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Part XV

Chapter
17

Isrâ'
(The Night-Journey)
(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,
the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful
(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Isrâ').
1. Glory be to Him Who carried His servant by night from the Holy Mosque (at Makkah) to the Distant Mosque (at Jerusalem), the precincts of which (too) We have blessed, that We might show him some of Our signs. Infact, He alone is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.
2. And (similarly) We gave Moses the Scripture and We made it a guidance for the Children of Israel, saying, `Take no (one as) disposer of affairs apart from Me.
3. `O You the progeny of those whom We bore (in the Ark) with Noah (to protect them from the deluge)!' He was indeed a grateful servant (of Ours).
4. And in the Scripture We have conveyed to the Children of Israel with certainty (saying), `Twice you shall create disorder in the land and shall surely become exceedingly overbearing and arrogant.'
5. So when (in 588 B.C. the time for) the first of the two warnings came, We roused against you, (O Children of Israel! some of) Our servants possessed of great valour and might in warfare, and they penetrated into the innermost recesses of your country and habitations. Indeed, it was a warning (about the punishment) of Allâh bound to be carried out.
6. Then We gave you back the power to prevail over these (enemies of yours through Cyrus and Zerubbabel), and We helped you with (various) possessions and sons and We increased your man-power (militarily).
7. (We said,) `If you did good, you did it for your ownselves, and if you did evil it was only to the same end.' So when (the time for carrying out) the latter warning came (We raised certain other people - Romans under Titus in 70 A.D., against you to destroy your glory), so that they might do evil to (you and) your leading men and invade and enter the Mosque (at Jerusalem) in the same way as others (of your enemies) had invaded and entered it the first time, and so that they might destroy utterly all that they had conquered.
8. Still it is well-nigh that your Lord will again have mercy on you, (through Islam) but if you return (to mischief, We warn,) We too will return (to Our punishment), We have made Gehenna a prison-house for the ungrateful.
9. This Qur'ân, assuredly, guides to that which is most upright and gives to the believers, who do righteous deeds, the glad tidings that there awaits them a great reward,
10. And (also warns) that We have grievous punishment in store for those who do not believe in the Hereafter.

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11. As it is (many a time) a human being prays and calls for evil to himself as he ought to pray and call for good. Human being is ever extremely hasty.
12. And We have made the night and the day (such as they became) two signs, (in a way that) We obliterated the sign of the night (- darkness of ignorance and disbelief) and We displayed the sign of the day as sight - giving that you may seek the bounty of your Lord and that you may learn (from the alternation of night and day) the computation of years and (the science of) all sorts of counting and measuring. We have clearly explained every thing in detail.
13. And every human being We have made his deeds cling to his neck and on the Day of Resurrection We shall bring out for him a book (recording all his deeds) which he will find wide open.
14. (It will be said to him,) `Read your book. Sufficient is your own conscience this day as a reckoner against you.'
15. He who follows the right way follows it to his own good and he who goes astray, surely, he goes astray to his own loss. And no soul that bears the burden shall bear the burden of another. And We never punish unless We have sent a Messenger.
16. And when We intend to destroy a township, We (first) address Our command to its lawless people who lead lazy lives (to show obedience), but they revolt therein so that it stands condemned and We destroy it with an utter destruction.

17. (In accordance with this rule of Ours) We have destroyed many a generation after Noah. And your Lord suffices as One Who is Aware and Beholder of the sins of His servants.
18. For him who desires the present (transitory) life (only) We shall hasten an immediate reward for him in this very life (giving) what We will to whom We will. But We have prepared Gehenna for him, he shall enter it, condemned and rejected.
19. As for those who choose the Hereafter and strive for it, the striving that is its due, and are believers, it is these whose striving shall find favour (with their Lord).
20. To all of them, these (who hanker after this world) as well as those (whose choice is the life to come) We render aid, (and this is) out of the bounty of your Lord; the bounty of your Lord is not confined (to any one section of the people).
21. Behold! how We have exalted some of them over others (in the present life), yet the Hereafter holds out greater degrees of rank and (confers) greater merits and excellence.
22. Do not set up another god with Allâh, lest you remain debased and forsaken.

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23. Your Lord has enjoined you to worship none but Him and to be good to parents. If either or both attain old age (while living) with you, never say to them, `Fie!' (- any word expressive of disgust or dislike), nor reproach them (by your action). Rather address them with kind and respectful words (always).
24. And lower to them the wings of submissiveness out of tenderness (treating them with humility and compassion). And say (praying for them), `My Lord! have mercy upon them just as they nourished and brought me up as a child.'
25. Your Lord knows very well what is in your minds. If (He will find that) you are righteous, surely, He is a great Protector of those who turn to Him (for forgiveness) again and again.
26. And give to the near of kin and the needy, and the wayfarer their dues, and do not squander (your wealth) wastefully.
27. Certainly, the squanderers are like satans and satan is always ungrateful to his Lord.
28. If you have to turn away from them seeking the mercy from your Lord that you hope for, even then speak to them a kind word.
29. And do not keep your hand shackled to your neck (out of miserliness), nor stretch it out to an entire stretching (extravagantly), lest you sit down reproached (incurring blame) and exhausted (on becoming penniless).
30. Surely, your Lord multiplies His provisions and means of livelihood for such of His people as He will and He measures it out (justly), for He is Well-Aware and Seeing of (the true needs of) His people inside out.

