THE HOLY QUR'AAN

---

SURAH 56

Al-Waqi'ah  (The Event, The Inevitable)

---

INTRODUCTION:

This Surah consists of 96 verses, 387 sentences, 1,703 letters and 3 Ruku's.  

Name

The Surah takes its name from the word al-waqi'ah of the very first verse.

Period of Revelation

According to the chronological order that Hadrat Abdullah bin Abbas has given of the Surahs, first Surah Ta Ha was sent down, then Al-Waqi'ah and then Ash-Shuara. The same sequence has been reported from Ikrimah. This is supported also by the story that Ibn Hisham has related from Ibn Ishaq about the affirmation of the Faith by Hadrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). It says that when Hadarat Umar entered his sister's house, Surah Ta Ha was being recited. Hearing his voice the people of the house hid the pages of the Quran. Hadrat Umar first seized his brother-in-law and then his sister rose in defence of her husband, he hit her also and wounded her on the head. When Umar saw blood on his sister, he was sorry for what he had done, and said to her: "Show me the manuscript that you have concealed so that I may see what it contains." The sister said: "You are unclean because of your polytheism: Only a clean person can touch it." So, Hadrat Umar rose and washed himself, and then took up the manuscript to read it. This shows that Surah Al-Waqi'ah had been sent down by that time for it contains the verse: La yamassu hu ill al mutahharun; and it had been established historically that Hadrat Umar embraced Islam after the first migration to Habash, in the fifth year of the Prophethood.

Theme and Subject Matter

Its theme is the Hereafter, Tauhid and refutation of the Makkan disbelievers' suspicions about the Quran. What they regarded as utterly incredible was that Resurrection would ever take place, then the entire system of the earth and heavens would be upset, and when all the dead would be resurrected and called to account, after which the righteous would be admitted to Paradise and the wicked cast into Hell. They regarded all this as imaginary, which could not possibly happen in actual fact. In answer to this, it was said: "When the inevitable event will take place, there will be none to belie its happening, nor will anyone have the Power to avert it, nor prove it to be an unreal happening. At that time all peoples will be divided into three classes:

1.       The foremost in rank and position;

2.       The common righteous people;

3.       Those who denied the Hereafter and persisted in disbelief and polytheism and major sins till the last.

How these three classes of the people will be rewarded and punished has been described in detail in vv. 7-56.

Then, in vv. 57-74 arguments have been given, one after the other, to prove the truth of the two basic doctrines of Islam, which the disbelievers were refusing to accept, viz. the doctrines of Tauhid and the Hereafter. In these arguments, apart from everything else that exists in the earth and heavens, man's attention has been drawn to his own body and to the food that he eats and to the water that he drinks and to the fire on which he cooks his food, and he has been invited to ponder the question: What right do you have to behave independently of, or serve any other than, the God Whose creative power has brought you into being, and Whose provisions sustain you? And how can you entertain the idea that after having once brought you into existence He has become so helpless and powerless that He cannot recreate you once again even if he wills to?

 

Then, in vv. 75-82 their suspicions in respect of the Quran have been refuted and they have been made to realize how fortunate they are that instead of deriving any benefit from the great blessing that the Quran is, they are treating it with scant attention and have set only this share of theirs in it that they deny it. If one seriously considers this matchless argument that has been presented in two brief sentences about the truth of the Quran, one will find in it the same kind of firm and stable system as exists among the stars and planets of the Universe, and the same is the proof of the fact that its Author is the same Being Who has created the Universe. Then the disbelievers have been told that this Book is inscribed in that Writ of Destiny which is beyond the reach of the creatures, as if to say "You think it is brought down by the devils to Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), whereas none but the pure angels has any access to the means by which it reaches Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) from the well guarded Tablet."

 

In conclusion, man has been warned, as if to say: "You may brag and boast as you like and may shut your eyes to the truths in your arrogance of independence, but death is enough to open your eyes. At death you become helpless: you cannot save your own parents; you cannot save your children; you cannot save your religious guided and beloved leaders. They all die in front of your very eyes while you look on helplessly. If there is no supreme power ruling over you, and your this assumption is correct that you are all in all in the world, and there is no God, then why don't you restore to the dying person his soul? Just as you are helpless in this, so it is also beyond your power to stop Allah from calling the people to account and mete out rewards and punishments to them. You may or may not believe it, but every dying person will surely see his own end after death. If he belongs to those nearest to God, he will see the good end meant for them if he be from among the righteous, he will see the end prepared for the righteous; and if he be from among the deniers of the truth, he will see the end destined for the criminals.

 

Maududi

THE HOLY QUR'AAN

---

SURAH 56

AL-WAQI'A (THE EVENT)

---

Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

 

Section 1.  

