INTRODUCTION:
This Surah consists of 55 verses, 342 sentences, 1,423 letters and 3 Ruku's.
The Surah takes its name from the very first verse Wan shaqq al-Qamar, thereby implying that it is a Surah in which the word al-Qamar has occurred.
The incident of the shaqq-al-Qamar (splitting of the moon) that has been mentioned in it, determines its period of revelation precisely. The traditionists and commentators are agreed that this incident took place at Mina in Makkah about five years before the Holy Prophet's hijra to Madinah.
In this Surah the disbelievers of Makkah have been warned for their stubbornness which they had adopted against the invitation of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The amazing and wonderful phenomenon of the splitting of the Moon was a manifest sign of the truth that the Resurrection, of which the Holy Prophet was giving them the news, could take place and that it had approached near at hand. The great sphere of the Moon had split into two distinct parts in front of their very eyes. The two parts had separated and receded so much apart from each other that to the on-lookers one part had appeared on one side of the mountain and the other on the other side of it. Then, in an instant the two had rejoined. This was a manifest proof of the truth that the system of the Universe was neither eternal nor immortal, it could be disrupted. Huge stars and planets could split asunder, disintegrate, collide with each other, and everything that had been depicted in the Quran in connection with the description of the details of Resurrection, could happen. Not only this: it was also a portent that the disintegration of the system of the Universe had begun and the time was near when Resurrection would take place. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) invited the people's attention to this event only with this object in view and asked them to mark it and be a witness to it. But the disbelievers described it as a magical illusion add persisted in their denial. For this stubbornnnss they have been reproached in this Surah.
At the outset it has been said: "These people neither believe in the admonition, nor learn a lesson from history, nor affirm faith after witnessing manifest signs with their eyes. Now they would believe only when Resurrection has taken place and they would be rushing out of their graves towards the Summoner on that Day."
Then, the stories of the people of Noah and of 'Ad and Thamud and of the peoples of Lot and the Pharaoh have been related briefly and they have been reminded of the terrible punishments that these nations suffered when they belied and disregarded the warnings given by the Prophets of God. After the narration of each story the refrain that has been provided is: "This Quran is an easy means of admonition, which if a nation takes to heart and thereby takes the Right Way, the torment that descended on the former nations could be avoided. But it would indeed be a folly if instead of heeding the admonition through this easy means, one persisted in heedlessness and disbelieved until one was overtaken by the torment itself."
Likewise, after citing admonitary precedents from the history of the former nations, the disbelievers of Makkah have been addressed and warned to this effect: "If you too adopt the same attitude and conduct for which the other nations have already been punished, why will you not be punished for it?Are you in any way a superior people that you should be treated differently from others? Or, have you received a deed of amnesty that you will not be punished for the crime for which others have been punished?And if you feel elated at your great numbers, you will soon see that these very numbers of yours are put to rout (on the battlefield) and on the Day of Resurrectioun you will be dealt with even more severely."
In the end, the disbelievers have been told that Allah does not need to make lengthy preparations to bring about Resurrection. No sooner does He give a simple command for it than it will take place immediately. Like everything else the Universe and mankind also have a destiny. According to this destiny everything happens at its own appointed time. It cannot be so that whenever somebody gives a challenge, Resurrection is brought about in order to convince him. If you adopt rebellion because you do not see it coming, you will only be adding to your own distress and misfortune. For your record which is being prepared by Divine agents, has not left any misdeed of yours, great or small, unrecorded.
Maududi
Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi
Section 1
54 : 1
1. Iqtarabati alssaAAatu wainshaqqa alqamaru
The Hour (of judgement) is approaching and the moon is split apart!
54 : 2
2. Wa-in yaraw ayatan yuAAridoo wayaqooloo sihrun mustamirrun
Yet if they see a portent, they turn away and say : 'This is but an enduring illusion!'
54 : 3
3. Wakaththaboo waittabaAAoo ahwaahum wakullu amrin mustaqirrun
And they repudiate the Truth and follow their own lusts. But beware that the issues have all been resolved!
54 : 4
4. Walaqad jaahum mina al-anba-i ma feehi muzdajarun
And verily there have come to them the news about past generations the purpose of which was to warn them -
54 : 5
5. Hikmatun balighatun fama tughnee alnnuthuru
And to provide them wisdom of utmost intensity. But warnings do not avail them!
