INTRODUCTION:
This Surah consists of 35 verses, 644 sentences, 2,594 letters and 4 Ruku's.
It is derived from the sentence idh andhara qauma-hu bil Ahqaf-i of verse 21.
It is determined by an historical event that has been mentioned in vv. 29-32. This incident of the visit of the jinn and their going back after listening to the Quran had occurred, according to agreed traditions of the Hadith and biographical literature, at the time when the Holy Prophet had halted at Makkah during his return journey from Ta'if to Makkah. And according to all authentic historical traditions he had gone to Ta'if three years before the Hijrah; therefore it is determined that this Surah was sent down towards the end of the 10th year or in the early part of the 11th year of the Prophethood.
The 10th year of the Prophethood was a year of extreme persecution and distress in the Holy prophet's life. The Quraish and the other tribes had continued their boycott of the Bani Hashim and the Muslims for three years and the Holy Prophet and the people of his family and Companions lay besieged in Shi'b Abi Talib. The Quraish had blocked up this locality from every side so that no supplies of any kind could reach the besieged people. Only during the Hajj season they were allowed to come out and buy some articles of necessity. But even at that time whenever Abu Lahab noticed any of them approaching the market place or a trading caravan he would call out to the merchants exhorting them to announce forbidding rates of their articles for them, and would pledge that he himself would buy those articles so that they did not suffer any loss. This boycott which continued uninterrupted for three years had broken the back of the Muslims and the Bani Hashim; so much so that at times they were even forced to eat grass and the leaves of trees.
At last, when the siege was lifted this year, Abu Talib, the Holy Prophet's uncle, who had been shielding him for ten long years, died, and hardly a month later his wife, Hadrat Khadijah, who had been a source of peace and consolation for him ever since the beginning of the call, also passed away. Because of these tragic incidents, which closely followed each other, the Holy Prophet used to refer to this year as the year of sorrow and grief.
After the death of Hadart Khadijah and Abu Talib the disbelievers of Makkah became even bolder against the Holy Prophet. They started treating him even more harshly. So much so that it became difficult for him to step out of his house. Of these days Ibn Hisham has related the incident that a Quraish scoundrel one day threw dust at him openly in the street.
At last, the Holy Prophet left for Ta'if with the intention that he should invite the Bani Thaqif to Islam, for even if they did not accept Islam, they might at least be persuaded to allow him to work for his mission peacefully. He did not have the facility of any conveyance at that time, and travelled all the way to Ta'if on foot. According to some traditions, he had gone there alone, but according to others, he was accompanied by Zaid bin Harithah. He stayed at Ta'if for a few days, and approached each of the chiefs and nobles of the Bani Thaqif and talked to him about his mission. But not only they refused to listen to him, but plainly gave him the notice that he should leave their city, for they feared that his preaching might "spoil" their younger generation. Thus, he was compelled to leave Ta'if. When he was leaving the city, the chiefs of Thaqif set their slaves and scoundrels behind him, who went on crying at him, abusing him and petting him with stones for a long way from either side of the road till he became broken down with wounds and his shoes were filled with blood. Wearied and exhausted he took shelter in the shade of the wall of a garden outside Ta'if, and prayed: "O God, to Thee I complain of my weakness, little resource, and lowliness before men. O Most Merciful, Thou art the Lord of the weak, and Thou art my Lord. To whom wilt Thou confide me? To one afar who will misuge me? Or to an enemy to whom Thou hast given power over me? If Thou art not angry with me I care not. Thy favour is more wide for me. I take refuge in the light of Thy countenance by which the darkness is illumined, and the things of this world and the next are rightly ordered, lest Thy anger descend upon me or Thy wrath light upon me. It is for Thee to be satisfied until Thou art well pleased. There is no power and no might save in Thee." (Ibn Hisham: A. Guillaume's Translation, p. 193).
Grieved and heartbroken when he returned and reached near Qarn al-Manazil, he felt as though the sky was overcast by clouds. He looked up and saw Gabriel in front of him, who called out: "Allah has heard the way your people have responded. He has, therefore, sent this angel in charge of the mountains. You may command him as you please." Then the angel of the mountains greeted him and submitted : "If you like I would overturn the mountains from either side upon these people." The Holy Prophet replied : "No, but I expect that Allah will create from their seed those who will worship none but Allah, the One." (Bukhari, Dhikr al Mala'ikah; Muslim: Kitab al-Maghazi; Nasa'i :Al-Bauth).
After this he went to stay for a few days at Makkah, perplexed as to how he would face the people of Makkah, who, he thought, would be still further emboldened against him after hearing what had happened at Ta'if. It was here that one night when he was reciting the Quran in the Prayer, a group of the jinn happened to pass by and listened to the Quran, believed in it, and returned to their people to preach Islam. Thus, Allah gave His Prophet the good news that if the men were running away from his invitation, there were many of the jinn, who had become its believers, and they were spreading his message among their own kind.
Such were the conditions when this Surah was sent down. Anyone who keeps this background in view, on the one hand, and studies this Surah, on the other, will have no doubt left in his mind that this is not at all the composition of Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace), but "a Revelation from the All Mighty, All Wise Allah." For nowhere in this Surah, from the beginning to the end, does one find even a tinge of the human feelings and reactions, which are naturally produced in a man who is passing through such hard conditions. Had it been the word of Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace) whom the occurrence of personal griefs one after the other and the countless and the recent bitter experience at Ta'if had caused extreme anguish and distress, it would have reflected in some degree the state of the mind of the man who was the subject of these afflictions and griefs. Consider the prayer that we have cited above: it contains his own language, its every word is saturated with the feelings that he had at the time. But this Surah which was sent down precisely in the same period and was recited even by him under the same conditions, is absolutely free from every sign or trace of the time.
