me astray[4], I will certainly lie in wait for them on Your straight path.

Translation notes: [4] By citing predestination (al-qadar), Satan sets the record for being the first to use al-qadar as a pretext for not following Allah’s command (al-’amr) as an excuse to justify his rebelliousness against Him.

Then I will come against them from their front and from their back, from their right and from their left[5], and You will not find most of them grateful.”

Translation notes: [5] This shows how purposeful and determined Satan really is in his mission. Such an enemy should be guarded against with constant vigilance.

Allah said, “Get out of here, disgraced and expelled! I will certainly fill Hell with you and those who follow you all together.”

“O Adam, dwell in Paradise, you and your wife, and eat from wherever you wish, but do not approach this tree, or else you will both be among the wrongdoers.”

Then Satan whispered to them in order to expose what was hidden from them of their private parts. He said, “Your Lord has only forbidden to you this tree to prevent you from becoming angels or immortals.”

And he swore to them, “I am indeed your sincere adviser.”

So he deluded them both with deception. When they tasted the tree, their private parts became visible to them, so they began to put together leaves of the Garden to cover themselves. Their Lord called them, “Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is your sworn enemy?”

They said, “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves; if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.”

Allah said, “Get down as enemies to one another. You will find a dwelling place on earth and provision for an appointed time.”

He said, “There you will live, and there you will die, and from there you will be raised again.”

O children of Adam, We have given you garments that cover your private parts and as an adornment. However, the garment of piety – that is best. That is one of the signs of Allah, so that they may take heed.

O children of Adam, do not let Satan seduce you as he caused your parents to be expelled from the Garden, stripping them of their garments and making their private parts visible to them. He and his offspring see you from where you cannot see them. We have made devils allies to those who disbelieve.

When they commit a shameful act[6], they say, “We found our forefathers doing it, and Allah has enjoined it upon us.” Say, “Allah never enjoins shameful acts. Do you say about Allah something of which you have no knowledge?”

Translation notes: [6] The heathen practice of the Arabs who used to associate others with Allah and circumambulate around the Ka‘bah naked.

Say [O Prophet], “My Lord has enjoined doing what is right; direct your faces [to Him alone] wherever you pray; call upon Him with sincere devotion to Him. Just as He created you first, so you will be brought back to life.”

A group He has guided, and another group deserved to go stray. They have taken devils as their guardians instead of Allah, thinking that they are guided.

O children of Adam, dress well for every prayer[7]. Eat and drink, but do not waste, for He does not like the wasteful.

Translation notes: [7] It is obligatory to wear the clothes while praying.

Say, “Who has forbidden the adornments and lawful provisions[8] that Allah has brought forth for His slaves?” Say, “They are for the believers in the life of this world, and they will be exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection. This is how We make the verses clear for people who have knowledge.”

Translation notes: [8] These adornments and lawful provisions may be enjoyed by both the believers and the disbelievers only in this life.

Say, “My Lord has forbidden shameful acts[9] done openly or in secret, sinfulness, unjustified aggression, associating partners with Allah for which He has not sent down any authority, and saying about Allah that of which you have no knowledge.”

Translation notes: [9] i.e., all unlawful acts.

Each nation has its appointed time. When their appointed time comes, they cannot delay it for a moment or bring it forward.

O children of Adam, when there come to you messengers from among you, reciting My verses to you – then whoever fears Allah and mends his ways, they will have no fear, nor will they grieve[10].

Translation notes: [10] They need not worry about the future or their past sins.

But those who reject Our verses and show arrogance towards them, they are the people of the Fire, they will abide therein forever.

Who does greater wrong than the one who fabricates lies against Allah or rejects His verses? They will receive the share that is destined for them, until when Our angel-messengers come to take their souls, saying, “Where are those whom you used to invoke besides Allah?” They will say, “They are lost from us,” and they will testify against themselves that they were disbelievers.

Allah will say, “Enter the Fire along with nations of jinn and humans who have passed on before you.” Every time a nation enters, it will curse the preceding one until they are all gathered inside, the followers will say about their leaders, “Our Lord, they have led us astray, so give them a double punishment of the Fire.” He will say, “Each will have a double punishment, but you do not know.”

The leaders will say to their followers, “You were no better than us, so taste the punishment for what you used to do.”