54 : 6
6. Fatawalla AAanhum yawma yadAAu alddaAAi ila shay-in nukurin
So withdraw from them (O Mohammed) on the Day when the Summoner summons towards a recondite affair!
54 : 7
7. KhushshaAAan absaruhum yakhrujoona mina al-ajdathi kaannahum jaradun muntashirun
With eyes downcast they shall emerge from their graves as if they were a swarm of locusts scattered all around -
54 : 8
8. MuhtiAAeena ila alddaAAi yaqoolu alkafiroona hatha yawmun AAasirun
Hastening towards the Summoner in a great rush, the disbelievers say : 'O what an awful day this is!'
54 : 9
9. Kaththabat qablahum qawmu noohin fakaththaboo AAabdana waqaloo majnoonun waizdujira
Before them the folk of Noah repudiated; they denied Our bondsman saying : 'A mad man!' and insulted him!
54 : 10
10. FadaAAa rabbahu annee maghloobun faintasir
Then he turned to his Lord saying : 'I am overwhelmed, so help me!'
54 : 11
11. Fafatahna abwaba alssama-i bima-in munhamirin
So We threw open the flood-gates of heaven -
54 : 12
12. Wafajjarna al-arda AAuyoonan failtaqa almao AAala amrin qad qudira
And caused the earth to gush forth its springs so that the two waters mingled for a purpose pre-ordained!
54 : 13
13. Wahamalnahu AAala thati alwahin wadusurin
And We carried him on board a vessel made with planks and nails -
54 : 14
14. Tajree bi-aAAyunina jazaan liman kana kufira
Which sailed across the deluge in front of Our eyes, - a reward for him who was rejected!
54 : 15
15. Walaqad taraknaha ayatan fahal min muddakirin
And verily We preserved it as a reminder! But is there anyone who takes heed?
54 : 16
16. Fakayfa kana AAathabee wanuthuri
Behold how acerbic were My punishments and My warnings!
54 : 17
17. Walaqad yassarna alqur-ana lilththikri fahal min muddakirin
And in truth We have made the Qur'aan easy to memorize! But is there anyone who takes heed?
54 : 18
18. Kaththabat AAadun fakayfa kana AAathabee wanuthuri
The tribe of Aad also vituperated! Behold how acerbic were My punishments and My warnings!
54 : 19
19. Inna arsalna AAalayhim reehan sarsaran fee yawmi nahsin mustamirrin
Verily We unleashed on them a catastrophic gale on a grim day of endless calamities
54 : 20
20. TanziAAu alnnasa kaannahum aAAjazu nakhlin munqaAAirin
Which swept the people around as though they were uprooted trunks of palm trees!
54 : 21
21. Fakayfa kana AAathabee wanuthuri
Behold how acerbic were My punishments and My warnings!
54 : 22
22. Walaqad yassarna alqur-ana lilththikri fahal min muddakirin
And in truth We have made the Qur'aan easy to memorize! But is there anyone who takes heed (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
1. The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been cleft asunder (the people of Makkah requested Prophet Muhammad SAW to show them a miracle, so he showed them the splitting of the moon).[]
2. And if they see a sign, they turn away, and say: "This is continuous magic."
3. They belied (the Verses of Allâh, this Qur'ân), and followed their own lusts. And every matter will be settled [according to the kind of deeds (for the doer of good deeds, his deeds will take him to Paradise, and similarly evil deeds will take their doers to Hell)].
4. And indeed there has come to them news (in this Qur'ân) wherein there is (enough warning) to check (them from evil),
5. Perfect wisdom (this Qur'ân), but (the preaching of) warners benefit them not,
6. So (O Muhammad SAW) withdraw from them. The Day that the caller will call (them) to a terrible thing.
7. They will come forth, with humbled eyes from (their) graves as if they were locusts spread abroad,
8. Hastening towards the caller, the disbelievers will say: "This is a hard Day."
9. The people of Nûh (Noah) denied (their Messenger) before them, they rejected Our slave, and said: "A madman!" and he was insolently rebuked and threatened.
10. Then he invoked his Lord (saying): "I have been overcome, so help (me)!"
11. So We opened the gates of heaven with water pouring forth.
12. And We caused the earth to gush forth with springs. So the waters (of the heaven and the earth) met for a matter predestined.