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31. And do not kill your children for fear of want. It is We Who provide for them as well as for you. Indeed, the killing of them is a great sin.
32. And Keep away from adultery and fornication; surely, it is an abominable act and an (extremely) evil practice.
33. And do not kill anyone, the sanctity of which Allâh has upheld (and has forbidden you to slay) except for a just cause. And We have given, of course, to the heir of the person who is killed unjustly the right (to demand retribution or to forgive). But let him not exceed the (prescribed) limits in killing (the murderer) because he is indeed helped (and protected by law).
34. And go not near (to utilize) the property of an orphan, except in the fairest manner and intention (in favour of the orphan) until he attains his (age of) full strength, (when the property is to be returned to him,) and fulfill (your) agreements, (for every) agreement is certainly questioned about and has to be accounted for.
35. And give full measure when you measure out, and weigh with a right (and even) balance. That is best and most commendable in the long run.
36. And do not follow and utter that of which you have no knowledge. Surely, the ear and eye and the heart, all of these, shall be called upon to account (for it).
37. And do not walk haughtily in the land, for you cannot (thus) rend the earth asunder, nor can you match the mountains in height.
38. All these (doings) are such that the evil in them is simply hateful in the sight of your Lord.
39. These (teachings) are a part of the wisdom which your Lord has revealed to you and (the basis of all these acts of righteousness is that you) set up no other god beside Allâh, lest you be cast into Gehenna condemned, rejected.
40. (Disbelievers!) has your Lord favoured you with sons and chosen for Himself daughters from among the angels? Surely, most grievous is the blasphemy you utter.

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41. And certainly, in this Qur'ân, We have explained (for the people the truth) in a variety of forms that they may take heed and become great. But (their condition is such that) it increases them only in aversion.
42. Say, `Had there been other gods as they allege beside Him (- the One God), in that case these (polytheists) would have certainly sought out (by their help) a way to the Lord of the Mighty throne.
43. Glory be to Him! and far High indeed be He exalted above the things these (polytheists) say.
44. The seven heavens, the earth and all those inhabiting them extol His glory. Infact, there is not even a single thing but glorifies Him with His true and perfect praise, but you do not understand their glorification. Verily, Most Forbearing is He, Great Protector.
45. And when you recite the Qur'ân, We place between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter, an impregnable screen,
46. And We cover their hearts with veils and plug their ears with something heavy, lest they should understand it. And when you mention the name of your Lord Who is the Only One, in the Qur'ân, they turn their backs (on it) in aversion.
47. We know very well the purpose of their listening when they listen to you (and the purpose with which they confer) when they confer in private (and) when the unjust say, `You follow none but a man who is defrauded and deprived of reason.'
48. Behold! how they coin similitudes to depict you, as a result of which they have gone astray; so they will not be able to find a way (of their salvation).
49. And they (also) say, `What! when we are reduced to bones and (that too) broken particles (of dust) shall we then be really raised again to a new life?'
50. Say, `Yes, even if you be reduced to stones or iron,
51. `Or some other creation yet more hard (that you can possibly conceive) in your mind, (even then you shall be raised to a new life).' Thereupon they will say, `Who will restore us (to life)?' Say, `The same Who originated you the first time.' At this, then, they will shake their heads at you (expressing wonder and disbelief in being raised) and will say, `When will it come to pass?' Say, `May be it is near.'
52. (This promise will be fulfilled) on the day when He will call you forth, then you will respond (to Him) saying His praises and you will think that you have tarried (in the world) only for a little while.

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53. And say to My servants that they should speak only what is gracious, for satan (is keen to) provoke discord among them. Satan indeed is an enemy to the people, disuniting (one another).
54. Your Lord knows you best. He will have mercy on you if He will or He will punish you if He will. And We have not sent you to be a disposer of their affairs (authorising you to punish them or reward them).
55. And your Lord knows best those that are in the heavens and on the earth. And most surely We have exalted some of the Prophets above others, and it is We Who gave David the Zabûr (- the Psalms).
56. Say, `Call upon those whom you assert (to be gods) apart from Him, then (you will realize) they have no power to rid you of affliction nor to avert (it) or transfer it to others.'
57. Those whom they call upon (apart from Him, thinking them to be a means of gaining nearness to God,) themselves seek nearness to their Lord and solicit His favour (even) those of them who are nearest (to God are still competing to be closer to Him) and hope for His mercy and fear His punishment. As a matter of fact the punishment of your Lord is a thing to beware of.
58. And there is no township but We shall destroy it or We shall subject it to a severe chastisement before the Day of Resurrection. That is written down in the book (- in the knowledge of God).
59. And nothing could prevent Us from going on sending (Our) signs though the former people cried lies to them. And We gave to Thamûd the she-camel as an enlightenment and an eye opener, but they dealt with her unjustly. And We do not send (Our) signs except to warn the people (against the evil consequences of disbelief and transgression).
60. And (Prophet! recall the time) when We said to you, `Surely, your Lord has encompassed all people (for destruction) and has power over them (still they remained indifferent).' We made the vision which We showed you (being carried to Jerusalem from Makkah by night) and also the tree (- evil word; see 14:26) disapproved of in the Qur'ân, a means of distinction between the good and the bad for the people. (Despite the fact that) We have been warning them (by sending Our signs), this (warning from Us) only leads them to unrestrained inordinacy.

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61. And (recall the time) when We said to the angels, `Submit to Adam!' Then they all submitted. But Iblîs (who too was told to do the same, did not), he said, `Shall I submit to one whom You have created out of clay?'
62. And he added, `What do You think? This is he whom You have honoured and placed above me. If You grant me respite till the Day of Resurrection, I will most certainly bring his progeny under my sway, having overpowered them, I shall destroy them for sure, except a few.'
63. `Be gone!' said He; `As for those of them who follow you, Gehenna is the recompense of you all, an ample recompense.
64. `And beguile whomsoever of them you can with your speech and rally your horsemen against them, and your foot men (- fast riders and slow walkers in disobedience, with all your might) and share with them their wealth and children and hold out promises to them (what you like).' Indeed, satan promises them nothing but mere fraud.
65. `As to My true servants, you shall have certainly no authority over them. And sufficient is your Lord as Disposer of affairs.'
66. Your Lord is He Who drives the ships on the sea for you that you may seek of His bounty. He is certainly Ever Merciful to you.
67. And when you encounter some distress on the sea, (at that time all) those (gods) whom you call upon are lost (to you), but not He. Yet when He brings you safe to the land, you turn away (from Him). Of course, such a person is very ungrateful.
68. Do you then feel secure that He will not humiliate you in the side of the land and make you sink (in the earth on the side of) the shore, or send against you a violent squall of pebbles. For (if He does) you shall find none responsible to protect and help you.
69. Or do you feel secure and have made sure that He will (not) send you back in it (- the sea) a second time (and) then send against you a fierce storm blast and drown you because of your ingratitude, for (if He does), you will find no helper in the matter for yourselves to protect you against Us.
70. And most surely We have made the Children of Adam greatly honoured and have carried them over land and sea, and We have provided them with good and pure things and have distinctly exalted them far above most of Our creation.