Those who reject Our verses and show arrogance towards them, the gates of heaven will not be opened for them[11], nor will they enter Paradise until a camel can pass through the eye of a needle. This is how We recompense the wicked.

Translation notes: [11] The doors of heaven will be shut for them.

Hell will be their resting place and above them will be coverings [of fire]. This is how We recompense the wrongdoers.

As for those who believe and do righteous deeds – We do not burden a soul more than what it can bear – they are the people of Paradise, they will abide therein forever.

We will remove all ill feelings from their hearts[12] and rivers will flow beneath them. They will say, “All praise be to Allah Who has guided us to this, for We would not have been guided to this if Allah had not guided us. The messengers of our Lord came with the truth.” They will be called, “This is Paradise that you are made to inherit for what you used to do.”

Translation notes: [12] i.e., all ill thoughts or sense of injury they might have had during worldly life.

The people of Paradise will call out to the people of Hell, “We have surely found our Lord’s promise to be true. Have you also found your Lord’s promise to be true[13]?” They will say, “Yes.” Then a caller will announce among them, “May Allah’s curse be upon the wrongdoers,

Translation notes: [13] After enduring ridicule from disbelievers, it is now the turn of believers to ridicule those who hurt them.

those who prevent [people] from the way of Allah, seeking to make it crooked, and who disbelieve in the Hereafter.”

Between them there will be a barrier[14], and on its Heights there will be men[15] who will recognize each group by their marks. They will call out to the people of Paradise, “Peace be on you.” They will not have entered it, yet they will eagerly hope [to enter].

Translation notes: [14] The inhabitants of Paradise and those of Hell. [15] Those whose scales of good and bad deeds are equal.

And when their eyes are turned towards the people of Hell, they will say, “Our Lord, do not join us with the wrongdoing people.”

The people of the Heights will call out to some men whom they recognize by their marks, saying, “Neither your great numbers[16] nor your arrogance were of any avail to you.”

Translation notes: [16] Or your accumulating wealth.

“Are these the ones whom you swore that Allah would never grant mercy?” “Enter Paradise; you will have no fear, nor will you grieve.”

The people of the Fire will call out to the people of Paradise, “Send down to us some water or any provision that Allah has given you.” They will say, “Allah has forbidden both to the disbelievers,

those who took their religion as amusement and play[17], and were deceived by the life of this world. Today We will ignore them just as they ignored their meeting of this Day and because they used to reject Our verses.”

Translation notes: [17] “When you call for prayer, they ridicule it and make fun of it.” See 5:58.

We have brought them a Book which We have explained in detail on the basis of knowledge, as guidance and mercy for people who believe.

Are they waiting except for the fulfillment [of its warning][18]? On the Day when it is fulfilled, those who ignored it before will say, “The messengers of our Lord surely came with the truth. Are there any intercessors who can intercede on our behalf? Or can we be sent back so that we may do other than what we used to do?” In fact, they will have ruined themselves and all that they used to fabricate will be lost from them.

Translation notes: [18] i.e., the coming of resurrection and punishment.

Your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and earth in six days and then rose over [i.e., istawa] the Throne[19]. He makes the night and day overlap in rapid succession. He made the sun, the moon, and the stars – all subservient to His command. Behold, His is the creation and the command. Blessed is Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

Translation notes: [19] The verb ‘istawa’ literally means rose and ascended in a manner befitting His Majesty, unlike any of His creation.

Call upon your Lord humbly and privately, for He does not like the transgressors.

Do not spread corruption on earth after it has been set aright, but call upon Him with fear and hope[20]. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is close to those who do good.

Translation notes: [20] i.e., not to be too sure of oneself while supplicating, gloating over good deeds, or despairing of His Mercy.

It is He Who sends the winds as glad tidings ahead of His Mercy, until when they bear heavy clouds, We drive them to a lifeless land then We send down rain from it, producing thereby every kind of fruit. This is how We raise the dead, so that you may take heed.

Good land produces its vegetation by the Will of its Lord, but bad land only produces poor and scanty vegetation[21]. This is how We diversify the signs for people who give thanks.

Translation notes: [21] The ‘good land’ and ‘evil land’: The believers benefit from Allah’s signs are the ‘good’ ones, while disbelievers do not benefit are the ‘evil’ ones.