56 : 1

1. Itha waqaAAati alwaqiAAatu

When the Event befalls, -

56 : 2

2. Laysa liwaqAAatiha kathibatun

And there is no denying that it will befall,

56 : 3

3. Khafidatun rafiAAatun

Some will be disgraced and some will be exonerated!

56 : 4

4. Itha rujjati al-ardu rajjan

When the earth trembles from tremors,

56 : 5

5. Wabussati aljibalu bassan

And the mountains are pounded into powder -

56 : 6

6. Fakanat habaan munbaththan

Like thin layers of dust scattered around!

56 : 7

7. Wakuntum azwajan thalathatan

And you will be divided into three categories :

56 : 8

8. Faas-habu almaymanati ma as-habu almaymanati

First of all those to the right side,  : what about those to the right side?

56 : 9

9. Waas-habu almash-amati ma as-habu almash-amati

 

Then those to the left side,  : what about those to the left side?

56 : 10

10. Waalssabiqoona alssabiqoona

And finally those who are foremost (in faith), - they will be foremost in (the Hereafter) !

56 : 11

11. Ola-ika almuqarraboona

They are the ones, who attain propinquity,

 56 : 12

12. Fee jannati alnnaAAeemi

In the Gardens of bliss!

56 : 13

13. Thullatun mina al-awwaleena

A great multitude from the older generations -

56 : 14

14. Waqaleelun mina al-akhireena

And a few from those who followed them -

56 : 15

15. AAala sururin mawdoonatin

On couches inlaid -

56 : 16

16. Muttaki-eena AAalayha mutaqabileena

Reclining face to face;

56 : 17

17. Yatoofu AAalayhim wildanun mukhalladoona

Waited upon by immortal youths,

56 : 18

18. Bi-akwabin waabareeqa waka/sin min maAAeenin

With bowls and decanters, and a glass from the salubrious stream nearby -

56 : 19

19. La yusaddaAAoona AAanha wala yunzifoona

Which causes neither hangovers nor inebriation;

56 : 20

20. Wafakihatin mimma yatakhayyaroona

 And fruit to their liking -

56 : 21

21. Walahmi tayrin mimma yashtahoona

And flesh of fowls of their choice!

56 : 22

22. Wahoorun AAeenun

And celestial maidens with gleaming eyes -

56 : 23

23. Kaamthali allu/lui almaknooni

As chaste as pearls (inside their oysters) -

56 : 24

24. Jazaan bima kanoo yaAAmaloona

As a reward for the righteous deeds which they used to perform!

56 : 25

25. La yasmaAAoona feeha laghwan wala ta/theeman

There they hear no vulgarities nor encounter sinfulness;

56 : 26

26. Illa qeelan salaman salaman

Nothing else but the greetings : 'Peace!' and 'Peace!'

56 : 27

 

27. Waas-habu alyameeni ma as-habu alyameeni

Now those to the right side, : what about those to the right side?

56 : 28

28. Fee sidrin makhdoodin

They are in the midst of lote trees without thorns,

56 : 29

29. Watalhin mandoodin

And clustered plantains,

56 : 30

30. Wathillin mamdoodin

And everlasting shades,

56 : 31

31. Wama-in maskoobin

And everlasting streams,

56 : 32

32. Wafakihatin katheeratin

And plenteous fruit,

56 : 33

33. La maqtooAAatin wala mamnooAAatin

Neither limited nor forbidden;

56 : 34

34. Wafurushin marfooAAatin

Sitting on couches elevated!

56 : 35

35. Inna ansha/nahunna inshaan

Verily We have created for them a whole a new creation -

56 : 36

36. FajaAAalnahunna abkaran

Of vestal virgins, -

56 : 37

37. AAuruban atraban

 

Who are loving (by nature) and equal in age !

56 : 38

38. Li-as-habi alyameeni

For those to the right side! (R)

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

1. When the Event (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) befalls.

2. And there can be no denying of its befalling.

3. It will bring low (some); (and others) it will exalt;

4. When the earth will be shaken with a terrible shake.

5. And the mountains will be powdered to dust.

6. So that they will become floating dust particles.

7. And you (all) will be in three kinds (i.e. separate groups).

8. So those on the Right Hand (i.e. those who will be given their Records in their right hands), Who will be those on the Right Hand? (As a respect for them, because they will enter Paradise).

9. And those on the Left Hand (i.e. those who will be given their Record in their left hands), Who will be those on the Left Hand? (As a disgrace for them, because they will enter Hell).

10. And those foremost [(in Islâmic Faith of Monotheism and in performing righteous deeds) in the life of this world on the very first call for to embrace Islâm,] will be foremost (in Paradise).