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71. (Beware of) the day when We shall call all people along with their leaders. Now whoever is given his book (- recording his deeds) in his right hand, such will read their book (eagerly) and they will not be dealt with unjustly in the least.
72. But whoever remained (spiritually) blind in this world shall also be blind in the Hereafter. Rather he will be even farther removed from the right path.
73. And they had spared nothing in causing you (the severest) affliction with the purpose to turn you away from the revelations given to you, that you might forge in Our name something different from that which We have revealed to you. In that case they would surely have taken you for a special friend.
74. And if We had not made you firm and steadfast, you might have inclined towards them a little.
75. In that case (if you had been one to forge a lie against Us) We would have made you taste multiple sufferings in this life and multiple sufferings in death, (and) then you would have found for yourself no helper against Us. (But you remained steadfast).
76. They had spared nothing in unsettling you from the land (of Makkah), that they might drive you out from it. But in that case they (themselves) would not have stayed after you except for a little while.
77. Such (has been Our) practice with those of Our Messengers whom We sent before you and you will find no change in Our practice.

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78. Observe Prayer at the declining and paling of the sun, on to the complete darkness (in diverse hours) of the night, and recite the Qur'ân at dawn. Verily, the regular recital (of the Qur'ân) at dawn is (specially) acceptable (to God) and witnessed (by the angels).
79. And remain awake for it (- the recitation of the Qur'ân and Prayer) for a part of the night after having risen from sleep as a supererogatory service for you. Thus it may be that your Lord will raise you to a laudable exalted position.
80. And say (in Prayer), `My Lord, grant that when I enter (wherever you take me to while migrating) I enter with

truth (in every way) and when I depart, I depart with truth, and grant me by Your grace authoritative help (which should sustain me in my activities).'
81. And say, `Truth has come and falsehood has vanished away.' Falsehood is indeed ever bound to vanish away.
82. And We are gradually revealing of the Qur'ân (that teaching) which is (the cause of) healing and mercy for the believers. But this (revelation) only leads the unjust persons from loss to loss.
83. And when We bestow favours on a human being, he turns away and withdraws himself aside, but when evil overtakes him he is given to despair.
84. Say, `Everyone acts after his own way and fashion and your Lord knows very well who is best guided in the right path.'

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85. And they question you about the revelation, and the human soul. say, `The revelation and the soul is by the command of my Lord, (because) little is the knowledge there of that you have been given.'
86. Had We so willed We could surely take away that which We have revealed to you. If We did so you could find none to plead your cause (to restore it to you) against Our will.
87. But (it is) the special mercy from your Lord (that He will not do so); His grace and favour upon you is very great infact.
88. Say, `If there should join together all human beings and the jinn to produce the like of this Qur'ân, they would never be able to produce anything like it, even though some of them might be the helpers of others.'
89. And in this Qur'ân We have explained in various ways and forms every kind of rare things of exquisite beauty to mankind but most people choose to reject everything except (following the way of) disbelief.
90. And they say, `We will never believe unless you cause a spring to gush forth for us from the earth,
91. `Or there be a garden of date-palms and vines for you, and you cause the streams to gush forth abundantly in its midst,
92. `Or, as you assert (and claim that it shall happen), cause the heaven to fall down upon us in fragments, or bring Allâh and the angels face to face with us,
93. `Or, there be a house made of gold for you, or you ascend into the heaven; but we will not believe in your ascending till you bring down to us a book that we can read.' (Say), `Glory be to my Lord! I am not but a human being (sent as) a Messenger.'

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94. And nothing has prevented the people from believing when the guidance came to them except their sayings, `Has Allâh raised a human being (like us) as a Messenger?'
95. Say, `Had there been angels on the earth (in place of human beings) walking about secure and sound We (too) would have invariably sent down an angel from heaven as a Messenger to them.'
96. Say, `Allâh suffices as a witness between me and you. Surely, He is Ever Aware of and sees His servants full well.'
97. He whom Allâh guides (to the straight and right path) is the only one rightly guided, but those whom He abandons to perish, you will find no protecting friends for them apart from Him. And We shall gather them on the Day of Resurrection (dragging them) on their faces. They shall be blind, dumb and deaf. Gehenna is their resort. As often as it (- the flames of the Hell-fire) abate, We shall add (fuel) to the blaze for them.
98. Such shall be their recompense because they rejected Our commandments and said, `Shall we really be raised up as a new creation when (after our death) we are reduced to mere bones and broken particles (of dust).
99. Have they not seen that Allâh, Who created the heavens and the earth, has the power to create their like? And He has appointed for them a term, no doubt about it. Yet the unjust would reject everything except (following in the way of) disbelief.
100. Say, `Even if you possessed all the treasures of the mercy and blessings of my Lord yet you would hold (them) back for fear of depleting, for a human being is very niggardly indeed.'

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101. And most certainly, We gave Moses nine clear signs. So ask the Children of Israel (about it). When he (- Moses) came to them, Pharaoh said to him, `Moses! I think you to be under a spell and a victim of deception.'
102. He said, `You know fully well that none other but the Lord of the heavens and the earth has revealed these signs as (means of) enlightenment. Surely, I believe you, O Pharaoh! to be doomed to perish.'