13. And We carried him on a (ship) made of planks and nails,
14. Floating under Our Eyes, a reward for him who had been rejected!
15. And indeed, We have left this as a sign, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?
16. Then how (terrible) was My Torment and My Warnings?
17. And We have indeed made the Qur'ân easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?
18. 'Ad (people) belied (their Prophet, Hûd), then how (terrible) was My Torment and My Warnings?
19. Verily, We sent against them a furious wind of harsh voice on a day of evil omen and continuous calamity.
20. Plucking out men as if they were uprooted stems of date-palms.
21. Then, how (terrible) was My Torment and My Warnings?
22. And We have indeed made the Qur'ân easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?
054.001
YUSUFALI: The Hour (of
Judgment) is nigh, and the moon is cleft asunder.
PICKTHAL: The hour
drew nigh and the moon was rent in twain.
SHAKIR: The hour drew
nigh and the moon did rend asunder.
054.002
YUSUFALI: But if they
see a Sign, they turn away, and say, "This is (but) transient magic."
PICKTHAL: And if they
behold a portent they turn away and say: Prolonged illusion.
SHAKIR: And if they
see a miracle they turn aside and say: Transient magic.
054.003
YUSUFALI: They reject
(the warning) and follow their (own) lusts but every matter has its appointed
time.
PICKTHAL: They denied
(the Truth) and followed their own lusts. Yet everything will come to a decision
SHAKIR: And they call
(it) a lie, and follow their low desires; and every affair has its appointed
term.
054.004
YUSUFALI: There have
already come to them Recitals wherein there is (enough) to check (them),
PICKTHAL: And surely
there hath come unto them news whereof the purport should deter,
SHAKIR: And certainly
some narratives have come to them wherein is prevention--
054.005
YUSUFALI: Mature
wisdom;- but (the preaching of) Warners profits them not.
PICKTHAL: Effective
wisdom; but warnings avail not.
SHAKIR: Consummate
wisdom-- but warnings do not avail;
054.006
YUSUFALI: Therefore,
(O Prophet,) turn away from them. The Day that the Caller will call (them) to a
terrible affair,
PICKTHAL: So withdraw
from them (O Muhammad) on the day when the Summoner summoneth unto a painful
thing.
SHAKIR: So turn (your)
back on them (for) the day when the inviter shall invite them to a hard task,
054.007
YUSUFALI: They will
come forth,- their eyes humbled - from (their) graves, (torpid) like locusts
scattered abroad,
PICKTHAL: With
downcast eyes, they come forth from the graves as they were locusts spread
abroad,
SHAKIR: Their eyes
cast down, going forth from their graves as if they were scattered locusts,
054.008
YUSUFALI: Hastening,
with eyes transfixed, towards the Caller!- "Hard is this Day!", the Unbelievers
will say.
PICKTHAL: Hastening
toward the summoner; the disbelievers say: This is a hard day.
SHAKIR: Hastening to
the inviter. The unbelievers shall say: This is a hard day.
054.009
YUSUFALI: Before them
the People of Noah rejected (their messenger): they rejected Our servant, and
said, "Here is one possessed!", and he was driven out.
PICKTHAL: The folk of
Noah denied before them, yea, they denied Our slave and said: A madman; and he
was repulsed.
SHAKIR: Before them
the people of Nuh rejected, so they rejected Our servant and called (him) mad,
and he was driven away.
054.010
YUSUFALI: Then he
called on his Lord: "I am one overcome: do Thou then help (me)!"
PICKTHAL: So he cried
unto his Lord, saying: I am vanquished, so give help.
SHAKIR: Therefore he
called upon his Lord: I am overcome, come Thou then to help.
054.011
YUSUFALI: So We opened
the gates of heaven, with water pouring forth.
PICKTHAL: Then opened
We the gates of heaven with pouring water
SHAKIR: So We opened
the gates of the cloud with water pouring
054.012
YUSUFALI: And We
caused the earth to gush forth with springs, so the waters met (and rose) to the
extent decreed.
PICKTHAL: And caused
the earth to gush forth springs, so that the waters met for a predestined
purpose.
SHAKIR: And We made
water to flow forth in the land in springs, so the water gathered together
according to a measure already ordained.