11. These will be those nearest to Allâh.

12. In the Gardens of delight (Paradise).

13. A multitude of those (foremost) will be from the first generations (who embraced Islâm).

14. And a few of those (foremost) will be from the later time (generations).

15. (They will be) on thrones woven with gold and precious stones,

16. Reclining thereon, face to face.

17. They will be served by immortal boys,

18. With cups, and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine,

19. Wherefrom they will get neither any aching of the head, nor any intoxication.

20. And fruit; that they may choose.

21. And the flesh of fowls that they desire.

22. And (there will be) Houris (fair females) with wide, lovely eyes (as wives for the pious),

23. Like unto preserved pearls.

24. A reward for what they used to do.

25. No Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk) will they hear therein, nor any sinful speech (like backbiting, etc.).

26. But only the saying of: Salâm!, Salâm! (greetings with peace)^[] !

27. And those on the Right Hand, ­ Who will be those on the Right Hand?

28. (They will be) among thornless lote-trees,

29. Among Talh (banana-trees) with fruits piled one above another,

30. In shade long-extended,

31. By water flowing constantly,

32. And fruit in plenty,

33. Whose season is not limited, and their supply will not be cut off,

34. And on couches or thrones, raised high.

35. Verily, We have created them (maidens) of special creation.

36. And made them virgins.

37. Loving (their husbands only), equal in age.

38. For those on the Right Hand.

056.001
YUSUFALI: When the Event inevitable cometh to pass,
PICKTHAL: When the event befalleth -
SHAKIR: When the great event comes to pass,

056.002
YUSUFALI: Then will no (soul) entertain falsehood concerning its coming.
PICKTHAL: There is no denying that it will befall -
SHAKIR: There is no belying its coming to pass--

056.003
YUSUFALI: (Many) will it bring low; (many) will it exalt;
PICKTHAL: Abasing (some), exalting (others);
SHAKIR: Abasing (one party), exalting (the other),

056.004
YUSUFALI: When the earth shall be shaken to its depths,
PICKTHAL: When the earth is shaken with a shock
SHAKIR: When the earth shall be shaken with a (severe) shaking,

056.005
YUSUFALI: And the mountains shall be crumbled to atoms,
PICKTHAL: And the hills are ground to powder
SHAKIR: And the mountains shall be made to crumble with (an awful) crumbling,

056.006
YUSUFALI: Becoming dust scattered abroad,
PICKTHAL: So that they become a scattered dust,
SHAKIR: So that they shall be as scattered dust.

056.007
YUSUFALI: And ye shall be sorted out into three classes.
PICKTHAL: And ye will be three kinds:
SHAKIR: And you shall be three sorts.

056.008
YUSUFALI: Then (there will be) the Companions of the Right Hand;- What will be the Companions of the Right Hand?
PICKTHAL: (First) those on the right hand; what of those on the right hand?
SHAKIR: Then (as to) the companions of the right hand; how happy are the companions of the right hand!

056.009
YUSUFALI: And the Companions of the Left Hand,- what will be the Companions of the Left Hand?
PICKTHAL: And (then) those on the left hand; what of those on the left hand?
SHAKIR: And (as to) the companions of the left hand; how wretched are the companions of the left hand!

056.010
YUSUFALI: And those Foremost (in Faith) will be Foremost (in the Hereafter).
PICKTHAL: And the foremost in the race, the foremost in the race:
SHAKIR: And the foremost are the foremost,

056.011
YUSUFALI: These will be those Nearest to Allah:
PICKTHAL: Those are they who will be brought nigh
SHAKIR: These are they who are drawn nigh (to Allah),

056.012
YUSUFALI: In Gardens of Bliss:
PICKTHAL: In gardens of delight;
SHAKIR: In the gardens of bliss.

056.013
YUSUFALI: A number of people from those of old,
PICKTHAL: A multitude of those of old
SHAKIR: A numerous company from among the first,

056.014
YUSUFALI: And a few from those of later times.
PICKTHAL: And a few of those of later time.
SHAKIR: And a few from among the latter.

056.015
YUSUFALI: (They will be) on Thrones encrusted (with gold and precious stones),
PICKTHAL: On lined couches,
SHAKIR: On thrones decorated,

056.016
YUSUFALI: Reclining on them, facing each other.
PICKTHAL: Reclining therein face to face.
SHAKIR: Reclining on them, facing one another.