The subject matter of the Surah is to warn the disbelievers of the errors in which they were involved, and also persisted arrogantly, and were condemning the man who was trying to redeem them. They regarded the world as a useless and purposeless place where they were not answerable to anyone. They thought that invitation to Tauhid was false and stuck to the belief that their own deities were actually the associates of Allah. They were not inclined to believe that the Quran was the Word of the Lord of the worlds. They had a strange erroneous concept of apostleship on the basis of which they were proposing strange criteria of judging the Holy Prophet's claim to it. In their estimation one great proof of Islam's not being based on the truth was that their elders and important chiefs of the tribes and so called leaders of their nation were not accepting it and only a few young men, and some poor folks and some slaves had affirmed faith in it. They thought that Resurrection and life after death and the rewards and punishments of the Hereafter were fabrications whose occurrence was absolutely out of the question.
In this Surah each of these misconceptions has been refuted in a brief but rational way, and the disbelievers have been warned that if they would reject the invitation of the Quran and the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace) by prejudice and stubbornness instead of trying to understand its truth rationally, they would only be preparing for their own doom. Maududi
IMPORTANT: Please note that the Digest is based upon these outstanding translations and they have been reproduced here for the benefit of serious readers of the Qur’aan; the copyrights of these works are held by their respective authors/publishers from whom they can be purchased by anyone interested in acquiring them and we ardently hope that no offence will be taken by their inclusion.
SURAH 46
Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi
Section 1
46 : 1
1. Ha-meem
HâMîm.
46 : 2
2. Tanzeelu alkitabi mina Allahi alAAazeezi alhakeemi
This Scripture is a revelation from Allah, the Meritorious, the Sagacious..
46 : 3
3. Ma khalaqna alssamawati waal-arda wama baynahuma illa bialhaqqi waajalin musamman waallatheena kafaroo AAamma onthiroo muAAridoona
We created not the heavens and the earth and whatever is in between them save with Truth and for a fixed duration. But those who disbelieve turn away their faces from that of which they are warned.
46 : 4
4. Qul araaytum ma tadAAoona min dooni Allahi aroonee matha khalaqoo mina al-ardi am lahum shirkun fee alssamawati eetoonee bikitabin min qabli hatha aw atharatin min AAilmin in kuntum sadiqeena
Say to them (O Mohammed) : 'Tell me about those whom you worship instead of Allah; or show me which particle upon earth was created by them; or a segment in heavens which is theirs! Or bring me a Scripture which preceded this; or remnants of any knowledge in support of your claim, - if you are truthful!'
(The
challenge to the idolaters here is to produce a Scripture, past or present, in
Arabic or in Hebrew, - but a Divine Revelation, - which upholds the false
deities to whom they offer worship in the place of Allah).
46 : 5
5. Waman adallu mimman yadAAoo min dooni Allahi man la yastajeebu lahu ila yawmi alqiyamati wahum AAan duAAa-ihim ghafiloona
And who can possibly be more misguided than he who worships in the place of Allah such deities as are incapable of listening to his call until the Day of Resurrection and are not even aware that they are being invoked -
46 : 6
6. Wa-itha hushira alnnasu kanoo lahum aAAdaan wakanoo biAAibadatihim kafireena
And who, when mankind are gathered for Judgement, become their enemies and deny all knowledge of being Worshipped by them?
46 : 7
7. Wa-itha tutla AAalayhim ayatuna bayyinatin qala allatheena kafaroo lilhaqqi lamma jaahum hatha sihrun mubeenun
When Our enlightening revelations are recited to them, those who disbelieve say about the Truth which has come to them : 'This is nothing but incantation!'
46 : 8
8. Am yaqooloona iftarahu qul ini iftaraytuhu fala tamlikoona lee mina Allahi shay-an huwa aAAlamu bima tufeedoona feehi kafa bihi shaheedan baynee wabaynakum wahuwa alghafooru alrraheemu
Or say they : 'He has concocted it?' Say (O Mohammed) : 'Even if I have concocted it, you have no power to protect me from Allah's! He is best aware of what you say about it and He suffices as a witness between me and you! And He is Magnanimous and Merciful!
46 : 9
9. Qul ma kuntu bidAAan mina alrrusuli wama adree ma yufAAalu bee wala bikum in attabiAAu illa ma yooha ilayya wama ana illa natheerun mubeenun
Say : 'I am not a novelty amongst the messengers of Allah nor do I know what
will be done with me or with you; and I follow only that which is inspired in me
and I am no more than just a plain warner!
When this verse was revealed in which the Prophet was asked to say to the Meccans that he was completely in the dark about what would become of him and what would become of them in the Hereafter, it pleased the idolaters to know that Allah whom he revered so much and admonished them to revere had kept him in the dark about his own plight along with theirs.
But as
we all know, it was revealed to the Prophet time and again what his role would
be on the Day of Resurrection : that of a witness for all the other Prophets.
who would lead the entire mankind towards the Gates of Paradise by the leave of
Allah, and hence it is not wrong to say that this verse stands repealed in the
light of subsequent revelations).
46 : 10
10. Qul araaytum in kana min AAindi Allahi wakafartum bihi washahida shahidun min banee isra-eela AAala mithlihi faamana waistakbartum inna Allaha la yahdee alqawma alththalimeena
Say to them : 'Suppose it turns out that this is truly from Allah and you have denied it while a witness from the Children of Israel has testified to it and become a believer but you carried on with your conceit!' Verily Allah guides not the wrongdoers! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
1. HâMîm.
[These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur'ân, and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their meanings].
2. The revelation of the Book (this Qur'ân) is from Allâh, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.
3. We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them except with truth, and for an appointed term. But those who disbelieve turn away from that whereof they are warned.
4. Say (O Muhammad SAW to these pagans): "Think! All that you invoke besides Allâh show me! What have they created of the earth? Or have they a share in (the creation of) the heavens? Bring me a Book (revealed before this), or some trace of knowledge (in support of your claims), if you are truthful!"
5. And who is more astray than one who calls (invokes) besides Allâh, such as will not answer him till the Day of Resurrection, and who are (even) unaware of their calls (invocations) to them?[]
6. And when mankind are gathered (on the Day of Resurrection), they (false deities) will become enemies for them and will deny their worshipping.
7. And when Our Clear Verses are recited to them, the disbelievers say of the truth (this Qur'ân), when it reaches them: "This is plain magic!"