054.013
YUSUFALI: But We bore
him on an (Ark) made of broad planks and caulked with palm-fibre:
PICKTHAL: And We
carried him upon a thing of planks and nails,
SHAKIR: And We bore
him on that which was made of planks and nails
054.014
YUSUFALI: She floats
under our eyes (and care): a recompense to one who had been rejected (with
scorn)!
PICKTHAL: That ran
(upon the waters) in Our sight, as a reward for him who was rejected.
SHAKIR: Sailing,
before Our eyes, a reward for him who was denied.
054.015
YUSUFALI: And We have
left this as a Sign (for all time): then is there any that will receive
admonition?
PICKTHAL: And verily
We left it as a token; but is there any that remembereth?
SHAKIR: And certainly
We left it as a sign, but is there anyone who
054.016
YUSUFALI: But how
(terrible) was My Penalty and My Warning?
PICKTHAL: Then see how
(dreadful) was My punishment after My warnings!
SHAKIR: How (great)
was then My punishment and My warning!
054.017
YUSUFALI: And We have
indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that
will receive admonition?
PICKTHAL: And in truth
We have made the Qur'an easy to remember; but is there any that remembereth?
SHAKIR: And certainly
We have made the Quran easy for remembrance, but is there anyone who will mind?
054.018
YUSUFALI: The 'Ad
(people) (too) rejected (Truth): then how terrible was My Penalty and My
Warning?
PICKTHAL: (The tribe
of) A'ad rejected warnings. Then how (dreadful) was My punishment after My
warnings.
SHAKIR: Ad treated
(the truth) as a lie, so how (great) was My punishment and My warning!
054.019
YUSUFALI: For We sent
against them a furious wind, on a Day of violent Disaster,
PICKTHAL: Lo! We let
loose on them a raging wind on a day of constant calamity,
SHAKIR: Surely We sent
on them a tornado in a day of bitter ill-luck
054.020
YUSUFALI: Plucking out
men as if they were roots of palm-trees torn up (from the ground).
PICKTHAL: Sweeping men
away as though they were uprooted trunks of palm-trees.
SHAKIR: Tearing men
away as if they were the trunks of palm-trees torn up.
054.021
YUSUFALI: Yea, how
(terrible) was My Penalty and My Warning!
PICKTHAL: Then see how
(dreadful) was My punishment after My warnings!
SHAKIR: How (great)
was then My punishment and My warning!
054.022
YUSUFALI: But We have
indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that
will receive admonition?
PICKTHAL: And in truth
We have made the Qur'an easy to remember; but is there any that remembereth?
SHAKIR: And certainly
We have made the Quran easy for remembrance, but is there anyone who will mind?
54 : 23
23. Kaththabat thamoodu bialnnuthuri
The tribe of Thamud rejected their warnings -
54 : 24
24. Faqaloo abasharan minna wahidan nattabiAAuhu inna ithan lafee dalalin wasuAAurin
And they said : 'Are we to follow a mortal man from our own midst who stands on his own? Then verily we should either be mad or misguided to do so!
54 : 25
25. Aolqiya alththikru AAalayhi min baynina bal huwa kaththabun ashirun
'Is it to him alone among so many of us that the Reminder has been revealed? Nay, but he is a blatant liar!'
54 : 26
26. SayaAAlamoona ghadan mani alkaththabu al-ashiru
(And it was said to the warner) : 'By this time tomorrow they will come to know who is the blatant liar!'
54 : 27
27. Inna mursiloo alnnaqati fitnatan lahum fairtaqibhum waistabir
'We are sending a she camel as a test for them. So watch them and have patience -
54 : 28
28. Wanabbi/hum anna almaa qismatun baynahum kullu shirbin muhtadarun
'And let them know that the water in the pond should be shared between her and them and that every drinking will be witnessed!'
54 : 29
29. Fanadaw sahibahum fataAAata faAAaqara
But they called one of their their comrades, who seized her and crippled her!
54 : 30
30. Fakayfa kana AAathabee wanuthuri
Behold how acerbic were My punishment and My warning!
54 : 31
31. Inna arsalna AAalayhim sayhatan wahidatan fakanoo kahasheemi almuhtathiri
Verily We sent upon them one Shout and they became like the remnants of dry twigs left behind after the haystack is removed!