056.017
YUSUFALI: Round about them will (serve) youths of perpetual (freshness),
PICKTHAL: There wait on them immortal youths
SHAKIR: Round about them shall go youths never altering in age,

056.018
YUSUFALI: With goblets, (shining) beakers, and cups (filled) out of clear-flowing fountains:
PICKTHAL: With bowls and ewers and a cup from a pure spring
SHAKIR: With goblets and ewers and a cup of pure drink;

056.019
YUSUFALI: No after-ache will they receive therefrom, nor will they suffer intoxication:
PICKTHAL: Wherefrom they get no aching of the head nor any madness,
SHAKIR: They shall not be affected with headache thereby, nor shall they get exhausted,

056.020
YUSUFALI: And with fruits, any that they may select:
PICKTHAL: And fruit that they prefer
SHAKIR: And fruits such as they choose,

056.021
YUSUFALI: And the flesh of fowls, any that they may desire.
PICKTHAL: And flesh of fowls that they desire.
SHAKIR: And the flesh of fowl such as they desire.

056.022
YUSUFALI: And (there will be) Companions with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes,-
PICKTHAL: And (there are) fair ones with wide, lovely eyes,
SHAKIR: And pure, beautiful ones,

056.023
YUSUFALI: Like unto Pearls well-guarded.
PICKTHAL: Like unto hidden pearls,
SHAKIR: The like of the hidden pearls:

056.024
YUSUFALI: A Reward for the deeds of their past (life).
PICKTHAL: Reward for what they used to do.
SHAKIR: A reward for what they used to do.

056.025
YUSUFALI: Not frivolity will they hear therein, nor any taint of ill,-
PICKTHAL: There hear they no vain speaking nor recrimination
SHAKIR: They shall not hear therein vain or sinful discourse,

056.026
YUSUFALI: Only the saying, "Peace! Peace".
PICKTHAL: (Naught) but the saying: Peace, (and again) Peace.
SHAKIR: Except the word peace, peace.

056.027
YUSUFALI: The Companions of the Right Hand,- what will be the Companions of the Right Hand?
PICKTHAL: And those on the right hand; what of those on the right hand?
SHAKIR: And the companions of the right hand; how happy are the companions of the right hand!

056.028
YUSUFALI: (They will be) among Lote-trees without thorns,
PICKTHAL: Among thornless lote-trees
SHAKIR: Amid thornless lote-trees,

056.029
YUSUFALI: Among Talh trees with flowers (or fruits) piled one above another,-
PICKTHAL: And clustered plantains,
SHAKIR: And banana-trees (with fruits), one above another.

056.030
YUSUFALI: In shade long-extended,
PICKTHAL: And spreading shade,
SHAKIR: And extended shade,

056.031
YUSUFALI: By water flowing constantly,
PICKTHAL: And water gushing,
SHAKIR: And water flowing constantly,

056.032
YUSUFALI: And fruit in abundance.
PICKTHAL: And fruit in plenty
SHAKIR: And abundant fruit,

056.033
YUSUFALI: Whose season is not limited, nor (supply) forbidden,
PICKTHAL: Neither out of reach nor yet forbidden,
SHAKIR: Neither intercepted nor forbidden,

056.034
YUSUFALI: And on Thrones (of Dignity), raised high.
PICKTHAL: And raised couches;
SHAKIR: And exalted thrones.

056.035
YUSUFALI: We have created (their Companions) of special creation.
PICKTHAL: Lo! We have created them a (new) creation
SHAKIR: Surely We have made them to grow into a (new) growth,

056.036
YUSUFALI: And made them virgin - pure (and undefiled), -
PICKTHAL: And made them virgins,
SHAKIR: Then We have made them virgins,

056.037
YUSUFALI: Beloved (by nature), equal in age,-
PICKTHAL: Lovers, friends,
SHAKIR: Loving, equals in age,

056.038
YUSUFALI: For the Companions of the Right Hand.
PICKTHAL: For those on the right hand;
SHAKIR: For the sake of the companions of the right hand.

 

Section 2

56 : 39

39. Thullatun mina al-awwaleena

A great multitude drawn from the older generations,

56 : 40

40. Wathullatun mina al-akhireena

And a multitude from those who followed them -

56 : 41

41. Waas-habu alshshimali ma as-habu alshshimali

Comprise those to the left side, : what about those to the left side?

56 : 42

42. Fee samoomin wahameemin

They are in searing wind and boiling water,

56 : 43

43. Wathillin min yahmoomin

In the oblivion of spiralling smoke;

56 : 44

44. La baridin wala kareemin

Neither tolerable nor salubrious!