Indeed, We sent Noah to his people. He said, “O my people, worship Allah; you have no god other than Him. I fear for you the punishment of a momentous Day.”

The chiefs of his people said, “We certainly see that you are clearly misguided.”

He said, “O my people, I am not misguided, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds.

I convey to you the messages of my Lord and give you sincere advice, and I know from Allah what you do not know.

Are you surprised that a reminder should come to you from your Lord through a man from among yourselves, so that he may warn you and you may fear Allah, and so that you may be shown mercy?”

But they rejected him, so We delivered him and those who were with him in the Ark, and We drowned those who rejected Our signs[22]. They were indeed people who were blind [to the truth].

Translation notes: [22] For more detail see 11:25-48.

To the people of ‘Ād We sent their brother Hūd. 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, “Indeed, we see you as foolish, and we think you are one of the liars.”

He said, “O my people, there is no foolishness in me[23], but I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds,

Translation notes: [23] This calm, well-poised answer is a great example of how to deal with the ignorant.

I convey to you the messages of my Lord, and I am your sincere adviser.

Are you surprised that a reminder should come to you from your Lord through a man from among yourselves so that he may warn you? Remember when He made you successors after the people of Noah and increased you amply in stature. Remember Allah’s favors so that you may be successful.”

They said, “Have you come to tell us that we should worship Allah alone and abandon what our forefathers used to worship? Bring upon us what you are threatening us with[24] if you are truthful.”

Translation notes: [24] i.e., Allah’s punishment.

He said, “You are definitely going to be subjected to the punishment and wrath of your Lord. Do you dispute with me concerning mere names[25] that you and your forefathers have made up which Allah has never authorized? Then wait; I am too waiting with you.”

Translation notes: [25] i.e., false objects of worship.

Then We saved him[26] and those who were with him by Our mercy, and exterminated all those who rejected Our signs[27], for they would not believe.

Translation notes: [26] i.e., Prophet Hūd. [27] i.e., the people of ‘Ād.

And to the people of Thamūd [We sent] their brother, Sālih. He said, “O my people, worship Allah; you have no god other than Him. There has come to you a clear proof from your Lord: this is a she-camel[28] of Allah, as a sign to you. So leave her to graze in Allah’s land, and do not harm her in any way, or else a painful punishment will seize you.

Translation notes: [28] For more detail see 26:155-156.

Remember when He made you successors after ‘Ād and settled you in the land; you make palaces on its plains and carve homes in the mountains. So remember the bounties of Allah, and do not spread corruption in the land.”

The arrogant chiefs of his people said to those believers who were oppressed, “Do you really know that Sālih has been sent by his Lord?” They said, “We surely believe in what he has been sent with.”

Those who were arrogant said, “As for us, we surely disbelieve in what you believe.”

Then they killed the she-camel and defied their Lord’s command, and said, “O Sālih, bring us what you are threatening us if you are indeed one of the messengers.”

Then an earthquake seized them, and they fell lifeless in their homes.

So he turned away from them, saying, “O my people, I did convey my Lord’s message to you and gave you sincere advice, but you do not like sincere advisers.”

And [We sent] Lot, when he said to his people, “Do you commit such a shameful act[29] that none of the people has ever done before you?

Translation notes: [29] The only messenger mentioned here did not begin his call to worship Allah alone, due to the sheer vileness they were involved in, namely, sodomy.

For you approach men lustfully instead of women; you are but a transgressing people[30].”

Translation notes: [30] Because they transgressed the limits of moderation.

The only reply his people gave was to say, “Drive them out of your town, for they are people who keep themselves pure[31]!”

Translation notes: [31] Their only charge was that they were ‘pure’.

So We saved him and his family except his wife[32]; she was one of those who remained behind.

Translation notes: [32] Because she condoned the degrading behavior of her people, and she was a disbeliever.

And We rained down upon them a rain [of brimstone]. So see how was the end of the evildoers.

And to the people of Midian [We sent] their brother Shu‘ayb. He said, “O my people, worship Allah; you have no god other than Him. There has come to you a clear proof from your Lord. Give full measure and weight, and do not defraud people of their property[33], and do not spread corruption in the land after it has been set aright. That is best for you, if you are [truly] believers.

Translation notes: [33] Their sin was wantonly engaging in swindling defraud in dealings.