54 : 32
32. Walaqad yassarna alqur-ana lilththikri fahal min muddakirin
And in truth we have made the Qur'aan easy to memorize! But is there anyone who takes heed?
54 : 33
33. Kaththabat qawmu lootin bialnnuthuri
The folk of Lot rejected their warnings!
54 : 34
34. Inna arsalna AAalayhim hasiban illa ala lootin najjaynahum bisaharin
We sent on them a torrent of pebbles, except on the family of Lot whom We rescued during the last lap of that night -
54 : 35
35. NiAAmatan min AAindina kathalika najzee man shakara
By way of Grace from Us! Thus do We reward those who tender their thanks!
54 : 36
36. Walaqad antharahum batshatana fatamaraw bialnnuthuri
He had, indeed, forewarned them of Our retribution but they doubted his warnings.
54 : 37
37. Walaqad rawadoohu AAan dayfihi fatamasna aAAyunahum fathooqoo AAathabee wanuthuri
They even propositioned his guests with evil intent, so We deprived them of their eye-sight and said : 'Taste now the flavour of My punishment and My warning!'
54 : 38
38. Walaqad sabbahahum bukratan AAathabun mustaqirrun
And in truth the punishment decreed for them befell them in the small hours of that morning!
54 : 39
39. Fathooqoo AAathabee wanuthuri
So taste now the flavour of My punishments and My warnings!
54 : 40
40. Walaqad yassarna alqur-ana lilththikri fahal min muddakirin
And in truth We have made the Qur'aan easy to memorize! But is there anyone who takes heed? (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
23. Thamûd (people also) belied the warnings.
24. For they said: "A man! Alone from among us, that we are to follow? Truly, then we should be in error and distress or madness!"
25. "Is it that the Reminder is sent to him [Prophet Sâlih (Saleh) <><>] alone from among us? Nay, he is an insolent liar!"
26. Tomorrow they will come to know, who is the liar, the insolent one!
27. Verily, We are sending the she-camel as a test for them. So watch them [O Sâlih (Saleh) <><>], and be patient!
28. And inform them that the water is to be shared between (her and) them. Each one's right to drink being established (by turns).
29. But they called their comrade and he took (a sword) and killed (her).
30. Then, how (terrible) was My Torment and My Warnings?
31. Verily, We sent against them a single Saîhah (torment - awful cry, etc.), and they became like the dry stubble of a fold-builder.
32. And indeed, We have made the Qur'ân easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?
33. The people of Lout (Lot) belied the warnings.
34. Verily, We sent against them a violent storm of stones (which destroyed them all), except the family of Lout (Lot), whom We saved in last hour of the night,
35. As a Favour from Us, thus do We reward him who gives thanks (by obeying Us).
36. And he [Lout (Lot)] indeed had warned them of Our Grasp, but they did doubt the warnings!
37. And they indeed sought to shame his guest (by asking to commit sodomy with them). So We blinded their eyes, "Then taste you My Torment and My Warnings."
38. And verily, an abiding torment seized them early in the morning.
39. "Then taste you My Torment and My Warnings."
40. And indeed, We have made the Qur'ân easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?
054.023
YUSUFALI: The Thamud
(also) rejected (their) Warners.
PICKTHAL: (The tribe
of) Thamud rejected warnings
SHAKIR: Samood
rejected the warning.
054.024
YUSUFALI: For they
said: "What! a man! a Solitary one from among ourselves! shall we follow such a
one? Truly should we then be straying in mind, and mad!
PICKTHAL: For they
said; Is it a mortal man, alone among us, that we are to follow? Then indeed we
should fall into error and madness.
SHAKIR: So they said:
What! a single mortal from among us! Shall we follow him? Most surely we shall
in that case be in sure error and distress:
054.025
YUSUFALI: "Is it that
the Message is sent to him, of all people amongst us? Nay, he is a liar, an
insolent one!"
PICKTHAL: Hath the
remembrance been given unto him alone among us? Nay, but he is a rash liar.
SHAKIR: Has the
reminder been made to light upon him from among us? Nay! he is an insolent liar!
054.026
YUSUFALI: Ah! they
will know on the morrow, which is the liar, the insolent one!
PICKTHAL: (Unto their
warner it was said): To-morrow they will know who is the rash liar.
