072 Al-Jinn

that guides to the right way, so we have believed in it, and we will never associate anyone with our Lord.

And that He – our exalted and glorified Lord[1] – has neither taken a wife nor a child;

Translation notes: [1] “Jadd” of Our Lord means His Glory, Grandeur, and Command.

and that the fool among us [i.e., Satan] used to say outrageous things about Allah[2],

Translation notes: [2] i.e., Satan tempted humans to believe that Allah has a wife and children, and that the angels are Allah's daughters.

although we thought that humans and jinn would never tell lies about Allah.

And there were some men who used to seek refuge with some jinn, but they only increased them in burden.

They thought, just like you [jinn] thought that Allah would never send any messenger.

We have sought to reach heaven but found it filled with stern guards and flaming fire.

We used to take up positions there for eavesdropping, but now anyone who eavesdrops will find a flaming fire waiting for him[3].

Translation notes: [3] After the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was sent as a messenger, the jinn who used to eavesdrop on heaven and then pass it on to fortune-tellers came to an end.

We do not know whether evil is intended for those on earth, or their Lord intends good for them.

Among us are some who are righteous and some who are otherwise, for we follow divergent ways[4].

Translation notes: [4] In beliefs and religious duties.

We have realized that we can never escape Allah on earth, nor can we ever escape Him by fleeing.

When we heard the guidance [of the Qur’an], we believed in it. Whoever believes in his Lord will have no fear of curtailment [from his reward] or injustice[5].

Translation notes: [5] i.e., nor will the sins of another be placed upon him.

Among us are some who are Muslims and some who are deviant[6]. Those who accepted Islam have sought the true guidance,

Translation notes: [6] i.e., deviant from the right way.

but those who are deviant, they will be fuel for Hell.’”

“If they had remained steadfast on the right way, We would have given them abundant rain,

as a test for them[7]. But whoever turns away from the remembrance of his Lord[8], He will make him suffer an arduous punishment.

Translation notes: [7] As to whether they will be grateful for Allah's provisions or not. [8] i.e., the Qur’an and obedience to Him.

The mosques[9] are for Allah alone, so do not supplicate anyone along with Allah.

Translation notes: [9] "Masjid" here means every place of worship on earth.

Yet when the slave of Allah stood up supplicating Him, they swarmed around him[10].”

Translation notes: [10] Crowding in the manner of locusts on top of one another in order to hear him (ﷺ). It refers to the jinn or to the Arabs pagans.

Say [O Prophet], “I only supplicate my Lord and I do not associate anyone with Him.”

Say, “I have no power to harm or benefit you[11].”

Translation notes: [11] i.e., grant you goodness and guidance.

Say, “None can ever protect me from Allah [if I should disobey Him], nor can I ever find refuge except in Him.

I only convey what I receive from Allah and His messages.” And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger will certainly be in the Fire of Hell, abiding therein forever.

Until when they see what they were promised, they will realize who is weaker in helpers and fewer in number.

Say, “I do not know if what you are promised is near or my Lord has appointed a distant time for it.

[He is] the Knower of the unseen, He does not reveal His unseen to anyone,

except the messenger whom He chooses, then He appoints angel-guards before him and behind him[12]

Translation notes: [12] Protecting him so that others do not know what he was informed of the unseen.

to ensure[13] that the messengers fully conveyed the messages of their Lord. He encompasses in His knowledge all about them, and keeps count of all things.”

Translation notes: [13] Or "So He may make evident."