56 : 45

45. Innahum kanoo qabla thalika mutrafeena

Verily before now they had lived in the lap of luxury -

56 : 46

46. Wakanoo yusirroona AAala alhinthi alAAatheemi

And were obsessed with the commission of cardinal sins -

56 : 47

47. Wakanoo yaqooloona a-itha mitna wakunna turaban waAAithaman a-inna lamabAAoothoona

And they used to say : 'When we are dead and our bones have turned into dust, are we to be raised again?

56 : 48

48. Awa abaona al-awwaloona

'And our forefathers too?'

56 : 49

49. Qul inna al-awwaleena waal-akhireena

Say to them (O Mohammed) : 'Verily those who preceded and those who followed -

56 : 50

50. LamajmooAAoona ila meeqati yawmin maAAloomin

'All will be assembled together for a confrontation on the appointed Day!'

56 : 51

51. Thumma innakum ayyuha alddalloona almukaththiboona

Then verily those of you who erred and vituperated -

56 : 52

52. Laakiloona min shajarin min zaqqoomin

You will surely eat of the Tree of Zaqqum!

56 : 53

53. Famali-oona minha albutoona

And gorge your bellies with it -

56 : 54

54. Fashariboona AAalayhi mina alhameemi

And then gulp down boiling water -

56 : 55

55. Fashariboona shurba alheemi

Gulping down as the weary camels gulp down!

56 : 56

56. Hatha nuzuluhum yawma alddeeni

Such shall be their welcome on the Day of Judgement!

56 : 57

57. Nahnu khalaqnakum falawla tusaddiqoona

We created you! Why then do you not accept the truth?

56 : 58

58. Afaraaytum ma tumnoona

Seen you the semen which you ejaculate?

56 : 59

59. Aantum takhluqoonahu am nahnu alkhaliqoona

 

Is it you who create man out of it or are We the Creator?

56 : 60

60. Nahnu qaddarna baynakumu almawta wama nahnu bimasbooqeena

 

We have ordained for you death, - and it is not beyond Us, -

56 : 61

61. AAala an nubaddila amthalakum wanunshi-akum fee ma la taAAlamoona

That We replace you with others like you and mutate your faces into something with which you are totally unfamiliar!

56 : 62

62. Walaqad AAalimtumu alnnash-ata al-oola falawla tathakkaroona

And verily you already are familiar with the first Creation! So why then do you not reflect?

56 : 63

63. Afaraaytum ma tahruthoona

Seen you the seed which you sow?

56 : 64

64. Aantum tazraAAoonahu am nahnu alzzariAAoona

Is it you who cause it to sprout, or are We its Germinator?

56 : 65

65. Law nashao lajaAAalnahu hutaman fathaltum tafakkahoona

If We willed, We verily could ruin your harvest, leaving you to grumble :

56 : 66

66. Inna lamughramoona

'Verily we are reduced to penury!'

56 : 67

67. Bal nahnu mahroomoona

'In fact, we are deprived!'

56 : 68

68. Afaraaytumu almaa allathee tashraboona

Observed you the water which you drink?

56 : 69

69. Aantum anzaltumoohu mina almuzni am nahnu almunziloona

Is it you who exude it from the rain clouds, or are We the Rainmaker?

56 : 70

70. Law nashao jaAAalnahu ojajan falawla tashkuroona

If We willed, We verily could turn it salty! So why then do you not tender your gratitude?

56 : 71

71. Afaraaytumu alnnara allatee tooroona

Observed you the fire, which you light?

56 : 72

72. Aantum ansha/tum shajarataha am nahnu almunshi-oona

 

Is it you who grow the trees for its fuel, or are We the Grower?

56 : 73

73. Nahnu jaAAalnaha tathkiratan wamataAAan lilmuqweena

 

We have appointed the fire as a stark reminder of castigation as well as a source of comfort for the dwellers of wilderness!

56 : 74

74. Fasabbih biismi rabbika alAAatheemi

And so (O Mohammed) glorify the name of your Lord who is the most Glorious of all! (R)

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

39. A multitude of those (on the Right Hand) will be from the first generation (who embraced Islâm).

40. And a multitude of those (on the Right Hand) will be from the later times (generations).

41. And those on the Left Hand Who will be those on the Left Hand?

42. In fierce hot wind and boiling water,

43. And shadow of black smoke,

44. (That shadow) neither cool, nor (even) good,

45. Verily, before that, they indulged in luxury,

46. And were persisting in great sin (joining partners in worship along with Allâh, committing murders and other crimes, etc.)^[]

47. And they used to say: "When we die and become dust and bones, shall we then indeed be resurrected?

48. "And also our forefathers?"

49. Say (O Muhammad SAW): "(Yes) verily, those of old, and those of later times.

50. "All will surely be gathered together for appointed Meeting of a known Day.

51. "Then moreover, verily, you the erring-ones, the deniers (of Resurrection)!