SHAKIR: Tomorrow shall
they know who is the liar, the insolent one.
054.027
YUSUFALI: For We will
send the she-camel by way of trial for them. So watch them, (O Salih), and
possess thyself in patience!
PICKTHAL: Lo! We are
sending the she-camel as a test for them; so watch them and have patience;
SHAKIR: Surely We are
going to send the she-camel as a trial for them; therefore watch them and have
patience.
054.028
YUSUFALI: And tell
them that the water is to be divided between them: Each one's right to drink
being brought forward (by suitable turns).
PICKTHAL: And inform
them that the water is to be shared between (her and) them. Every drinking will
be witnessed.
SHAKIR: And inform
them that the water is shared between them; every share of the water shall be
regulated.
054.029
YUSUFALI: But they
called to their companion, and he took a sword in hand, and hamstrung (her).
PICKTHAL: But they
call their comrade and he took and hamstrung (her).
SHAKIR: But they
called their companion, so he took (the sword) and slew (her).
054.030
YUSUFALI: Ah! how
(terrible) was My Penalty and My Warning!
PICKTHAL: Then see how
(dreadful) was My punishment after My warnings!
SHAKIR: How (great)
was then My punishment and My warning!
054.031
YUSUFALI: For We sent
against them a single Mighty Blast, and they became like the dry stubble used by
one who pens cattle.
PICKTHAL: Lo! We sent
upon them one Shout, and they became as the dry twigs (rejected by) the builder
of a cattle-fold.
SHAKIR: Surely We sent
upon them a single cry, so they were like the dry fragments of trees which the
maker of an enclosure collects.
054.032
YUSUFALI: And We have
indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that
will receive admonition?
PICKTHAL: And in truth
We have made the Qur'an easy to remember; but is there any that remembereth?
SHAKIR: And certainly
We have made the Quran easy for remembrance, but is there anyone who will mind?
054.033
YUSUFALI: The people
of Lut rejected (his) warning.
PICKTHAL: The folk of
Lot rejected warnings.
SHAKIR: The people of
Lut treated the warning. as a lie.
054.034
YUSUFALI: We sent
against them a violent Tornado with showers of stones, (which destroyed them),
except Lut's household: them We delivered by early Dawn,-
PICKTHAL: Lo! We sent
a storm of stones upon them (all) save the family of Lot, whom We rescued in the
last watch of the night,
SHAKIR: Surely We sent
upon them a stonestorm, except Lut's followers; We saved them a little before
daybreak,
054.035
YUSUFALI: As a Grace
from Us: thus do We reward those who give thanks.
PICKTHAL: As grace
from Us. Thus We reward him who giveth thanks.
SHAKIR: A favor from
Us; thus do We reward him who gives thanks.
054.036
YUSUFALI: And (Lut)
did warn them of Our Punishment, but they disputed about the Warning.
PICKTHAL: And he
indeed had warned them of Our blow, but they did doubt the warnings.
SHAKIR: And certainly
he warned them of Our violent seizure, but they obstinately disputed the
warning.
054.037
YUSUFALI: And they
even sought to snatch away his guests from him, but We blinded their eyes. (They
heard:) "Now taste ye My Wrath and My Warning."
PICKTHAL: They even
asked of him his guests for an ill purpose. Then We blinded their eyes (and
said): Taste now My punishment after My warnings!
SHAKIR: And certainly
they endeavored to turn him from his guests, but We blinded their eyes; so taste
My chastisement and My warning.
054.038
YUSUFALI: Early on the
morrow an abiding Punishment seized them:
PICKTHAL: And in truth
the punishment decreed befell them early in the morning.
SHAKIR: And certainly
a lasting chastisement overtook them in the morning.
054.039
YUSUFALI: "So taste ye
My Wrath and My Warning."
PICKTHAL: Now taste My
punishment after My warnings!
SHAKIR: So taste My
chastisement and My warning.
054.040
YUSUFALI: And We have
indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember: then is there any that
will receive admonition?
PICKTHAL: And in truth
We have made the Qur'an easy to remember; but is there any that remembereth?
SHAKIR: And certainly
We have made the Quran easy for remembrance, but is there anyone who will mind?