103. So he resolved to weaken them by humiliating them in and thus scare them out of the country; but We drowned him and those with him, one and all.
104. And We said after (it was all over with Pharaoh), to the Children of Israel, `Settle down occupying the (promised) land (of Palestine). When the time of fulfillment of the second Prophecy comes, We shall bring you back gathering you (from various lands).'
105. We revealed it (- the Qur'ân) to suit all the requirement of truth and wisdom and it has come down (to you) with truth and wisdom. (Prophet!) We have sent you (on one hand) as a Bearer of good tidings and as a Warner (on the other).
106. We have divided this Qur'ân into distinct chapters and have revealed it in stages that you may recite it to mankind at intervals and (that is why) We have revealed it piece by piece, and in stages.
107. Say, `You may believe in it (- the Qur'ân) or you may not believe, those who have been given the (spiritual) knowledge before it (- its revelation) fall down on their faces prostrating submissively (before their Lord) when it is recited to them.'
108. And they say, `Glory be to Our Lord! The promise of our Lord is really bound to be fulfilled.'
109. They fall down on their faces weeping and (as they listen to the divine words) it adds to their humility.
[Prostration]

110. Say, `Call upon (Him by the name of) Allâh or call upon (Him by the name of) Al-Rahmân (the Most Gracious). (In short) call upon Him by whichsoever name you like, all beautiful names belong to Him (- the One God). And utter not your prayer in a loud voice nor utter it in too low tones (completely concealing it) but seek a middle course.'
111. And say, `All true and perfect praise belongs to Allâh Who has not taken to Himself a son, and Who has no associate-partner in His kingdom, nor has He any helper because of any weakness. And extol His glory with repeated glorification.'

Chapter
18

Al-Kahf
(The Place of Refuge)
(Revealed before Hijrah)

With the name of Allâh,
the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful
(I commence to read Sûrah Al-Kahf).
1. All type of true and perfect praise belongs to Allâh Who has revealed this perfect Book to His servant, and has not assigned to it any crookedness.
2. (He has made it) rightly directing, that it may warn (the disbelievers) of a severe calamity (coming) from Him and that it may give good tidings to the believers who do deeds of righteousness, that there awaits them a (place of) goodly reward,
3. Wherein they shall stay for ever.
4. And that it may warn those who say, `Allâh has begotten a son.'
5. (This is absolutely wrong.) They have no real knowledge of Him, nor (had) their fathers. Grievous is the word that comes out of their mouths. They speak naught but a lie.
6. Will you worry yourself to death sorrowing after them, if they do not believe in this (great) discourse (- the Qur'ân).
7. Verily, We have made all that is on the earth as an embellishment for it, that We may try them as to which of them is the most excellent in (respect of) performing the noblest deeds.
8. Yet it is We Who shall (one day) reduce all that is on it to a barren soil.
9. Do you think that the People of the Place of Refuge and of the Inscriptions were a wonder among Our signs.
10. (Recall the time) when the young men betook themselves to the Place of Refuge and said (in prayer), `Our Lord! grant us mercy from Yourself and provide for us right course in our affair (setting all things right for us).'

11. So We sealed up their ears (to cut them off from the outside world) in their Place of Refuge for (only) a number of years.
12. Then We raised them up (for making certain efforts) that We might distinguish as to which of the two groups had made better use of the time they had stayed there according to its rightful requirement.

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13. We relate to you their true story. They were a few young men who believed in their Lord and whom We had led from guidance to guidance.
14. And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up (in the cause of God) and (said), `Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. Never shall we call upon any god apart from Him (for in that case) we would certainly be uttering a preposterous thing far from the truth.
15. `These people of ours have taken to them (for worship) other gods apart from Him. Why do they not bring any clear proof and authority in support (of their belief). (Infact they have no such proof,) Who can be more unjust than the person who forges a lie against Allâh?'
16. (They said one to another), `So (now) when you have left them and that which they worship apart from Allâh, you should take shelter in the Place of Refuge. (If you do so) your Lord will extend to you His mercy and will provide some ease for you in (this) affair of yours.'
17. And (O people!) you could see the sun when it rose, inclining to the right of their (spacious) Place of Refuge, and when it set declining to their left, while they were in the open space of this (refuge of theirs); this was one of the signs of Allâh. He alone is rightly guided whom Allâh guides. As for the person whom He forsakes, you will find no helper, no guide, for him.

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18. You might think them wary while they are dormant and asleep. We shall make them turn over (now) to the right and (then) to the left while their dog is (present with them) stretching its paws forward on the threshold in the courtyard. If you had become aware of their (true) state you would have turned back from them in fright and you would have surely been filled with great awe of them.
19. And (just as We made them dormant) We raised them (to life from the state of lethargy). So that they questioned one another. One of them asked, `How long have you remained (dormant)?' (Some of them) said, `We have remained (in this state of inactivity) a day or a part of a day.' (Others) said, `Only your Lord knows best (the time) you have remained so. Now send one of you with these silver coins of yours to the city, he should see which of its (inhabitants) has the best and purest food and let him bring for you provisions from it. And let him be courteous and let him not at all apprise anyone about you.
20. `(For) if they come to know of you they will condemn you or make you revert to their faith (by force) and in that case (that you revert to their faith), you will never attain your goal and prosper ever.'
21. That is how We let (other people) know about them (- their intentions and the real state of their affairs), that people might know that the promise of Allâh is true and that as to the (coming of the promised) hour there is no doubt about it. And (recall the time) when the people (that followed) argued among themselves about their affairs and they said, `Build a monument over them;' their Lord knows them best. Those (of them) who won their point said, `We will certainly build a mosque (- place of worship) over them.'
22. Guessing at random (- about them) some say, `(They were) three, their dog being the fourth,' while others say, `(They were) five and their dog being the sixth.' Yet there are others who say, `(They were) seven and their dog being the eighth.' Say, `My Lord knows best their real number. None knows them except a few.' So do not argue about them save with arguing on known premise (which is) overpowering and seek no legal order concerning them from anyone of them, (from those who make random guesses).