8. Or say they: "He (Muhammad SAW) has fabricated it." Say: "If I have fabricated it, still you have no power to support me against Allâh. He knows best of what you say among yourselves concerning it (i.e. this Qur'ân)! Sufficient is He for a witness between me and you! And He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful."
9. Say (O Muhammad SAW):"I am not a new thing among the Messengers (of Allâh) (i.e. I am not the first Messenger) nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow that which is revealed to me, and I am but a plain warner."
10. Say: "Tell me! If this (Qur'ân) is from Allâh, and you deny it, and a witness from among the Children of Israel ('Abdullâh bin Salâm ÑÖì <> <>) testifies that this Qur'ân is from Allâh [like the Taurât (Torah)], so he believed (embraced Islâm)[] while you are too proud (to believe)." Verily! Allâh guides not the people who are Zâlimûn (polytheists, disbelievers and wrong-doing).
046.001
YUSUFALI: Ha-Mim.
PICKTHAL: Ha. Mim.
SHAKIR: Ha Mim.
046.002
YUSUFALI: The
Revelation of the Book is from Allah the Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.
PICKTHAL: The
revelation of the Scripture is from Allah the Mighty, the Wise.
SHAKIR: The revelation
of the Book is from Allah, the Mighty, the Wise.
046.003
YUSUFALI: We created
not the heavens and the earth and all between them but for just ends, and for a
Term Appointed: But those who reject Faith turn away from that whereof they are
warned.
PICKTHAL: We created
not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them save with truth, and
for a term appointed. But those who disbelieve turn away from that whereof they
are warned.
SHAKIR: We did not
create the heavens and the earth and what is between them two save with truth
and (for) an appointed term; and those who disbelieve turn aside from what they
are warned of.
046.004
YUSUFALI: Say: "Do ye
see what it is ye invoke besides Allah? Show me what it is they have created on
earth, or have they a share in the heavens bring me a book (revealed) before
this, or any remnant of knowledge (ye may have), if ye are telling the truth!
PICKTHAL: Say (unto
them, O Muhammad): Have ye thought on all that ye invoke beside Allah? Show me
what they have created of the earth. Or have they any portion in the heavens?
Bring me a scripture before this (Scripture), or some vestige of knowledge (in
support of what ye say), if ye are truthful.
SHAKIR: Say: Have you
considered what you call upon besides Allah? Show me what they have created of
the earth, or have they a share in the heavens? Bring me a book before this or
traces of knowledge, if you are truthful.
046.005
YUSUFALI: And who is
more astray than one who invokes besides Allah, such as will not answer him to
the Day of Judgment, and who (in fact) are unconscious of their call (to them)?
PICKTHAL: And who is
further astray than those who, instead of Allah, pray unto such as hear not
their prayer until the Day of Resurrection, and are unconscious of their prayer,
SHAKIR: And who is in
greater error than he who calls besides Allah upon those that will not answer
him till the day of resurrection and they are heedless of their call?
046.006
YUSUFALI: And when
mankind are gathered together (at the Resurrection), they will be hostile to
them and reject their worship (altogether)!
PICKTHAL: And when
mankind are gathered (to the Judgment) will become enemies for them, and will
become deniers of having been worshipped.
SHAKIR: And when men
are gathered together they shall be their enemies, and shall be deniers of their
worshipping (them).
046.007
YUSUFALI: When Our
Clear Signs are rehearsed to them, the Unbelievers say, of the Truth when it
comes to them: "This is evident sorcery!"
PICKTHAL: And when Our
clear revelations are recited unto them, those who disbelieve say of the Truth
when it reacheth them: This is mere magic.
SHAKIR: And when Our
clear communications are recited to them, those who disbelieve say with regard
to the truth when it comes to them: This is clear magic.
046.008
YUSUFALI: Or do they
say, "He has forged it"? Say: "Had I forged it, then can ye obtain no single
(blessing) for me from Allah. He knows best of that whereof ye talk (so glibly)!
Enough is He for a witness between me and you! And he is Oft-Forgiving, Most
Merciful."
PICKTHAL: Or say they:
He hath invented it? Say (O Muhammad): If I have invented it, still ye have no
power to support me against Allah. He is Best Aware of what ye say among
yourselves concerning it. He sufficeth for a witness between me and you. And He
is the Forgiving, the Merciful.
SHAKIR: Nay! they say:
He has forged it. Say: If I have forged it, you do not control anything for me
from Allah; He knows best what you utter concerning it; He is enough as a
witness between me and you, and He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.
046.009
YUSUFALI: Say: "I am
no bringer of new-fangled doctrine among the messengers, nor do I know what will
be done with me or with you. I follow but that which is revealed to me by
inspiration; I am but a Warner open and clear."
PICKTHAL: Say: I am no
new thing among the messengers (of Allah), nor know I what will be done with me
or with you. I do but follow that which is inspired in me, and I am but a plain
warner.
SHAKIR: Say: I am not
the first of the messengers, and I do not know what will be done with me or with
you: I do not follow anything but that which is revealed to me, and I am nothing
but a plain warner.
046.010
YUSUFALI: Say: "See
ye? If (this teaching) be from Allah, and ye reject it, and a witness from among
the Children of Israel testifies to its similarity (with earlier scripture), and
has believed while ye are arrogant, (how unjust ye are!) truly, Allah guides not
a people unjust."
PICKTHAL: Bethink you:
If it is from Allah and ye disbelieve therein, and a witness of the Children of
Israel hath already testified to the like thereof and hath believed, and ye are
too proud (what plight is yours)? Lo! Allah guideth not wrong-doing folk.
SHAKIR: Say: Have you
considered if it is from Allah, and you disbelieve in it, and a witness from
among the children of Israel has borne witness of one like it, so he believed,
while you are big with pride; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.
Context of Revelation : The following verse was revealed in response to claims made by the idolaters that, if there really was any merit in the preaching of the Prophet, the poor would not have embraced his religion before the rich did!