Do not lie in wait on every path, threatening and preventing from Allah’s path[34] those who believe in Him, and seeking to make it crooked. Remember when you were few, then He increased you in number. See how was the end of those who spread corruption.

Translation notes: [34] They were also engaged in highway robberies and preventing people from listening to Shu‘ayb.

If there are some among you who believe in what I have been sent with, while others do not believe, then be patient until Allah judges between us, and He is the Best of Judges.”

The arrogant chiefs of his people said, “O Shu‘ayb, we will surely drive you and those who believe with you out of our town unless you return to our faith.” He said, “Even if we detest it?

We would be fabricating lies against Allah if we were to return to your faith after Allah has saved us from it. We will not return to it unless Our Lord Allah so wills. Our Lord has full knowledge of everything. In Allah we put our trust. Our Lord, judge between us and our people with truth, for You are the Best of the Judges.”

The disbelieving chiefs of his people said, “If you follow Shu‘ayb, you will certainly be losers[35].”

Translation notes: [35] In financial terms.

Then they were seized by the earthquake and they fell lifeless in their homes.

Those who rejected Shu‘ayb became as if they had never lived there. Those who rejected Shu‘ayb were themselves the losers[36].

Translation notes: [36] Not the believers as they claimed, as they lost both worlds.

So he turned away from them and said, “O my people, I did convey to you the messages of my Lord, and gave you sincere advice. Why should I grieve for a disbelieving people?”

We have not sent any prophet to a town, but We seized its people with poverty and adversity, so that they may humble themselves.

Then We changed their adversity into prosperity until they flourished and said, “Our forefathers were also afflicted with hardship and ease.” Then We seized them by surprise while they were unaware.

If only the people of the towns had believed and feared Allah, We would have certainly opened for them blessings from the heaven and earth. But they disbelieved, so We seized them for what they earned.

Do the people of the towns feel secure that Our punishment will not befall them by night while they are asleep?

Or do the people of the towns feel secure that Our punishment will not befall them by day while they are at play?

Do they feel secure from the plan of Allah? None can feel secure from the plan of Allah[37] except the loser people.

Translation notes: [37] Even the most devout believers, as hearts are between the two Fingers of Allah, He directs it wherever He wishes.

Is it not clear to those who inherit the land after its former people that, if We so willed, We could punish them for their sins and seal up their hearts so that they do not hear[38]?

Translation notes: [38] For they do not benefit from what they hear.

These are the towns, some of whose stories We relate to you. Their messengers came to them with clear proofs, but they were not about to believe in what they had already rejected[39]. This is how Allah seals up the hearts of the disbelievers.

Translation notes: [39] i.e., they persistently denied warnings given to them.

We did not find most of them committed to their covenant; rather We found most of them rebellious.

Then We sent after them Moses[40] with Our signs to Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they wrongfully rejected them. See how was the end of those who spread corruption.

Translation notes: [40] Moses’ story is recounted in detail in many surahs, for his mission bears the most similarities with that of the Prophet (ﷺ).

Moses said, “O Pharaoh, I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds.

I am obliged to say nothing concerning Allah except the truth. I have come to you with clear proof from your Lord, so let the Children of Israel go[41] with me.”

Translation notes: [41] i.e., let them emigrate.

Pharaoh said, “If you have brought a sign, then bring it forth if you are truthful.”

So he threw his staff, and it suddenly became a real serpent[42].

Translation notes: [42] As a miracle from Allah. In ancient Egypt, the cobra snake, known as the uraeus, was used as a symbol of sovereignty and divine authority worn on the headdresses and crowns.

And he drew out his hand, and it was shining white[43] to the beholders.

Translation notes: [43] As a miracle from Allah. The hands of the Children of Israel used to be rough and scratchy out of labor and toil for their masters, for they were bondsmen and slaves.

The chiefs among Pharaoh’s people said, “This is indeed a learned magician!

He seeks to drive you out of your land. [Pharaoh said], “So what do you advise?”

They said, “Let him and his brother wait for a while and send heralds to the cities

to bring you every learned magician.”

The magicians came to Pharaoh and said, “Will we have a reward if we prevail?”

He said, “Yes, and you will surely be of those who are close to me.”

They said, “O Moses, will you throw first or will we be the first to throw?”

He said, “You throw first.” So when they threw, they enchanted the eyes of the people and struck terror into them, and produced a powerful magic.