52. "You verily will eat of the trees of Zaqqûm.

53. "Then you will fill your bellies therewith,

54. "And drink boiling water on top of it,

55. "So you will drink (that) like thirsty camels!"

56. That will be their entertainment on the Day of Recompense!

57. We created you, then why do you believe not?

58. Then tell Me (about) the human semen that you emit.

59. Is it you who create it (i.e. make this semen into a perfect human being), or are We the Creator?

60. We have decreed death to you all, and We are not unable,

61. To transfigure you and create you in (forms) that you know not.

62. And indeed, you have already known the first form of creation (i.e. the creation of Adam), why then do you not remember or take heed?

63. Tell Me! The seed that you sow in the ground.

64. Is it you that make it grow, or are We the Grower?

65. Were it Our Will, We could crumble it to dry pieces, and you would be regretful (or left in wonderment).

66. (Saying): "We are indeed Mughramûn (i.e. ruined or lost the money without any profit, or punished by the loss of all that we spend for cultivation, etc.)! [See Tafsir Al-Qurtubî, Vol. 17, Page 219]

67. "Nay, but we are deprived!"

68. Tell Me! The water that you drink.

69. Is it you who cause it from the rainclouds to come down, or are We the Causer of it to come down?

70. If We willed, We verily could make it salt (and undrinkable), why then do you not give thanks (to Allâh)?

71. Tell Me! The fire which you kindle,

72. Is it you who made the tree thereof to grow, or are We the Grower?

73. We have made it a Reminder (for the Hell-fire, in the Hereafter); and an article of use for the travellers (and all the others, in this world).

74. Then glorify with praises the Name of your Lord, the Most Great.

056.039
YUSUFALI: A (goodly) number from those of old,
PICKTHAL: A multitude of those of old
SHAKIR: A numerous company from among the first,

056.040
YUSUFALI: And a (goodly) number from those of later times.
PICKTHAL: And a multitude of those of later time.
SHAKIR: And a numerous company from among the last.

056.041
YUSUFALI: The Companions of the Left Hand,- what will be the Companions of the Left Hand?
PICKTHAL: And those on the left hand: What of those on the left hand?
SHAKIR: And those of the left hand, how wretched are those of the left hand!

056.042
YUSUFALI: (They will be) in the midst of a Fierce Blast of Fire and in Boiling Water,
PICKTHAL: In scorching wind and scalding water
SHAKIR: In hot wind and boiling water,

056.043
YUSUFALI: And in the shades of Black Smoke:
PICKTHAL: And shadow of black smoke,
SHAKIR: And the shade of black smoke,

056.044
YUSUFALI: Nothing (will there be) to refresh, nor to please:
PICKTHAL: Neither cool nor refreshing.
SHAKIR: Neither cool nor honorable.

056.045
YUSUFALI: For that they were wont to be indulged, before that, in wealth (and luxury),
PICKTHAL: Lo! heretofore they were effete with luxury
SHAKIR: Surely they were before that made to live in ease and plenty.

056.046
YUSUFALI: And persisted obstinately in wickedness supreme!
PICKTHAL: And used to persist in the awful sin.
SHAKIR: And they persisted in the great violation.

056.047
YUSUFALI: And they used to say, "What! when we die and become dust and bones, shall we then indeed be raised up again?-
PICKTHAL: And they used to say: When we are dead and have become dust and bones, shall we then, forsooth, be raised again,
SHAKIR: And they used to say: What! when we die and have become dust and bones, shall we then indeed be raised?

056.048
YUSUFALI: "(We) and our fathers of old?"
PICKTHAL: And also our forefathers?
SHAKIR: Or our fathers of yore?

056.049
YUSUFALI: Say: "Yea, those of old and those of later times,
PICKTHAL: Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Lo! those of old and those of later time
SHAKIR: Say: The first and the last,

056.050
YUSUFALI: "All will certainly be gathered together for the meeting appointed for a Day well-known.
PICKTHAL: Will all be brought together to the tryst of an appointed day.
SHAKIR: Shall most surely be gathered together for the appointed hour of a known day.

056.051
YUSUFALI: "Then will ye truly,- O ye that go wrong, and treat (Truth) as Falsehood!-
PICKTHAL: Then lo! ye, the erring, the deniers,
SHAKIR: Then shall you, O you who err and call it a lie!