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23. And never say of anything, `I am going to do it tomorrow,'
24. Unless (you add to it) `God willing.' And remember your Lord whenever you forget (and make a mistake) and say, `I hope my Lord will guide me to a course even shorter than this to the right path (leading to success).
25. And they (- the early Christians) stayed in this Place of Refuge three hundred years and extended (their stay) another nine (years).
26. Say, `Allâh knows best how long they stayed. To Him belong the hidden realities in the heavens and the earth. How clear He sees and how well He hears! They have no helper beside Him. He lets none associate with Him and

share His judgment.
27. And recite (to these people) what is revealed to you of the commandment of your Lord. There is none who can change His words, and you will find no refuge apart from Him.
28. And keep yourself attached to those who call upon their Lord morning and evening, constantly seeking His pleasure, and do not let your eyes turn away from them to pursue the glamour of the present life and do not follow him whose heart We have declared unmindful of Our remembrance; who follows his evil inclinations, and whose affair exceeds all legitimate limits.
29. And say, `It is the truth from your Lord, therefore let him who wishes (it) believe (in it) and let him who wishes (otherwise) disbelieve (in it).' (But let everyone remember,) We have prepared for the unjust a fire whose (flaming) enclosure will surround (and fumes envelope) them. If they cry for water, they shall be helped with water (boiling) like molten lead, which will scald their faces. How dreadful the drink and how dismal is (the Fire as) a resting place!
30. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness (should know that) We surely do not suffer the reward of those who do good deeds to be lost.
31. It is these for whom there await the Gardens of Eternity served with running streams (to keep them green and flourishing). There they shall be adorned with bracelets of gold and wear green robes of fine silk and rich brocade. They will be reclining in these (Gardens) upon raised couches. How excellent the reward! and how beautiful the resting place!

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32. And relate to these (opponents of yours) the parable (and description of the conditions) of two men. We had provided to one of them two vine-gardens which We fenced with date-palms and We placed cornfields between the two.
33. Each of the two gardens brought forth its fruit (in abundance); failing not the least in them. And We had made a stream to flow (as well) in between the two.
34. Thus he (- the owner) had an abundance of fruit (and substance of diverse kinds). So he said to his companion (- the other man) while he was arguing (boastfully and vainly) with him, `I am richer than you in wealth and mightier in respect of man-power.'
35. And (it so happened that) he entered his garden while he was unjust to his own soul. He said, (to his companion), `I do not think that this wealth will ever perish.
36. `And I do not think that the (promised) Hour (of Resurrection) will ever come. But if I am ever made to return to my Lord I will certainly find (there) an even better resort than this.'
37. His companion said to him, while he was arguing with him, `Do you disbelieve in Him Who created you (first) from dust and then from a sperm drop, then He fashioned you into a (perfect) man.
38. `But as for myself (I believe that) He, Allâh alone is my Lord, and I will associate none with my Lord.
39. `And why did you not say when you entered your garden, "(Only) that which Allâh wills (comes to pass)", for power belongs only to Allâh; though you see me inferior to yourself in riches and children,
40. `There is every hope that my Lord will give me a garden better than yours and He may visit this (garden of yours) with thunderbolts from above, so that it is turned into a barren waste.
41. `Or its water may be drained (into the earth) so that you will not be able to find it.'
42. Now (it came to pass that) his fruit (and substance) was utterly destroyed and while it (- the vine garden) lay toppled over on its trellises, he began to wring his hands on account of what he had spent on it and said, `Would that I had associated none with my Lord.'
43. But (then) there was no party left to defend him against Allâh, nor could he defend himself, (for it was Allâh alone Who could help him).
44. At such a time (it is thus established that) protection belongs only to Allâh (and help comes from Him alone), the true (God), He is the Best in respect of rewarding and the Best in respect of bringing about good results.

SECTION 6
45. And give them the similitude of the life of this world. It is like water which We send down from the clouds, so the vegetation and plants of the earth flourish with it. And then it turns into chaff which the winds scatter about. Behold! Allâh is the Holder of all power over what He will.
46. Wealth and children are an adornment of the life of this world. But with regard to (immediate) reward, ever-abiding righteous deeds are the best in the sight of your Lord, they (also) promise the best hope (in respect of the future).
47. And beware of the day when We shall set the mountains in motion and make them vanish and you shall find (the nations of) the earth march forth (against one another), and We shall gather all peoples together and We shall leave

none of them behind.
48. And they shall be presented before your Lord ranged in rows, (and it will be said to them,) `Now certainly you have come to Us (no better than) We created you the first time. But you had thought that We would appoint for you no time for the fulfillment of (Our) promise.'
49. And (on that day) the record (of their deeds) will be exhibited (before them), and you will see those who cut off their ties (with Allâh) fearful as to that which is (recorded) in it. They will say, `Woe to us! what sort of record is this! It leaves out neither a small thing nor a great one but has recounted everything.' And they will find all they did confronting (them) and your Lord does injustice to no one ever.

SECTION 7
50. And (recall the time) when We said to the angels, `Submit to Adam.' So they all submitted (bowing), but Iblîs (did not); he was one of the jinn, he disobeyed the command of his Lord. (Mankind!) would you (then) take him and his progeny (and cohorts) for friends rather than Me while they are your enemies? How evil is the substitute (of God) the unjust have chosen!
51. I did not call them (- Iblîs and his cohorts) to make them witness and to help at (the time of) the creation of the heavens and the earth nor at (the time of) their own creation. I would never take those who lead (others) astray for (My) helpers.
52. And (beware of) the day when He will say, `Call on My (so called) partners about whom you had many pretensions.' Thereupon they will call on them but they will give them no answer, and We shall make their association with them a (cause of their) perdition.
53. And those who cut off their ties (with Allâh) will see the fire and realize that they are going to fall into it, and they shall find no way of escape from it.