46 : 11
11. Waqala allatheena kafaroo lillatheena amanoo law kana khayran ma sabaqoona ilayhi wa-ith lam yahtadoo bihi fasayaqooloona hatha ifkun qadeemun
And those who disbelieve say about those who believe : 'If this was a good thing, they would never have been before us in embracing it!' And since they would not be guided by it, they say : 'This is an age-old aberration!' -
46 : 12
12. Wamin qablihi kitabu moosa imaman warahmatan wahatha kitabun musaddiqun lisanan AAarabiyyan liyunthira allatheena thalamoo wabushra lilmuhsineena
When there came before it the Scripture of Moses, as a vanguard and a mercy; and now this Scripture in Arabic language has been revealed to confirm the latter so that it may warn those who do wrong and give good tidings to those who do right.
* * *
46 : 13
13. Inna allatheena qaloo rabbuna Allahu thumma istaqamoo fala khawfun AAalayhim wala hum yahzanoona
Verily those who say : 'Our Lord is Allah!' and then remain resolute in their faith, they shall have no cause for consternation nor for concern!
46 : 14
14. Ola-ika as-habu aljannati khalideena feeha jazaan bima kanoo yaAAmaloona
They are the owners of the Garden wherein they shall abide forever as a reward for their righteous deeds!
46 : 15
15. Wawassayna al-insana biwalidayhi ihsanan hamalat-hu ommuhu kurhan wawadaAAat-hu kurhan wahamluhu wafisaluhu thalathoona shahran hatta itha balagha ashuddahu wabalagha arbaAAeena sanatan qala rabbi awziAAnee an ashkura niAAmataka allatee anAAamta AAalayya waAAala walidayya waan aAAmala salihan tardahu waaslih lee fee thurriyyatee innee tubtu ilayka wa-innee mina almuslimeena
We have ordained for man kindness towards his parents; his mother arduously bears him and arduously delivers him; and the bearing of him and the weaning of him lasts for thirty months; and then when he reaches the prime of life at the age of forty, he says : 'My Lord! Give me the will to be grateful to you for the favours you have bestowed upon my parents, and me and to do only that with which you are well pleased! Be gracious to me in the matter of my seed, for verily I turn only to you for forgiveness! And I am, indeed, of those who have surrendered!
46 : 16
16. Ola-ika allatheena nataqabbalu AAanhum ahsana ma AAamiloo wanatajawazu AAan sayyi-atihim fee as-habi aljannati waAAda alssidqi allathee kanoo yooAAadoona
These are the people whose righteous deeds We shall accept and whose failings We shall exculpate! These are the rightful owners of the Garden which was promised to them with truth!
46 : 17
17. Waallathee qala liwalidayhi offin lakuma ataAAidaninee an okhraja waqad khalati alquroonu min qablee wahuma yastagheethani Allaha waylaka amin inna waAAda Allahi haqqun fayaqoolu ma hatha illa asateeru al-awwaleena
And those who say to their parents : 'Damn you both! Are you threatening me that I would be raised again when so many generations have passed away before me?' And they turn to Allah for help and then they say to him : 'Damn you! Believe, for the promise of Allah will assuredly come to pass!' but he says : 'These are only lores from the past!' -
46 : 18
18. Ola-ika allatheena haqqa AAalayhimu alqawlu fee umamin qad khalat min qablihim mina aljinni waal-insi innahum kanoo khasireena
These are they to whom the Word that was pronounced concerning the nations of jinn and mankind who passed away applies equally well! Verily they are all of the forfeited!
46 : 19
19. Walikullin darajatun mimma AAamiloo waliyuwaffiyahum aAAmalahum wahum la yuthlamoona
And each of them will be allocated ranks based on the deeds they performed so that He may reward them in full for what they did and no one is wronged!
46 : 20
20. Wayawma yuAAradu allatheena kafaroo AAala alnnari athhabtum tayyibatikum fee hayatikumu alddunya waistamtaAAtum biha faalyawma tujzawna AAathaba alhooni bima kuntum tastakbiroona fee al-ardi bighayri alhaqqi wabima kuntum tafsuqoona
On the Day when those who disbelieve are exposed to the fire (it will be said) : 'You exhausted your share of good things in the life of this world by enjoying its comforts whilst you were still there! So on this Day you shall be requited with the doom of opprobrium in return for being disdainful in the land without any right and because you rebelled!' (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
11. And those who disbelieve (strong and wealthy) say of those who believe (weak and poor): "Had it (Islâmic Monotheism to which Muhammad SAW is inviting mankind) been a good thing, they (weak and poor) would not have preceded us thereto!" And when they have not let themselves be guided by it (this Qur'ân), they say: "This is an ancient lie!"
12. And before this was the Scripture of Mûsa (Moses) as a guide and a mercy. And this is a confirming Book (the Qur'ân) in the Arabic language, to warn those who do wrong, and as glad tidings to the Muhsinûn (good-doers - see V.2:112).
13. Verily, those who say: "Our Lord is (only) Allâh," and thereafter Istaqâmû (i.e. stood firm and straight on the Islâmic Faith of Monotheism by abstaining from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allâh has forbidden and by performing all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained), on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
14. Such shall be the dwellers of Paradise, abiding therein (forever), a reward for what they used to do.
15. And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bears him with hardship and she brings him forth with hardship, and the bearing of him, and the weaning of him is thirty (30) months, till when he attains full strength and reaches forty years, he says: "My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make my off-spring good. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly, I am one of the Muslims (submitting to Your Will)."
16. They are those from whom We shall accept the best of their deeds and overlook their evil deeds. (They shall be) among the dwellers of Paradise, a promise of truth, which they have been promised.
17. But he who says to his parents: "Fie upon you both! Do you hold out the promise to me that I shall be raised up (again) when generations before me have passed away (without rising)?" While they (father and mother) invoke Allâh for help (and rebuke their son): "Woe to you! Believe! Verily, the Promise of Allâh is true." But he says: "This is nothing but the tales of the ancient."
18. They are those against whom the Word (of torment) is justified among the previous generations of jinns and mankind that have passed away. Verily! They are ever the losers.
19. And for all, there will be degrees according to that which they did, that He (Allâh) may recompense them in full for their deeds. And they will not be wronged.
20. On the Day when those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allâh Islâmic Monotheism) will be exposed to the Fire (it will be said): "You received your good things in the life of the world, and you took your pleasure therein. Now this Day you shall be recompensed with a torment of humiliation, because you were arrogant in the land without a right, and because you used to rebel and disobey (Allâh).