54 : 41
41. Walaqad jaa ala firAAawna alnnuthuru
And in truth warnings came to the folk of Pharaoh -
54 : 42
42. Kaththaboo bi-ayatina kulliha faakhathnahum akhtha AAazeezin muqtadirin
Who vituperated Our revelations, each and every one of them, so We grabbed them in a formidable clasp befitting the might of the Almighty, the Omnipotent!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed when an enemy of Islam declared during the Battle of Badr that the disbelievers and the idolaters would come together and defeat the Muslims. The Prophet recited these verses to his followers in full armour!
54 : 43
43. Akuffarukum khayrun min ola-ikum am lakum baraatun fee alzzuburi
Are your disbelievers better than the disbelievers of the past? Or have they been given impunity in the Scriptures?
54 : 44
44. Am yaqooloona nahnu jameeAAun muntasirun
Or do they say : 'We shall unite and hence triumph?'
54 : 45
45. Sayuhzamu aljamAAu wayuwalloona alddubura
Their armies will be overwhelmed and forced to retreat!
54 : 46
46. Bali alssaAAatu mawAAiduhum waalssaAAatu adha waamarru
Nay, their scores are poised to be settled at the Hour of doom, and the Hour will be more pungent and more poignant than their earthly debacles!
54 : 47
47. Inna almujrimeena fee dalalin wasuAAurin
Verily the sinful are misguided as well as moronic!
54 : 48
48. Yawma yushaboona fee alnnari AAala wujoohihim thooqoo massa saqara
On the Day when they are dragged over to the Fire face downwards, (it is said to them) : 'Feel the fierce flames of hell!
* * *
Context of Revelation : The following verses were revealed with reference to the pagan Arabs who did not believe that events transpired by Divine volition, but occurred due to the conjugation of celestial spheres, such as stars and planets.
54 : 49
49. Inna kulla shay-in khalaqnahu biqadarin
Verily We have created everything by measure.
54 : 50
50. Wama amruna illa wahidatun kalamhin bialbasari
The effect of Our Command is instantaneous, - like the batting of an eyelid!
* * *
54 : 51
51. Walaqad ahlakna ashyaAAakum fahal min muddakirin
And in truth We have destroyed the likes of you in the past! But is there anyone who takes heed?
54 : 52
52. Wakullu shay-in faAAaloohu fee alzzuburi
And everything they did is in the Book (of Decrees) -
54 : 53
53. Wakullu sagheerin wakabeerin mustatarun
And every small and great thing which transpired is duly recorded!
54 : 54
54. Inna almuttaqeena fee jannatin wanaharin
Verily the abstemious will dwell among Gardens and rivers -
54 : 55
55. Fee maqAAadi sidqin AAinda maleekin muqtadirin
In the assembly of the truthful and in the presence of an Omnipotent and Almighty King! (R)
OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:
MUHSIN:
41. And indeed, warnings came to the people of Fir'aun (Pharaoh) [through Mûsa (Moses) and Hârûn (Aaron)].
42. (They) belied all Our Signs, so We seized them with a Seizure of the All-Mighty, All-Capable to carry out what he Will (Omnipotent).
43. Are your disbelievers (O Quraish!) better than these [nations of Nûh (Noah), Lout (Lot), Sâlih (Saleh), and the people of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), etc., who were destroyed)? Or have you an immunity (against Our Torment) in the Divine Scriptures?
44. Or do they say: "We are a great multitude, and we shall be victorious.?"
45. Their multitude will be put to flight, and they will show their backs.
46. Nay, but the Hour is their appointed time (for their full recompense), and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter.
47. Verily, the Mujrimûn (polytheists, disbelievers, sinners, criminals, etc.) are in error (in this world) and will burn (in the Hell-fire in the Hereafter).
48. The Day they will be dragged in the Fire on their faces (it will be said to them): "Taste you the touch of Hell!"[]
49. Verily, We have created all things with Qadar (Divine Preordainments of all things before their creation, as written in the Book of Decrees Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz).
50. And Our Commandment is but one, as the twinkling of an eye.
51. And indeed, We have destroyed your likes, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?
52. And each and everything they have done is noted in (their) Records (of deeds).
53. And everything, small and big is written (in Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz already beforehand i.e. before it befalls, or is done by its doer ÇáÇí<>ä ÈÇáÞÏÑ) (See the Qur'ân V.57:22).