056.052
YUSUFALI: "Ye will surely taste of the Tree of Zaqqum.
PICKTHAL: Ye verily will eat of a tree called Zaqqum
SHAKIR: Most surely eat of a tree of Zaqqoom,

056.053
YUSUFALI: "Then will ye fill your insides therewith,
PICKTHAL: And will fill your bellies therewith;
SHAKIR: And fill (your) bellies with it;

056.054
YUSUFALI: "And drink Boiling Water on top of it:
PICKTHAL: And thereon ye will drink of boiling water,
SHAKIR: Then drink over it of boiling water;

056.055
YUSUFALI: "Indeed ye shall drink like diseased camels raging with thirst!"
PICKTHAL: Drinking even as the camel drinketh.
SHAKIR: And drink as drinks the thirsty camel.

056.056
YUSUFALI: Such will be their entertainment on the Day of Requital!
PICKTHAL: This will be their welcome on the Day of Judgment.
SHAKIR: This is their entertainment on the day of requital.

056.057
YUSUFALI: It is We Who have created you: why will ye not witness the Truth?
PICKTHAL: We created you. Will ye then admit the truth?
SHAKIR: We have created you, why do you not then assent?

056.058
YUSUFALI: Do ye then see?- The (human Seed) that ye throw out,-
PICKTHAL: Have ye seen that which ye emit?
SHAKIR: Have you considered the seed?

056.059
YUSUFALI: Is it ye who create it, or are We the Creators?
PICKTHAL: Do ye create it or are We the Creator?
SHAKIR: Is it you that create it or are We the creators?

056.060
YUSUFALI: We have decreed Death to be your common lot, and We are not to be frustrated
PICKTHAL: We mete out death among you, and We are not to be outrun,
SHAKIR: We have ordained death among you and We are not to be overcome,

056.061
YUSUFALI: from changing your Forms and creating you (again) in (forms) that ye know not.
PICKTHAL: That We may transfigure you and make you what ye know not.
SHAKIR: In order that We may bring in your place the likes of you and make you grow into what you know not.

056.062
YUSUFALI: And ye certainly know already the first form of creation: why then do ye not celebrate His praises?
PICKTHAL: And verily ye know the first creation. Why, then, do ye not reflect?
SHAKIR: And certainly you know the first growth, why do you not then mind?

056.063
YUSUFALI: See ye the seed that ye sow in the ground?
PICKTHAL: Have ye seen that which ye cultivate?
SHAKIR: Have you considered what you sow?

056.064
YUSUFALI: Is it ye that cause it to grow, or are We the Cause?
PICKTHAL: Is it ye who foster it, or are We the Fosterer?
SHAKIR: Is it you that cause it to grow, or are We the causers of growth?

056.065
YUSUFALI: Were it Our Will, We could crumble it to dry powder, and ye would be left in wonderment,
PICKTHAL: If We willed, We verily could make it chaff, then would ye cease not to exclaim:
SHAKIR: If We pleased, We should have certainly made it broken down into pieces, then would you begin tb lament:

056.066
YUSUFALI: (Saying), "We are indeed left with debts (for nothing):
PICKTHAL: Lo! we are laden with debt!
SHAKIR: Surely we are burdened with debt:

056.067
YUSUFALI: "Indeed are we shut out (of the fruits of our labour)"
PICKTHAL: Nay, but we are deprived!
SHAKIR: Nay! we are deprived.

056.068
YUSUFALI: See ye the water which ye drink?
PICKTHAL: Have ye observed the water which ye drink?
SHAKIR: Have you considered the water which you drink?

056.069
YUSUFALI: Do ye bring it down (in rain) from the cloud or do We?
PICKTHAL: Is it ye who shed it from the raincloud, or are We the Shedder?
SHAKIR: Is it you that send it down from the clouds, or are We the senders?

056.070
YUSUFALI: Were it Our Will, We could make it salt (and unpalatable): then why do ye not give thanks?
PICKTHAL: If We willed We verily could make it bitter. Why then, give ye not thanks?
SHAKIR: If We pleased, We would have made it salty; why do you not then give thanks?

056.071
YUSUFALI: See ye the Fire which ye kindle?
PICKTHAL: Have ye observed the fire which ye strike out;
SHAKIR: Have you considered the fire which you strike?

056.072
YUSUFALI: Is it ye who grow the tree which feeds the fire, or do We grow it?
PICKTHAL: Was it ye who made the tree thereof to grow, or were We the grower?
SHAKIR: Is it you that produce the trees for it, or are We the producers?

056.073
YUSUFALI: We have made it a memorial (of Our handiwork), and an article of comfort and convenience for the denizens of deserts.
PICKTHAL: We, even We, appointed it a memorial and a comfort for the dwellers in the wilderness.
SHAKIR: We have made it a reminder and an advantage for the wayfarers of the desert.