046.011
YUSUFALI: The
Unbelievers say of those who believe: "If (this Message) were a good thing,
(such men) would not have gone to it first, before us!" And seeing that they
guide not themselves thereby, they will say, "this is an (old,) falsehood!"
PICKTHAL: And those
who disbelieve say of those who believe: If it had been (any) good, they would
not have been before us in attaining it. And since they will not be guided by
it, they say: This is an ancient lie;
SHAKIR: And those who
disbelieve say concerning those who believe: If it had been a good, they would
not have gone ahead of us therein. And as they do not seek to be rightly
directed thereby, they say: It is an old lie.
046.012
YUSUFALI: And before
this, was the Book of Moses as a guide and a mercy: And this Book confirms (it)
in the Arabic tongue; to admonish the unjust, and as Glad Tidings to those who
do right.
PICKTHAL: When before
it there was the Scripture of Moses, an example and a mercy; and this is a
confirming Scripture in the Arabic language, that it may warn those who do wrong
and bring good tidings for the righteous.
SHAKIR: And before it
the Book of Musa was a guide and a mercy: and this is a Book verifying (it) in
the Arabic language that it may warn those who are unjust and as good news for
the doers of good.
046.013
YUSUFALI: Verily those
who say, "Our Lord is Allah," and remain firm (on that Path),- on them shall be
no fear, nor shall they grieve.
PICKTHAL: Lo! those
who say: Our Lord is Allah, and thereafter walk aright, there shall no fear come
upon them neither shall they grieve.
SHAKIR: Surely those
who say, Our Lord is Allah, then they continue on the right way, they shall have
no fear nor shall they grieve.
046.014
YUSUFALI: Such shall
be Companions of the Gardens, dwelling therein (for aye): a recompense for their
(good) deeds.
PICKTHAL: Such are
rightful owners of the Garden, immortal therein, as a reward for what they used
to do.
SHAKIR: These are the
dwellers of the garden, abiding therein: a reward for what they did.
046.015
YUSUFALI: We have
enjoined on man kindness to his parents: In pain did his mother bear him, and in
pain did she give him birth. The carrying of the (child) to his weaning is (a
period of) thirty months. At length, when he reaches the age of full strength
and attains forty years, he says, "O my Lord! Grant me that I may be grateful
for Thy favour which Thou has bestowed upon me, and upon both my parents, and
that I may work righteousness such as Thou mayest approve; and be gracious to me
in my issue. Truly have I turned to Thee and truly do I bow (to Thee) in Islam."
PICKTHAL: And We have
commended unto man kindness toward parents. His mother beareth him with
reluctance, and bringeth him forth with reluctance, and the bearing of him and
the weaning of him is thirty months, till, when he attaineth full strength and
reacheth forty years, he saith: My Lord! Arouse me that I may give thanks for
the favour wherewith Thou hast favoured me and my parents, and that I may do
right acceptable unto Thee. And be gracious unto me in the matter of my seed.
Lo! I have turned unto Thee repentant, and lo! I am of those who surrender (unto
Thee).
SHAKIR: And We have
enjoined on man doing of good to his parents; with trouble did his mother bear
him and with trouble did she bring him forth; and the bearing of him and the
weaning of him was thirty months; until when he attains his maturity and reaches
forty years, he says: My Lord! grant me that I may give thanks for Thy favor
which Thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do good which
pleases Thee and do good to me in respect of my offspring; surely I turn to
Thee, and surely I am of those who submit.
046.016
YUSUFALI: Such are
they from whom We shall accept the best of their deeds and pass by their ill
deeds: (They shall be) among the Companions of the Garden: a promise! of truth,
which was made to them (in this life).
PICKTHAL: Those are
they from whom We accept the best of what they do, and overlook their evil
deeds. (They are) among the owners of the Garden. This is the true promise which
they were promised (in the world).
SHAKIR: These are they
from whom We accept the best of what they have done and pass over their evil
deeds, among the dwellers of the garden; the promise of truth which they were
promised.
046.017
YUSUFALI: But (there
is one) who says to his parents, "Fie on you! Do ye hold out the promise to me
that I shall be raised up, even though generations have passed before me
(without rising again)?" And they two seek Allah's aid, (and rebuke the son):
"Woe to thee! Have faith! for the promise of Allah is true." But he says, "This
is nothing but tales of the ancients!"
PICKTHAL: And whoso
saith unto his parents: Fie upon you both! Do ye threaten me that I shall be
brought forth (again) when generations before me have passed away? And they
twain cry unto Allah for help (and say): Woe unto thee! Believe! Lo! the promise
of Allah is true. But he saith: This is naught save fables of the men of old:
SHAKIR: And he who
says to his parents: Fie on you! do you threaten me that I shall be brought
forth when generations have already passed away before me? And they both call
for Allah's aid: Woe to you! believe, surely the promise of Allah is true. But
he says: This is nothing but stories of the ancients.
046.018
YUSUFALI: Such are
they against whom is proved the sentence among the previous generations of Jinns
and men, that have passed away; for they will be (utterly) lost.
PICKTHAL: Such are
those on whom the Word concerning nations of the jinn and mankind which have
passed away before them hath effect. Lo! they are the losers.
SHAKIR: These are they
against whom the word has proved true among nations of the jinn and the men that
have already passed away before them; surely they are losers.
046.019
YUSUFALI: And to all
are (assigned) degrees according to the deeds which they (have done), and in
order that (Allah) may recompense their deeds, and no injustice be done to them.
PICKTHAL: And for all
there will be ranks from what they do, that He may pay them for their deeds; and
they will not be wronged.
SHAKIR: And for all
are degrees according to what they did, and that He may pay them back fully
their deeds and they shall not be wronged.
046.020
YUSUFALI: And on the
Day that the Unbelievers will be placed before the Fire, (It will be said to
them): "Ye received your good things in the life of the world, and ye took your
pleasure out of them: but today shall ye be recompensed with a Penalty of
humiliation: for that ye were arrogant on earth without just cause, and that ye
(ever) transgressed."