54. Verily, The Muttaqûn[] (pious), will be in the midst of Gardens and Rivers (Paradise).
55. In a seat of truth (i.e. Paradise), near the Omnipotent King (Allâh, the All-Blessed, the Most High, the Owner of Majesty and Honour).
054.041
YUSUFALI: To the
People of Pharaoh, too, aforetime, came Warners (from Allah).
PICKTHAL: And warnings
came in truth unto the house of Pharaoh
SHAKIR: And certainly
the warning came to Firon's people.
054.042
YUSUFALI: The (people)
rejected all Our Signs; but We seized them with such Penalty (as comes) from One
Exalted in Power, able to carry out His Will.
PICKTHAL: Who denied
Our revelations, every one. Therefore We grasped them with the grasp of the
Mighty, the Powerful.
SHAKIR: They rejected
all Our communications, so We overtook them after the manner of a Mighty,
Powerful One.
054.043
YUSUFALI: Are your
Unbelievers, (O Quraish), better than they? Or have ye an immunity in the Sacred
Books?
PICKTHAL: Are your
disbelievers better than those, or have ye some immunity in the scriptures?
SHAKIR: Are the
unbelievers of yours better than these, or is there an exemption for you in the
scriptures?
054.044
YUSUFALI: Or do they
say: "We acting together can defend ourselves"?
PICKTHAL: Or say they:
We are a host victorious?
SHAKIR: Or do they
say: We are a host allied together to help each other?
054.045
YUSUFALI: Soon will
their multitude be put to flight, and they will show their backs.
PICKTHAL: The hosts
will all be routed and will turn and flee.
SHAKIR: Soon shall the
hosts be routed, and they shall turn (their) backs.
054.046
YUSUFALI: Nay, the
Hour (of Judgment) is the time promised them (for their full recompense): And
that Hour will be most grievous and most bitter.
PICKTHAL: Nay, but the
Hour (of doom) is their appointed tryst, and the Hour will be more wretched and
more bitter (than their earthly failure).
SHAKIR: Nay, the hour
is their promised time, and the hour shall be most grievous and bitter.
054.047
YUSUFALI: Truly those
in sin are the ones straying in mind, and mad.
PICKTHAL: Lo! the
guilty are in error and madness.
SHAKIR: Surely the
guilty are in error and distress.
054.048
YUSUFALI: The Day they
will be dragged through the Fire on their faces, (they will hear:) "Taste ye the
touch of Hell!"
PICKTHAL: On the day
when they are dragged into the Fire upon their faces (it is said unto them):
Feel the touch of hell.
SHAKIR: On the day
when they shall be dragged upon their faces into the fire; taste the touch of
hell.
054.049
YUSUFALI: Verily, all
things have We created in proportion and measure.
PICKTHAL: Lo! We have
created every thing by measure.
SHAKIR: Surely We have
created everything according to a measure.
054.050
YUSUFALI: And Our
Command is but a single (Act),- like the twinkling of an eye.
PICKTHAL: And Our
commandment is but one (commandment), as the twinkling of an eye.
SHAKIR: And Our
command is but one, as the twinkling of an eye.
054.051
YUSUFALI: And (oft) in
the past, have We destroyed gangs like unto you: then is there any that will
receive admonition?
PICKTHAL: And verily
We have destroyed your fellows; but is there any that remembereth?
SHAKIR: And certainly
We have already destroyed the likes of you, but is there anyone who will mind?
054.052
YUSUFALI: All that
they do is noted in (their) Books (of Deeds):
PICKTHAL: And every
thing they did is in the scriptures,
SHAKIR: And everything
they have done is in the writings.
054.053
YUSUFALI: Every
matter, small and great, is on record.
PICKTHAL: And every
small and great thing is recorded.
SHAKIR: And everything
small and great is written down.
054.054
YUSUFALI: As to the
Righteous, they will be in the midst of Gardens and Rivers,
PICKTHAL: Lo! the
righteous will dwell among gardens and rivers,
SHAKIR: Surely those
who guard (against evil) shall be in gardens and rivers,
054.055
YUSUFALI: In an
Assembly of Truth, in the Presence of a Sovereign Omnipotent.
PICKTHAL: Firmly
established in the favour of a Mighty King.
SHAKIR: In the seat of
honor with a most Powerful King.