SECTION 8
54. And We have explained in various ways in this Qur'ân every kind of excellent thing for the good of the people; but of all things human being is the most contentious.
55. Unless the precedence of the ancients should be repeated in their case or the punishment should stare them in the face, there is nothing to hinder people from believing in the guidance when it comes to them and from seeking protection and pardon of their Lord.
56. And We send no Apostles but as Bearers of good tidings (to the obedient on the one hand) and as Warners (to the disobedient on the other). And those who disbelieve contend by means of falsehood that they may refute the truth thereby. And they scoff at My commandments and (the punishment) of which they had been warned.
57. And who is more unjust than he who is reminded of the Messages of his Lord but he turns away from them and forgets what he has forwarded with his own hands (to be stored). In fact We have placed veils upon their hearts which prevent them from understanding it (- the Qur'ân) and in their ears is (created) heaviness (so that they have turned deaf). You call them to the right path as you may they will never follow the right course and accept guidance.
58. Your Lord is All-Protecting, Full of mercy. If He were to take them to task for all that they have done He would certainly have hastened for them the punishment. Yet there is a time appointed for them. They will never find an escape from it.
59. And these are townships (of the people committed to punishment), We destroyed them when they committed inequities and wrong. And We appointed a fixed time for their destruction.
SECTION 9
60. And (recall the time) when Moses said to his (sincere) young (comrade), `I will not stop till I reach the confluence of the two rivers (the Niles at Khartoum); even if I must have to go on (journeying) for years.'
61. But when they reached the confluence (where the two rivers met) they forgot (all about) their fish (which they had brought with them) so that it took its way straight into the river burrowing (in to it).
62. And when they had gone further he said to his (sincere) young (comrade), `Bring us our breakfast; indeed the journey of today has been very tiring for us.'
63. He (- the young comrade) replied, `Did you see (what happened) when we betook ourselves to the rock for shelter, I forgot (all about) the fish; and none but satan made me forget to mention this (to you) and behold! it made its way into the river. What a wonder (that I should thus forget)!
64. (Moses) said, `That is (the place) which we have been seeking.' So both of them returned retracing their steps.
65. So that they found a (noble and great) servant of Ours to whom We had granted mercy from Us and whom We had taught (great) Knowledge from Ourself.

66. Moses said to him, `May I follow you so that you may teach me (some of) the ways of rectitude which you have been taught?'
67. He (- the great man) said, `(Yes, but) while keeping company with me you will never be able to bear (and keep company) with me in patience,
68. `And how can you have patience about things the knowledge of which you do not comprehend.'
69. (Moses) said, `You will find me patient, God willing, and I shall not disobey you in any matter.'
70. He (- the great man) said, `Well, if you would follow me, (mind that) you shall ask me no question about anything unless I myself broach the subject to you.'

SECTION 10
71. So both of them set out until when they embarked in a boat he scuttled it. (Thereupon Moses) said, `Have you scuttled it that you may drown (its) occupants? It is indeed a strangely grievous thing you have done.'
72. He replied, `Did I not say that you would not be able to bear with me (and keep company with me patiently).'
73. (Moses) said, `Do not take me to task for what I forgot; do not be too hard on me for this lapse of mine.'
74. Then they both set out again till when they met a boy, he (- the great man) slew him. (At this Moses) said, `Why have you slain an innocent person without (his having slain) any one. Most certainly, it is a strangely wondrous act you have committed.'



	Part XV Chapter 17 Isrâ' (The Night-Journey) (Revealed before Hijrah) With the name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful (I commence to read Sûrah Al-Isrâ'). 1. Glory be to Him Who carried His servant by night from the Holy Mosque (at Makkah) to the Distant Mosque (at Jerusalem), the precincts of which (too) We have blessed, that We might show him some of Our signs. Infact, He alone is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. 2. And (similarly) We gave Moses the Scripture and We made it a guidance for the Children of Israel, saying, `Take no (one as) disposer of affairs apart from Me. 3. `O You the progeny of those whom We bore (in the Ark) with Noah (to protect them from the deluge)!' He was indeed a grateful servant (of Ours). 4. And in the Scripture We have conveyed to the Children of Israel with certainty (saying), `Twice you shall create disorder in the land and shall surely become exceedingly overbearing and arrogant.' 5. So when (in 588 B.C. the time for) the first of the two warnings came, We roused against you, (O Children of Israel! some of) Our servants possessed of great valour and might in warfare, and they penetrated into the innermost recesses of your country and habitations. Indeed, it was a warning (about the punishment) of Allâh bound to be carried out. 6. Then We gave you back the power to prevail over these (enemies of yours through Cyrus and Zerubbabel), and We helped you with (various) possessions and sons and We increased your man-power (militarily). 7. (We said,) `If you did good, you did it for your ownselves, and if you did evil it was only to the same end.' So when (the time for carrying out) the latter warning came (We raised certain other people - Romans under Titus in 70 A.D., against you to destroy your glory), so that they might do evil to (you and) your leading men and invade and enter the Mosque (at Jerusalem) in the same way as others (of your enemies) had invaded and entered it the first time, and so that they might destroy utterly all that they had conquered. 8. Still it is well-nigh that your Lord will again have mercy on you, (through Islam) but if you return (to mischief, We warn,) We too will return (to Our punishment), We have made Gehenna a prison-house for the ungrateful. 9. This Qur'ân, assuredly, guides to that which is most upright and gives to the believers, who do righteous deeds, the glad tidings that there awaits them a great reward, 10. And (also warns) that We have grievous punishment in store for those who do not believe in the Hereafter. SECTION 2 11. As it is (many a time) a human being prays and calls for evil to himself as he ought to pray and call for good. Human being is ever extremely hasty. 12. And We have made the night and the day (such as they became) two signs, (in a way that) We obliterated the sign of the night (- darkness of ignorance and disbelief) and We displayed the sign of the day as sight - giving that you may seek the bounty of your Lord and that you may learn (from the alternation of night and day) the computation of years and (the science of) all sorts of counting and measuring. We have clearly explained every thing in detail. 13. And every human being We have made his deeds cling to his neck and on the Day of Resurrection We shall bring out for him a book (recording all his deeds) which he will find wide open. 14. (It will be said to him,) `Read your book. Sufficient is your own conscience this day as a reckoner against you.' 15. He who follows the right way follows it to his own good and he who goes astray, surely, he goes astray to his own loss. And no soul that bears the burden shall bear the burden of another. And We never punish unless We have sent a Messenger. 16. And when We intend to destroy a township, We (first) address Our command to its lawless people who lead lazy lives (to show obedience), but they revolt therein so that it stands condemned and We destroy it with an utter destruction.