PICKTHAL: And on the
day when those who disbelieve are exposed to the Fire (it will be said): Ye
squandered your good things in the life of the world and sought comfort therein.
Now this day ye are rewarded with the doom of ignominy because ye were
disdainful in the land without a right, and because ye used to transgress.
SHAKIR: And on the day
when those who disbelieve shall be brought before the fire: You did away with
your good things in your life of the world and you enjoyed them for a while, so
today you shall be rewarded with the punishment of abasement because you were
unjustly proud in the land and because you transgressed.
46 : 21
21. Waothkur akha AAadin ith anthara qawmahu bial-ahqafi waqad khalati alnnuthuru min bayni yadayhi wamin khalfihi alla taAAbudoo illa Allaha innee akhafu AAalaykum AAathaba yawmin AAatheemin
Mention (Huud) from the brotherhood of Aad when he warned his folk in the region of Al-Ahqaf - and verily warners came and went before him and after him - saying : 'Worship none other than Allah, for verily I fear for you the disaster of an awesome Day!'
46 : 22
22. Qaloo aji/tana lita/fikana AAan alihatina fa/tina bima taAAiduna in kunta mina alssadiqeena
They said : 'Are you here to turn us away from our gods? Then bring upon us the disaster with which you threaten us, - if you are of the truthful!'
46 : 23
23. Qala innama alAAilmu AAinda Allahi waoballighukum ma orsiltu bihi walakinnee arakum qawman tajhaloona
He said : 'The knowledge about it rests with Allah alone! I only convey to you that with which I have been entrusted. But I can see that you are an ignorant folk!'
46 : 24
24. Falamma raawhu AAaridan mustaqbila awdiyatihim qaloo hatha AAaridun mumtiruna bal huwa ma istaAAjaltum bihi reehun feeha AAathabun aleemun
Then, when they saw a dense cloud advance towards their valley, they said : 'This is the cloud which will bring us much rain!' Nay! it is that which you sought to hasten, - a storm bringing the promised cataclysm -
46 : 25
25. Tudammiru kulla shay-in bi-amri rabbiha faasbahoo la yura illa masakinuhum kathalika najzee alqawma almujrimeena
Devastating everything in its wake by the command of its Lord! And by the crack of dawn nothing of theirs was visible except hushed dwellings! Thus do We recompense the guilty folk.
46 : 26
26. Walaqad makkannahum feema in makkannakum feehi wajaAAalna lahum samAAan waabsaran waaf-idatan fama aghna AAanhum samAAuhum wala absaruhum wala af-idatuhum min shay-in ith kanoo yajhadoona bi-ayati Allahi wahaqa bihim ma kanoo bihi yastahzi-oona
And verily We had given them power which We have not given you; and assigned to them ears and eyes and hearts, but their ears and eyes and hearts availed them not since they elected to refute the revelations of Allah; and the plight at which they used to scoff engulfed them! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
21. And remember (Hûd) the brother of 'Ad, when he warned his people in Al-Ahqâf (the curved sand-hills in the southern part of Arabian Peninsula). And surely, there have passed away warners before him and after him (saying): "Worship none but Allâh; truly, I fear for you the torment of a mighty Day."
22. They said: "Have you come to turn us away from our âliha (gods)? Then bring us that with which you threaten us, if you are one of the truthful!"
23. He said: "The knowledge (of the time of its coming) is with Allâh only, and I convey to you that wherewith I have been sent, but I see that you are a people given to ignorance!"
24. Then, when they saw it as a dense cloud coming towards their valleys, they said: "This is a cloud bringing us rain!" Nay, but it is that (torment) which you were asking to be hastened! a wind wherein is a painful torment!
25. Destroying everything by the Command of its Lord! So they became such that nothing could be seen except their dwellings! Thus do We recompense the people who are Mujrimûn (polytheists, disbelievers, sinners, etc.)!
26. And indeed We had firmly established them with that wherewith We have not established you (O Quraish)! And We had assigned them the (faculties of) hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and hearts, but their hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and their hearts availed them nothing since they used to deny the Ayât (Allâh's Prophets and their Prophethood, proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, and they were completely encircled by that which they used to mock at!
046.021
YUSUFALI: Mention (Hud)
one of 'Ad's (own) brethren: Behold, he warned his people about the winding
Sand-tracts: but there have been warners before him and after him: "Worship ye
none other than Allah: Truly I fear for you the Penalty of a Mighty Day."
PICKTHAL: And make
mention (O Muhammad) of the brother of A'ad when he warned his folk among the
wind-curved sandhills - and verily warners came and went before and after him -
saying: Serve none but Allah. Lo! I fear for you the doom of a tremendous Day.
SHAKIR: And mention
the brother of Ad; when he warned his people in the sandy plains,-- and indeed
warners came before him and after him-- saying Serve none but Allah; surely I
fear for you the punishment of a grievous day.
046.022
YUSUFALI: They said:
"Hast thou come in order to turn us aside from our gods? Then bring upon us the
(calamity) with which thou dost threaten us, if thou art telling the truth?"
PICKTHAL: They said:
Hast come to turn us away from our gods? Then bring upon us that wherewith thou
threatenest us, if thou art of the truthful.
SHAKIR: They said:
Have you come to us to turn us away from our gods; then bring us what you
threaten us with, if you are of the truthful ones.
046.023
YUSUFALI: He said:
"The Knowledge (of when it will come) is only with Allah: I proclaim to you the
mission on which I have been sent: But I see that ye are a people in
ignorance!"..
PICKTHAL: He said: The
knowledge is with Allah only. I convey unto you that wherewith I have been sent,
but I see you are a folk that know not.
SHAKIR: He said: The
knowledge is only with Allah, and I deliver to you the message with which I am
sent, but I see you are a people who are ignorant.
046.024
YUSUFALI: Then, when
they saw the (Penalty in the shape of) a cloud traversing the sky, coming to
meet their valleys, they said, "This cloud will give us rain!" "Nay, it is the
(Calamity) ye were asking to be hastened!- A wind wherein is a Grievous Penalty!