We inspired Moses, “Throw your staff,” and it suddenly swallowed up all their illusionary devices.

Thus the truth prevailed, and all what they did was proven to be false.

They were defeated right there and were utterly humiliated.

The magicians fell down in prostration,

and said, “We believe in the Lord of the worlds,

the Lord of Moses and Aaron.”

Pharaoh said, “How dare you believe in him before I give you permission! This is indeed a plot that you devised in the city to drive out its people, but you will soon come to know.

I will surely cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, then I will crucify you all together.”

They said, “We are surely returning to our Lord.

Your only vengeance against us is because we believed in the signs of our Lord when they came to us[44]. Our Lord, shower upon us patience and let us die as Muslims, submitting to You.”

Translation notes: [44] It implies deriding Pharaoh for his skewed standards.

The chiefs among Pharaoh’s people said, “Will you leave Moses and his people to spread corruption in the land, and abandon you and your gods?” He said, “We will kill their sons and spare their women, for we have full dominance over them.”

Moses said to his people, “Seek help from Allah and be patient. The earth belongs to Allah; He gives it as an inheritance to whom He wills of His slaves, but the outcome is for those who fear Allah.”

They said, “We were oppressed before you came to us and after you came.” He said, “It may be that your Lord will destroy your enemy and make you successors in the land to see how you will do.”

We afflicted the people of Pharaoh with famine and poor harvests, so that they may take heed.

When prosperity came their way, they said, “This is what we deserve[45],” but when adversity befell them, they ascribed it to the misfortune of Moses and those who were with him. Indeed, their misfortune is decreed by Allah, but most of them do not know.

Translation notes: [45] Out of egotism and smugness, they felt they deserved all good things.

They said, “No matter what sign you may bring to enchant us, we are not going to believe in you.”

So We sent upon them flood, locusts, lice, frogs and blood – as clear signs, yet they persisted in arrogance and were a wicked people.

When a scourge befell them, they said, “O Moses, call upon your Lord for us by virtue of the covenant He has made to you; if you remove the scourge from us, we will surely believe in you and will let the Children of Israel go with you.”

But when We removed the scourge from them until an appointed term that they were bound to reach, they broke their promise.

So We subjected them to retribution and drowned them in the sea because they rejected Our signs and were heedless of them.

And We made the people who had been oppressed to inherit the lands of the east and west that We had blessed. The good word of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel because of what they endured patiently, and We destroyed what Pharaoh and his people used to make and what they used to construct.

We led the Children of Israel across the sea, then they came upon a people who were devoted to their idols. They said, “O Moses, make for us a god just as they have gods.” He said, “You are indeed an ignorant people.

Indeed, what they follow is doomed to destruction and what they do is worthless.”

He said, “Shall I seek for you a god[46] other than Allah when He has favored you above the worlds?”

Translation notes: [46] i.e., an object of worship.

And [remember] when We saved you from the people of Pharaoh, who were afflicting you with the worst punishment – killing your sons and sparing your women. That was a great trial from your Lord.

We appointed for Moses thirty nights and completed it with ten more, whereby the term of forty nights set by Allah was fulfilled. Moses said to his brother Aaron, “Take my place among my people in my absence, keep things right, and do not follow the way of those who spread corruption.”

When Moses came at Our appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said, “My Lord, reveal Yourself to me so that I may look at You.” Allah said, “You will not be able to see Me[47]. But look at the mountain; if it stays firm in its place, only then will you see Me.” When his Lord appeared to the mountain, it was leveled to dust and Moses fell unconscious. When he recovered, he said, “Glory be to You! I repent to You and I am the first of the believers.”

Translation notes: [47] None can see Allah in the life of this world.

He said, “O Moses, I have chosen you above other people, by giving you My messages and speaking to you. So hold fast to what I have given you, and be of those who are grateful.”

We inscribed for him in the Tablets admonition of all things and explanation of everything. “Hold fast to them and ask your people to follow the best of it. I will show you the home of the rebellious[48].

Translation notes: [48] A severe warning against rebellion.

I will turn away from My signs those who are arrogant[49] in the land without any right. Even if they see every sign, they will still not believe in it; if they see the way of guidance, they will not follow it, but if they see the way of misguidance, they will follow it as their way. That is because they have rejected Our signs and were heedless of them.