056.074
YUSUFALI: Then celebrate with praises the name of thy Lord, the Supreme!
PICKTHAL: Therefor (O Muhammad), praise the name of thy Lord, the Tremendous.
SHAKIR: Therefore glorify the name of your Lord, the Great.

 

Section 3.
  

56 : 75

75. Fala oqsimu bimawaqiAAi alnnujoomi

Nay, I swear by the horizons where the stars set -

56 : 76

76. Wa-innahu laqasamun law taAAlamoona AAatheemun

And verily this is, - if you but knew, - a most solemn oath -

56 : 77

77. Innahu laqur-anun kareemun

That in truth this is a Glorious Qur'aan -

56 : 78

78. Fee kitabin maknoonin

A Book well guarded, -

56 : 79

79. La yamassuhu illa almutahharoona

Which is not touched by anyone save the purified;

56 : 80

80. Tanzeelun min rabbi alAAalameena

A revelation from the Lord of the Worlds!

56 : 81

81. Afabihatha alhadeethi antum mudhinoona

Is this the asseveration towards which you are scornful -

56 : 82

82. WatajAAaloona rizqakum annakum tukaththiboona

And make repudiation of the truth a source of livelihood for yourselves?

56 : 83

83. Falawla itha balaghati alhulqooma

Why then is it that, when the soul is fluttering in the throat of a dying man -

56 : 84

84. Waantum heena-ithin tanthuroona

And you are, at that moment, by his bedside watching him, -

56 : 85

85. Wanahnu aqrabu ilayhi minkum walakin la tubsiroona

And yet We are closer to him than you are, though you see it not?

56 : 86

86. Falawla in kuntum ghayra madeeneena

And why is it that, if you think yourself to be beyond the scope of Our prowess -

56 : 87

87. TarjiAAoonaha in kuntum sadiqeena

You cannot bring him back from the jaws of death, - if you are truthful?

56 : 88

88. Faamma in kana mina almuqarrabeena

If he is of those who have attained Our propinquity -

56 : 89

89. Farawhun warayhanun wajannatu naAAeemin

His lot would be contentment, and burgeoning, and the Gardens of bliss;

56 : 90

90. Waamma in kana min as-habi alyameeni

And if he is of those who are to the right side, -

56 : 91

91. Fasalamun laka min as-habi alyameeni

His greetings would be 'Peace!' from the rest of those to the right!

56 : 92

92. Waamma in kana mina almukaththibeena alddalleena

But if he is of those who oppugned and strayed away -

56 : 93

93. Fanuzulun min hameemin

Then his welcome would be boiling water -

56 : 94

94. Watasliyatu jaheemin

And a roasting in the ferocious flames!

56 : 95

95. Inna hatha lahuwa haqqu alyaqeeni

And this verily is the irretractable truth!

56 : 96

96. Fasabbih biismi rabbika alAAatheemi

Therefore (O Mohammed) glorify the name of your Lord, the most Glorious! (R)

OTHER TRANSLATIONS BY MUHSIN, YUSUFALI, PICKTHAL AND SHAKIR:

MUHSIN:

75. So I swear by Mawâqi (setting or the mansions, etc.) of the stars (they traverse).

76. And verily, that is indeed a great oath, if you but know.

77. That (this) is indeed an honourable recital (the Noble Qur'ân).

78. In a Book well-guarded (with Allâh in the heaven i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz).

79. Which (that Book with Allâh) none can touch but the purified (i.e. the angels).

80. A Revelation (this Qur'ân) from the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinns and all that exists).

81. Is it such a talk (this Qur'an) that you (disbelievers) deny?

82. And instead (of thanking Allâh) for the provision He gives you, on the contrary, you deny Him (by disbelief)!

83. Then why do you not (intervene) when (the soul of a dying person) reaches the throat?

84. And you at the moment are looking on,

85. But We (i.e. Our angels who take the soul) are nearer to him than you, but you see not, [Tafsir At-Tabarî, Vol.27, Page 209]

86. Then why do you not, if you are exempt from the reckoning and recompense (punishment, etc.)

87. Bring back the soul (to its body), if you are truthful?

88. Then, if he (the dying person) be of the Muqarrabûn (those brought near to Allâh),

89. (There is for him) rest and provision, and a Garden of delights (Paradise).

90.  And if he (the dying person) be of those on the Right Hand,

91. Then there is safety and peace (from the Punishment of Allâh) for (you as you are from) those on the Right Hand.

92. But if he (the dying person) be of the denying (of the Resurrection), the erring (away from the Right Path of Islâmic Monotheism),

93. Then for him is entertainment with boiling water.

94. And burning in Hell-fire.

95. Verily, this! This is an absolute Truth with certainty.

96. So glorify with praises the Name of your Lord, the Most Great.