PICKTHAL: Then, when
they beheld it as a dense cloud coming toward their valleys, they said: Here is
a cloud bringing us rain. Nay, but it is that which ye did seek to hasten, a
wind wherein is painful torment,
SHAKIR: So when they
saw it as a cloud appearing in the sky advancing towards their valleys, they
said: This is a cloud which will give us rain. Nay! it is what you sought to
hasten on, a blast of wind in which is a painful punishment,
046.025
YUSUFALI: "Everything
will it destroy by the command of its Lord!" Then by the morning they - nothing
was to be seen but (the ruins of) their houses! thus do We recompense those
given to sin!
PICKTHAL: Destroying
all things by commandment of its Lord. And morning found them so that naught
could be seen save their dwellings. Thus do We reward the guilty folk.
SHAKIR: Destroying
everything by the command of its Lord, so they became such that naught could be
seen except their dwellings. Thus do We reward the guilty people.
046.026
YUSUFALI: And We had
firmly established them in a (prosperity and) power which We have not given to
you (ye Quraish!) and We had endowed them with (faculties of) hearing, seeing,
heart and intellect: but of no profit to them were their (faculties of) hearing,
sight, and heart and intellect, when they went on rejecting the Signs of Allah;
and they were (completely) encircled by that which they used to mock at!
PICKTHAL: And verily
We had empowered them with that wherewith We have not empowered you, and had
assigned them ears and eyes and hearts; but their ears and eyes and hearts
availed them naught since they denied the revelations of Allah; and what they
used to mock befell them.
SHAKIR: And certainly
We had established them in what We have not established you in, and We had
given-- them ears and eyes and hearts, but neither their ears, nor their eyes,
nor their hearts availed them aught, since they denied the communications of
Allah, and that which they mocked encompassed them.
46 : 27
27. Walaqad ahlakna ma hawlakum mina alqura wasarrafna al-ayati laAAallahum yarjiAAoona
And verily We have destroyed many a community around you after displaying to them Our portents so that perchance they might reform themselves.
46 : 28
28. Falawla nasarahumu allatheena ittakhathoo min dooni Allahi qurbanan alihatan bal dalloo AAanhum wathalika ifkuhum wama kanoo yaftaroona
Then why did those whom they chose as gods for attaining nearness to Allah fail to rescue them? Nay, they forsook them! For the rest, It was all nothing but lies and concoctions!
46 : 29
29. Wa-ith sarafna ilayka nafaran mina aljinni yastamiAAoona alqur-ana falamma hadaroohu qaloo ansitoo falamma qudiya wallaw ila qawmihim munthireena
And when We directed towards you (Mohammed) several of the Jinn who wished to hear the Qur'aan and, when it was recited to them, they said : 'Concentrate!' and, when it was over, they returned to their folk to warn them and, -
46 : 30
30. Qaloo ya qawmana inna samiAAna kitaban onzila min baAAdi moosa musaddiqan lima bayna yadayhi yahdee ila alhaqqi wa-ila tareeqin mustaqeemin
They said : 'O our people! We have heard a Scripture which has been revealed after Moses, confirming those revealed before it and providing guidance towards the Truth and towards the path of righteousness!
46 : 31
31. Ya qawmana ajeeboo daAAiya Allahi waaminoo bihi yaghfir lakum min thunoobikum wayujirkum min AAathabin aleemin
'O our people! Respond to him that summons you to Allah and believe in his message so that Allah may remit some of your sins and guard you from a grievous doom!
46 : 32
32. Waman la yujib daAAiya Allahi falaysa bimuAAjizin fee al-ardi walaysa lahu min doonihi awliyaa ola-ika fee dalalin mubeenin
'And whoever does not respond to Allah's summoner has nowhere to escape in the earth nor has he any stalwarts to aid him against Allah! Such of them are sunk in blatant error!
46 : 33
33. Awa lam yaraw anna Allaha allathee khalaqa alssamawati waal-arda walam yaAAya bikhalqihinna biqadirin AAala an yuhyiya almawta bala innahu AAala kulli shay-in qadeerun
Realize they not that Allah Who created the heavens and the earth and tired not of the task of their creation is able to bestow life upon the dead? Indeed He is able to do all things!
46 : 34
34. Wayawma yuAAradu allatheena kafaroo AAala alnnari alaysa hatha bialhaqqi qaloo bala warabbina qala fathooqoo alAAathaba bima kuntum takfuroona
On the Day when those who disbelieve are exposed to the Fire (they will be asked) : 'Is not this real?' They will say : 'Yes, by our Lord!' He will say : 'Then taste the flavour of doom in return for your agnosticism!'
46 : 35
35. Faisbir kama sabara oloo alAAazmi mina alrrusuli wala tastaAAjil lahum kaannahum yawma yarawna ma yooAAadoona lam yalbathoo illa saAAatan min naharin balaghun fahal yuhlaku illa alqawmu alfasiqoona
Have patience (O Mohammed) in the same way as the other brave messengers had done before you and do not seek to hasten their doom! On the Day when they encounter that which they are promised (it will seem to them) that their sojourn on earth lasted for but a single moment of daylight! The message to them is : 'Who else would be destroyed, if not the insidious folk! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
27. And indeed We have destroyed towns (populations) round about you, and We have (repeatedly) shown (them) the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in various ways that they might return (to the truth and believe in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism).
28. Then why did those whom they had taken for âliha (gods) besides Allâh, as a way of approach (to Allâh) not help them? Nay, but they vanished completely from them (when there came the torment). And that was their lie, and their inventions which they had been inventing (before their destruction).
29. And (remember) when We sent towards you (Muhammad SAW) Nafran (three to ten persons) of the jinns, (quietly) listening to the Qur'ân, when they stood in the presence thereof, they said: "Listen in silence!" And when it was finished, they returned to their people, as warners.
30. They said: "O our people! Verily! We have heard a Book (this Qur'ân) sent down after Mûsa (Moses), confirming what came before it, it guides to the truth and to a Straight Path (i.e. Islâm).
31. O our people! Respond (with obedience) to Allâh's Caller (i.e. Allâh's Messenger Muhammad SAW), and believe in him (i.e. believe in that which Muhammad SAW has brought from Allâh and follow him). He (Allâh) will forgive you of your sins, and will save you from a painful torment (i.e. Hell-fire)[] .