	17. (In accordance with this rule of Ours) We have destroyed many a generation after Noah. And your Lord suffices as One Who is Aware and Beholder of the sins of His servants. 18. For him who desires the present (transitory) life (only) We shall hasten an immediate reward for him in this very life (giving) what We will to whom We will. But We have prepared Gehenna for him, he shall enter it, condemned and rejected. 19. As for those who choose the Hereafter and strive for it, the striving that is its due, and are believers, it is these whose striving shall find favour (with their Lord). 20. To all of them, these (who hanker after this world) as well as those (whose choice is the life to come) We render aid, (and this is) out of the bounty of your Lord; the bounty of your Lord is not confined (to any one section of the people). 21. Behold! how We have exalted some of them over others (in the present life), yet the Hereafter holds out greater degrees of rank and (confers) greater merits and excellence. 22. Do not set up another god with Allâh, lest you remain debased and forsaken. SECTION 3 23. Your Lord has enjoined you to worship none but Him and to be good to parents. If either or both attain old age (while living) with you, never say to them, `Fie!' (- any word expressive of disgust or dislike), nor reproach them (by your action). Rather address them with kind and respectful words (always). 24. And lower to them the wings of submissiveness out of tenderness (treating them with humility and compassion). And say (praying for them), `My Lord! have mercy upon them just as they nourished and brought me up as a child.' 25. Your Lord knows very well what is in your minds. If (He will find that) you are righteous, surely, He is a great Protector of those who turn to Him (for forgiveness) again and again. 26. And give to the near of kin and the needy, and the wayfarer their dues, and do not squander (your wealth) wastefully. 27. Certainly, the squanderers are like satans and satan is always ungrateful to his Lord. 28. If you have to turn away from them seeking the mercy from your Lord that you hope for, even then speak to them a kind word. 29. And do not keep your hand shackled to your neck (out of miserliness), nor stretch it out to an entire stretching (extravagantly), lest you sit down reproached (incurring blame) and exhausted (on becoming penniless). 30. Surely, your Lord multiplies His provisions and means of livelihood for such of His people as He will and He measures it out (justly), for He is Well-Aware and Seeing of (the true needs of) His people inside out. SECTION 4 31. And do not kill your children for fear of want. It is We Who provide for them as well as for you. Indeed, the killing of them is a great sin. 32. And Keep away from adultery and fornication; surely, it is an abominable act and an (extremely) evil practice. 33. And do not kill anyone, the sanctity of which Allâh has upheld (and has forbidden you to slay) except for a just cause. And We have given, of course, to the heir of the person who is killed unjustly the right (to demand retribution or to forgive). But let him not exceed the (prescribed) limits in killing (the murderer) because he is indeed helped (and protected by law). 34. And go not near (to utilize) the property of an orphan, except in the fairest manner and intention (in favour of the orphan) until he attains his (age of) full strength, (when the property is to be returned to him,) and fulfill (your) agreements, (for every) agreement is certainly questioned about and has to be accounted for. 35. And give full measure when you measure out, and weigh with a right (and even) balance. That is best and most commendable in the long run. 36. And do not follow and utter that of which you have no knowledge. Surely, the ear and eye and the heart, all of these, shall be called upon to account (for it). 37. And do not walk haughtily in the land, for you cannot (thus) rend the earth asunder, nor can you match the mountains in height. 38. All these (doings) are such that the evil in them is simply hateful in the sight of your Lord. 39. These (teachings) are a part of the wisdom which your Lord has revealed to you and (the basis of all these acts of righteousness is that you) set up no other god beside Allâh, lest you be cast into Gehenna condemned, rejected. 40. (Disbelievers!) has your Lord favoured you with sons and chosen for Himself daughters from among the angels? Surely, most grievous is the blasphemy you utter.



	SECTION 5 41. And certainly, in this Qur'ân, We have explained (for the people the truth) in a variety of forms that they may take heed and become great. But (their condition is such that) it increases them only in aversion. 42. Say, `Had there been other gods as they allege beside Him (- the One God), in that case these (polytheists) would have certainly sought out (by their help) a way to the Lord of the Mighty throne. 43. Glory be to Him! and far High indeed be He exalted above the things these (polytheists) say. 44. The seven heavens, the earth and all those inhabiting them extol His glory. Infact, there is not even a single thing but glorifies Him with His true and perfect praise, but you do not understand their glorification. Verily, Most Forbearing is He, Great Protector. 45. And when you recite the Qur'ân, We place between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter, an impregnable screen, 46. And We cover their hearts with veils and plug their ears with something heavy, lest they should understand it. And when you mention the name of your Lord Who is the Only One, in the Qur'ân, they turn their backs (on it) in aversion. 47. We know very well the purpose of their listening when they listen to you (and the purpose with which they confer) when they confer in private (and) when the unjust say, `You follow none but a man who is defrauded and deprived of reason.' 48. Behold! how they coin similitudes to depict you, as a result of which they have gone astray; so they will not be able to find a way (of their salvation). 49. And they (also) say, `What! when we are reduced to bones and (that too) broken particles (of dust) shall we then be really raised again to a new life?' 50. Say, `Yes, even if you be reduced to stones or iron, 51. `Or some other creation yet more hard (that you can possibly conceive) in your mind, (even then you shall be raised to a new life).' Thereupon they will say, `Who will restore us (to life)?' Say, `The same Who originated you the first time.' At this, then, they will shake their heads at you (expressing wonder and disbelief in being raised) and will say, `When will it come to pass?' Say, `May be it is near.' 52. (This promise will be fulfilled) on the day when He will call you forth, then you will respond (to Him) saying His praises and you will think that you have tarried (in the world) only for a little while. SECTION 6 53. And say to My servants that they should speak only what is gracious, for satan (is keen to) provoke discord among them. Satan indeed is an enemy to the people, disuniting (one another). 54. Your Lord knows you best. He will have mercy on you if He will or He will punish you if He will. And We have not sent you to be a disposer of their affairs (authorising you to punish them or reward them). 55. And your Lord knows best those that are in the heavens and on the earth. And most surely We have exalted some of the Prophets above others, and it is We Who gave David the Zabûr (- the Psalms). 56. Say, `Call upon those whom you assert (to be gods) apart from Him, then (you will realize) they have no power to rid you of affliction nor to avert (it) or transfer it to others.' 57. Those whom they call upon (apart from Him, thinking them to be a means of gaining nearness to God,) themselves seek nearness to their Lord and solicit His favour (even) those of them who are nearest (to God are still competing to be closer to Him) and hope for His mercy and fear His punishment. As a matter of fact the punishment of your Lord is a thing to beware of. 58. And there is no township but We shall destroy it or We shall subject it to a severe chastisement before the Day of Resurrection. That is written down in the book (- in the knowledge of God). 59. And nothing could prevent Us from going on sending (Our) signs though the former people cried lies to them. And We gave to Thamûd the she-camel as an enlightenment and an eye opener, but they dealt with her unjustly. And We do not send (Our) signs except to warn the people (against the evil consequences of disbelief and transgression). 60. And (Prophet! recall the time) when We said to you, `Surely, your Lord has encompassed all people (for destruction) and has power over them (still they remained indifferent).' We made the vision which We showed you (being carried to Jerusalem from Makkah by night) and also the tree (- evil word; see 14:26) disapproved of in the Qur'ân, a means of distinction between the good and the bad for the people. (Despite the fact that) We have been warning them (by sending Our signs), this (warning from Us) only leads them to unrestrained inordinacy.