Translation notes: [49] Arrogance is pointed out as a major cause for disbelief, as the arrogant will not hearken to admonition or to advice.

Those who reject Our signs and the meeting of the Hereafter, their deeds will become worthless. Will they not be recompensed except for what they used to do?

In his absence, the people of Moses took for worship an image of calf made from their jewelry that made a lowing sound. Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor could it guide them[50] to any [straight] way? Yet they took it for worship and they were wrongdoers.

Translation notes: [50] This mere body even lacked the basic attributes of being a god, as it was unable to speak to them or benefit them.

When they became remorseful and realized that they had gone astray, they said, “If our Lord does not have mercy upon us and forgive us, we will certainly be among the losers.”

When Moses returned to his people, furious and grieved, he said, “What an evil thing you did in my absence! Did you seek to hasten the command of your Lord[51]?” He threw the Tablets[52] and grabbed his brother by the hair, dragging him towards himself. Aaron said, “O son of my mother, the people overpowered me and were about to kill me. Do not make my enemies rejoice over me, nor count me among the people of wrongdoing.”

Translation notes: [51] i.e., “Could you not have waited until I came back to you with your Lord’s good guidance?”. [52] The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Hearing is not like seeing. Allah told Moses of what his people did with the calf and he did not throw down the tablets. Yet, when he actually saw what they did he threw them down!” [Imām Aḥmad: 2447; Ibn Hibbān: 6213]

Moses said, “My Lord, forgive me and my brother[53], and admit us into Your mercy, for You are the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.”

Translation notes: [53] He practically apologized to his brother and accepted his explanation.

As for those who took the calf for worship, they will certainly be afflicted with wrath from their Lord and disgrace in the life of this world. This is how We recompense those who invent falsehood.

But those who commit evil deeds, then repent thereafter and [truly] believe, then your Lord is indeed All-Forgiving[54], Most Merciful.

Translation notes: [54] This shows that no matter how grave the sin is, Allah will forgive it if the person truly repents and believes.

When Moses’ fury calmed down, he picked up the Tablets; in their inscription there was guidance and mercy for those who fear their Lord.

Moses chose seventy men from among his people for Our appointment. When the earthquake seized them[55], he said, “My Lord, had it been Your will, You could have destroyed them earlier, and me too; will You destroy us for what the fools among us have done? This is not but a trial from You, by which You cause to stray whom You will and guide whom You will. You are our Guardian, so forgive us and have mercy upon us, for You are the Best of Forgivers.

Translation notes: [55] When they reached the appointed place, they said to Moses, "O Moses, we will never believe you until we see Allah openly." (2:55) So the mountain convulsed, killing them.

Ordain for us good in this life and in the Hereafter, for We have turned to You in repentance.” Allah said, “As for my punishment, I will afflict with it whom I will[56], but My mercy encompasses everything; I will ordain it for those who fear Me, and give zakah, and those who believe in Our verses[57],

Translation notes: [56] Among those who deserve punishment. [57] Three conditions are necessary for earning Allah’s Mercy: 1. Being Mindful of Him. 2. Giving out zakah. 3. Believing in Allah’s verses and signs.

those who follow the Messenger – the unlettered Prophet – whose description they find in their Torah and the Gospel. He enjoins them to do what is good and forbids them from what is evil; he makes lawful for them what is pure and makes unlawful for them what is impure; he relieves them of their burden[58] and the shackles[59] that were on them. So those who believe in him, they honor and support him, and follow the light which is sent down with him – it is they who will be successful.”

Translation notes: [58] i.e., difficulties in religious duties. [59] i.e., extreme measures previously required for repentance and retribution without recourse to compensation.

Say [O Prophet], “O people, I am the Messenger of Allah to you all[60]. To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and earth; none has the right to be worshiped except Him; He gives life and causes death.” So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, who believes in Allah and His words, and follow him, so that you may be guided.

Translation notes: [60] This call is to all people since the time of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), including the People of the Book and others.

Among the people of Moses there is a community which guides others with truth[61] and establishes justice therewith.

Translation notes: [61] Those who followed the final prophet, Muhammad (ﷺ).

