078 An-Naba

About the momentous news[1],

Translation notes: [1] i.e., the Resurrection.

that which they differ about[2].

Translation notes: [2] The pagans of Makkah denied the Qur’an, resurrection, and judgment. They differed as to whether the Qur’an was magic, fortune-telling, or poetry.

No indeed; they will come to know.

Again no; they will come to know.

Have We not made the earth a resting place?

And the mountains as stakes[3],

Translation notes: [3] Mountains go deep below the surface like pegs and icebergs, stabilizing the earth and slowing tectonic movement.

and created you in pairs,

and made your sleep for rest,

and made the night a covering[4],

Translation notes: [4] Covering you in its darkness as garments cover you.

and made the day for seeking a livelihood,

and built above you seven mighty heavens,

and made therein a blazing lamp,

and sent down from the rainclouds abundant water,

so that We may produce thereby grains and vegetation,

and gardens with dense foliage?

Indeed, the Day of Judgment is a time appointed,

the Day when the Trumpet will be blown, you will come forth in crowds,

and the sky will be opened up and will become gateways,

and the mountains will vanish, becoming like a mirage.

Indeed, Hell is lying in wait,

a resort for the transgressors,

wherein they will abide for endless ages.

They will neither taste therein any coolness nor any drink,

except for scalding water and discharge of wounds,

a fitting recompense[5].

Translation notes: [5] To their disbelief and evil deeds.

Indeed, they did not expect a reckoning,

and utterly rejected Our verses.

But We have enumerated everything in a record[6].

Translation notes: [6] i.e., a record of deeds.

So taste [the punishment], for We will not increase you except in torment[7].”

Translation notes: [7] The addressees are the dwellers of Hell.

Indeed, the righteous will have salvation[8],

Translation notes: [8] i.e., safety from Hell and winning Paradise.

gardens and vineyards,

and full-bosomed maidens of equal age,

and a full cup [of wine][9].

Translation notes: [9] i.e., tasteful wine which neither intoxicates nor causes headache.

They will not hear therein vain talk or lies –

a reward and a generous gift from your Lord[10],

Translation notes: [10] Or "a gift adequately calculated"; as a result of their righteous deeds as well as the ample generosity of Allah.

[from] the Lord of the heavens and earth and all that is between them, the Most Compassionate; none will dare to speak to Him[11].

Translation notes: [11] None can ask or plead on the Day of Judgment except by Allah's permission.

On the Day when the Spirit and the angels will stand in rows; none will dare to speak, except those to whom the Most Compassionate granted permission, and they will only speak the truth.

That Day is sure to come. So whoever wills may seek a path leading to his Lord[12].

Translation notes: [12] i.e., the path of guidance and righteous deeds.

Indeed, We have warned you of an imminent punishment on the Day when everyone will see what his hands have sent forth[13], and the disbeliever will say, “Oh, I wish that I were dust!”

Translation notes: [13] i.e., the deeds he did in this world.