32. And whosoever does not respond to Allâh's Caller, he cannot escape on earth, and there will be no Auliyâ' (protectors) for him besides Allâh (from Allâh's Punishment). Those are in manifest error.
33. Do they not see that Allâh, Who created the heavens and the earth, and was not wearied by their creation, is Able to give life to the dead? Yes, He surely is Able to do all things.
34. And on the Day when those who disbelieve will be exposed to the Fire (it will be said to them): "Is this not the truth?" They will say: "Yes, By our Lord!" He will say: "Then taste the torment, because you used to disbelieve!"
35. Therefore be patient (O Muhammad SAW) as did the Messengers of strong will[] and be in no haste about them (disbelievers). On the Day when they will see that (torment) with which they are promised (i.e. threatened, it will be) as if they had not stayed more than an hour in a single day. (O mankind! This Qur'ân is sufficient as) a clear Message (or proclamation to save yourself from destruction). But shall any be destroyed except the people who are Al-Fâsiqûn (the rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).
046.027
YUSUFALI: We destroyed
aforetime populations round about you; and We have shown the Signs in various
ways, that they may turn (to Us).
PICKTHAL: And verily
We have destroyed townships round about you, and displayed (for them) Our
revelation, that haply they might return.
SHAKIR: And certainly
We destroyed the towns which are around you, and We repeat the communications
that they might turn.
046.028
YUSUFALI: Why then was
no help forthcoming to them from those whom they worshipped as gods, besides
Allah, as a means of access (to Allah)? Nay, they left them in the lurch: but
that was their falsehood and their invention.
PICKTHAL: Then why did
those whom they had chosen for gods as a way of approach (unto Allah) not help
them? Nay, but they did fail them utterly. And (all) that was their lie, and
what they used to invent.
SHAKIR: Why did not
then those help them whom they took for gods besides Allah to draw (them) nigh
(to Him)? Nay! they were lost to them; and this was their lie and what they
forged.
046.029
YUSUFALI: Behold, We
turned towards thee a company of Jinns (quietly) listening to the Qur'an: when
they stood in the presence thereof, they said, "Listen in silence!" When the
(reading) was finished, they returned to their people, to warn (them of their
sins).
PICKTHAL: And when We
inclined toward thee (Muhammad) certain of the jinn, who wished to hear the
Qur'an and, when they were in its presence, said: Give ear! and, when it was
finished, turned back to their people, warning.
SHAKIR: And when We
turned towards you a party of the jinn who listened to the Quran; so when they
came to it, they said: Be silent; then when it was finished, they turned back to
their people warning (them).
046.030
YUSUFALI: They said,
"O our people! We have heard a Book revealed after Moses, confirming what came
before it: it guides (men) to the Truth and to a Straight Path.
PICKTHAL: They said: O
our people! Lo! we have heard a scripture which hath been revealed after Moses,
confirming that which was before it, guiding unto the truth and a right road.
SHAKIR: They said: O
our people! we have listened to a Book revealed after Musa verifying that which
is before it, guiding to the truth and to a right path:
046.031
YUSUFALI: "O our
people, hearken to the one who invites (you) to Allah, and believe in him: He
will forgive you your faults, and deliver you from a Penalty Grievous.
PICKTHAL: O our
people! respond to Allah's summoner and believe in Him. He will forgive you some
of your sins and guard you from a painful doom.
SHAKIR: O our people!
accept the Divine caller and believe in Him, He will forgive you of your faults
and protect you from a painful punishment.
046.032
YUSUFALI: "If any does
not hearken to the one who invites (us) to Allah, he cannot frustrate (Allah's
Plan) on earth, and no protectors can he have besides Allah: such men (wander)
in manifest error."
PICKTHAL: And whoso
respondeth not to Allah's summoner he can nowise escape in the earth, and he
hath no protecting friends instead of Him. Such are in error manifest.
SHAKIR: And whoever
does not accept the-Divine caller, he shall not escape in the earth and he shall
not have guardians besides Him, these are in manifest error.
046.033
YUSUFALI: See they not
that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and never wearied with their
creation, is able to give life to the dead? Yea, verily He has power over all
things.
PICKTHAL: Have they
not seen that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth and was not wearied
by their creation, is Able to give life to the dead? Aye, He verily is Able to
do all things.
SHAKIR: Have they not
considered that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth and was not tired
by their creation, is able to give life to the dead? Aye! He has surely power
over all things.
046.034
YUSUFALI: And on the
Day that the Unbelievers will be placed before the Fire, (they will be asked,)
"Is this not the Truth?" they will say, "Yea, by our Lord!" (One will say:)
"Then taste ye the Penalty, for that ye were wont to deny (Truth)!"
PICKTHAL: And on the
day when those who disbelieve are exposed to the Fire (they will be asked): Is
not this real? They will say: Yea, by our Lord. He will say: Then taste the doom
for that ye disbelieved.
SHAKIR: And on the day
when those who disbelieve shall be brought before the fire: Is it not true? They
shall say: Aye! by our Lord! He will say: Then taste the punishment, because you
disbelieved.
046.035
YUSUFALI: Therefore
patiently persevere, as did (all) messengers of inflexible purpose; and be in no
haste about the (Unbelievers). On the Day that they see the (Punishment)
promised them, (it will be) as if they had not tarried more than an hour in a
single day. (Thine but) to proclaim the Message: but shall any be destroyed
except those who transgress?
PICKTHAL: Then have
patience (O Muhammad) even as the stout of heart among the messengers (of old)
had patience, and seek not to hasten on (the doom) for them. On the day when
they see that which they are promised (it will seem to them) as though they had
tarried but an hour of daylight. A clear message. Shall any be destroyed save
evil-living folk?
SHAKIR: Therefore bear
up patiently as did the messengers endowed with constancy bear up with patience
and do not seek to hasten for them (their doom). On the day that they shall see
what they are promised they shall be as if they had not tarried save an hour of
the day. A sufficient exposition! Shall then any be destroyed save the
transgressing people?