We divided them into twelve tribes[62], each as a community, and We inspired Moses when his people asked him for water, “Strike the rock with your staff.” There gushed forth from it twelve springs; each tribe knew the place of its drinking. We shaded them with clouds and sent down to them manna and quails, “Eat of the good things We have provided for you.” They did not wrong Us, but it was themselves that they wronged.

Translation notes: [62] From the twelve sons of Jacob.

When it was said to them, “Live in this city [of Jerusalem], and eat from wherever you please, and say, ‘Absolve us,’ and enter the gate bowing with humility; We will forgive you your sins, and increase the reward of those who do good.”

But the wrongdoers among them altered the words to something other than what they were told; so We sent down upon them a scourge from the heaven for their wrongdoing.

Ask them [O Prophet] about the town which was by the sea and how they broke the Sabbath[63]. The fish would come to them appearing on the surface of the water on Sabbath days, but when it was not Sabbath, they would not come. This is how We tested them for their rebelliousness.

Translation notes: [63] This is another act of violation some of them committed.

When a group of them said, “Why are you admonishing a people whom Allah will destroy or punish severely?” They said, “To excuse ourselves before your Lord, and perhaps they may fear Allah.”

When they ignored the admonition they were given, We saved those who forbade evil and seized the wrongdoers with a grievous punishment for their defiant disobedience.

When they persistently violated what they were forbidden to do, We said to them, “Be despised apes[64].”

Translation notes: [64] Their deed was deceptive, only outwardly resembling observance of Allah’s commands. As such, Allah turned them into apes, only outwardly resembling humans, but were actually far apart from real humans.

And [remember] when your Lord declared that He would send against them those who would afflict them with a terrible punishment[65] until the Day of Resurrection. Your Lord is Swift in Punishment, but He also is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Translation notes: [65] This is for their constantly disparaging their pledge with Allah.

We scattered them[66] through the land in communities – some of them were righteous and others were less so. We tested them with both prosperity and adversity, so that they would return [to Allah’s Obedience].

Translation notes: [66] This is an allusion to the Jewish Diaspora and their dispersion out of their lands. See 17:4-8.

They were then succeeded by other generations who inherited the Scripture, opting for the lowly gains[67], and saying, “We will be forgiven[68].” Yet if a similar gain[69] comes their way, they will seize it. Was not a covenant of the Scripture taken from them that they should not say about Allah except the truth, and they had studied its teachings? But the Home of the Hereafter is better for those who fear Allah. Do you not understand?

Translation notes: [67] i.e., unlawful gains and pleasures. [68] It demonstrates how self-justifying they were in sticking to their devious ways. [69] i.e., a similar temptation.

As for those who hold fast to the Scripture and establish prayer, We will not let the reward of those who seek righteousness to be lost.

And [remember] when We raised the mountain over them as if it were a dark cloud, and they thought that it would fall upon them, “Hold fast to what We have given you[70] and observe its teachings, so that you may fear Allah.”

Translation notes: [70] For their persistent rebellion and disobedience.

And [remember] when your Lord brought forth from the loins of the children of Adam their offspring and made them testify about themselves [asking], “Am I not your Lord?” They said, “Yes indeed; We testify[71].” [We did so] lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection, “We were unaware of this,”

Translation notes: [71] This is alluding to the ‘mīthāq al-fitrah’ (the pledge of innate nature).

Or that you say, “It was our forefathers before us who associated partners with Allah, and we are their offspring who came after them. Will you then destroy us for the falsehood that they invented?”

This is how We make the verses clear, so that they may return.

And relate to them [O Prophet] the story of the one[72] whom We gave knowledge of Our revelations, but he abandoned it, so Satan took hold of him and he became one of the deviants.

Translation notes: [72] A man from the Children of Israel at the time of Moses.

If We had willed, We could have elevated him thereby[73], but he clung to the [life of the] earth[74] and followed his desires. His likeness is that of a dog: if you attack it, it pants with its tongue lolling, and if you leave it, it still pants[75]. Such is the example of the people who reject Our revelations. Therefore, relate the stories, so that they may reflect.

Translation notes: [73] i.e., by the knowledge of the revelations. [74] i.e., its worldly pleasures. [75] No matter whether they are admonished or not, they will not believe.

How evil is the likeness of people who rejected Our verses, and it is themselves that they have wronged.

Whoever Allah guides is rightly guided; and whoever He causes to stray[76], it is they who are the losers.

Translation notes: [76] Due to persistence in evil and rejecting the truth.

We have surely created for Hell many jinn and humans. They have hearts with which they do not understand, eyes with which they do not see, and ears with which they do not hear[77]. They are like cattle[78], rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

Translation notes: [77] As they willfully fail to use their faculties of discernment and understanding. [78] They only care to satiate their animalistic drives, not about the life to come, so they are no better than livestock.

Allah has the Most Beautiful Names, so call upon Him by them, and leave those who deviate concerning His Names[79]. They will be recompensed for what they used to do.

Translation notes: [79] i.e., use them improperly such as calling other gods besides Allah by them, or deny them, or distort their meanings.

And among those whom We created is a group[80] that guides others with the truth and establishes justice therewith.

Translation notes: [80] The followers of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

As for those who reject Our signs, We will gradually lead them to destruction[81] without them realizing it.

Translation notes: [81] By giving them one favor after another which only increases them in arrogance and sin.

I will give them respite, but My plan is firm.

Have they not reflected that their fellow [Prophet] is not insane? He is none but a clear warner.

Have they not observed the dominions of the heavens and earth and all that Allah has created, and that the end of their term might be near? In what message after this [Qur’an] will they then believe?

Whoever Allah causes to stray, there is none to guide him; He will leave them to wander blindly in their transgression.

They ask you [O Prophet] about the Hour, “When will it come to pass?” Say, “Its knowledge is only with my Lord. None can reveal its due time except Him. It will be heavy on the heavens and earth; it will only come to you by surprise.” They ask you as if you are well-aware of it. Say, “Its knowledge is only with Allah, but most people do not know.”

Say, “I have no power to benefit or harm myself, except what Allah wills. If I had knowledge of the unseen, I would have acquired much good, and no evil would have touched me. I am only a warner and bearer of glad tidings for people who believe.”

It is He Who created you from a single soul, and from it He made its spouse[82], so that he may find comfort in her. When he covered her[83], she conceived a light burden carrying it with ease. Then when she grew heavy, they called upon Allah, their Lord, “If you give us a healthy child[84], we will certainly be grateful.”

Translation notes: [82] Adam and his mate, Eve. [83] An allusion to sexual relation. [84] Physically sound or righteous.

But when He gave them a healthy child, they[85] ascribed partners to Him in that which He had given them. Exalted is Allah far above what they ascribe to Him.

Translation notes: [85] The ungrateful or the polytheistic man and woman.

Do they ascribe to Him partners who cannot create anything, but are themselves created?

They cannot help them, nor can they help themselves.

If you call them to guidance, they will not follow you; it is the same whether you call them or remain silent.

Those whom you supplicate besides Allah are slaves like you; supplicate them and let them respond to you, if you are truthful.

Do they have feet to walk with? Or hands to grasp with? Or eyes to see with? Or ears to hear with? Say [O Prophet], “Call your idols then conspire against me and give me no respite[86]!

Translation notes: [86] This outright challenge highlights the powerlessness of their gods.

My Protector is Allah Who has sent down the Book, for it is He Who protects the righteous.

But those whom you supplicate besides Him cannot help you, nor can they help themselves.”

If you call them to guidance, they do not hear, and you see them looking at you, but they do not see.

Be gracious, enjoin what is right and turn away from those who are ignorant[87].

Translation notes: [87] i.e., turn a blind eye and pretend to take no notice of their abuse.

If you are tempted by Satan, seek refuge with Allah[88], for He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

Translation notes: [88] From flaring up out of rage or falling into sin.

Those who fear Allah, when an evil whisper comes to them from Satan, they remember Him and immediately come back to their senses.

But the devils plunge their [human] brothers deeper into sin, sparing no effort.

When you do not bring them a sign[89], they say, “Why do you not improvise one?” Say, “I only follow what is revealed to me from my Lord. This [Qur’an] is an insight from your Lord, and a guidance and mercy for people who believe.”

Translation notes: [89] The Qur’an is the greatest sign ever, yet they denied it blindly.

When the Qur’an is recited, listen to it attentively and maintain silence, so that you may receive mercy.

And remember your Lord within yourself with humility and fear, without raising your voice, in the morning and evening, and do not be of those who are heedless.

Indeed, those [angels] who are near to your Lord do not disdain to worship Him; they glorify Him, and to Him they prostrate.