	SECTION 7 61. And (recall the time) when We said to the angels, `Submit to Adam!' Then they all submitted. But Iblîs (who too was told to do the same, did not), he said, `Shall I submit to one whom You have created out of clay?' 62. And he added, `What do You think? This is he whom You have honoured and placed above me. If You grant me respite till the Day of Resurrection, I will most certainly bring his progeny under my sway, having overpowered them, I shall destroy them for sure, except a few.' 63. `Be gone!' said He; `As for those of them who follow you, Gehenna is the recompense of you all, an ample recompense. 64. `And beguile whomsoever of them you can with your speech and rally your horsemen against them, and your foot men (- fast riders and slow walkers in disobedience, with all your might) and share with them their wealth and children and hold out promises to them (what you like).' Indeed, satan promises them nothing but mere fraud. 65. `As to My true servants, you shall have certainly no authority over them. And sufficient is your Lord as Disposer of affairs.' 66. Your Lord is He Who drives the ships on the sea for you that you may seek of His bounty. He is certainly Ever Merciful to you. 67. And when you encounter some distress on the sea, (at that time all) those (gods) whom you call upon are lost (to you), but not He. Yet when He brings you safe to the land, you turn away (from Him). Of course, such a person is very ungrateful. 68. Do you then feel secure that He will not humiliate you in the side of the land and make you sink (in the earth on the side of) the shore, or send against you a violent squall of pebbles. For (if He does) you shall find none responsible to protect and help you. 69. Or do you feel secure and have made sure that He will (not) send you back in it (- the sea) a second time (and) then send against you a fierce storm blast and drown you because of your ingratitude, for (if He does), you will find no helper in the matter for yourselves to protect you against Us. 70. And most surely We have made the Children of Adam greatly honoured and have carried them over land and sea, and We have provided them with good and pure things and have distinctly exalted them far above most of Our creation. SECTION 8 71. (Beware of) the day when We shall call all people along with their leaders. Now whoever is given his book (- recording his deeds) in his right hand, such will read their book (eagerly) and they will not be dealt with unjustly in the least. 72. But whoever remained (spiritually) blind in this world shall also be blind in the Hereafter. Rather he will be even farther removed from the right path. 73. And they had spared nothing in causing you (the severest) affliction with the purpose to turn you away from the revelations given to you, that you might forge in Our name something different from that which We have revealed to you. In that case they would surely have taken you for a special friend. 74. And if We had not made you firm and steadfast, you might have inclined towards them a little. 75. In that case (if you had been one to forge a lie against Us) We would have made you taste multiple sufferings in this life and multiple sufferings in death, (and) then you would have found for yourself no helper against Us. (But you remained steadfast). 76. They had spared nothing in unsettling you from the land (of Makkah), that they might drive you out from it. But in that case they (themselves) would not have stayed after you except for a little while. 77. Such (has been Our) practice with those of Our Messengers whom We sent before you and you will find no change in Our practice. SECTION 9 78. Observe Prayer at the declining and paling of the sun, on to the complete darkness (in diverse hours) of the night, and recite the Qur'ân at dawn. Verily, the regular recital (of the Qur'ân) at dawn is (specially) acceptable (to God) and witnessed (by the angels). 79. And remain awake for it (- the recitation of the Qur'ân and Prayer) for a part of the night after having risen from sleep as a supererogatory service for you. Thus it may be that your Lord will raise you to a laudable exalted position. 80. And say (in Prayer), `My Lord, grant that when I enter (wherever you take me to while migrating) I enter with



	truth (in every way) and when I depart, I depart with truth, and grant me by Your grace authoritative help (which should sustain me in my activities).' 81. And say, `Truth has come and falsehood has vanished away.' Falsehood is indeed ever bound to vanish away. 82. And We are gradually revealing of the Qur'ân (that teaching) which is (the cause of) healing and mercy for the believers. But this (revelation) only leads the unjust persons from loss to loss. 83. And when We bestow favours on a human being, he turns away and withdraws himself aside, but when evil overtakes him he is given to despair. 84. Say, `Everyone acts after his own way and fashion and your Lord knows very well who is best guided in the right path.' SECTION 10 85. And they question you about the revelation, and the human soul. say, `The revelation and the soul is by the command of my Lord, (because) little is the knowledge there of that you have been given.' 86. Had We so willed We could surely take away that which We have revealed to you. If We did so you could find none to plead your cause (to restore it to you) against Our will. 87. But (it is) the special mercy from your Lord (that He will not do so); His grace and favour upon you is very great infact. 88. Say, `If there should join together all human beings and the jinn to produce the like of this Qur'ân, they would never be able to produce anything like it, even though some of them might be the helpers of others.' 89. And in this Qur'ân We have explained in various ways and forms every kind of rare things of exquisite beauty to mankind but most people choose to reject everything except (following the way of) disbelief. 90. And they say, `We will never believe unless you cause a spring to gush forth for us from the earth, 91. `Or there be a garden of date-palms and vines for you, and you cause the streams to gush forth abundantly in its midst, 92. `Or, as you assert (and claim that it shall happen), cause the heaven to fall down upon us in fragments, or bring Allâh and the angels face to face with us, 93. `Or, there be a house made of gold for you, or you ascend into the heaven; but we will not believe in your ascending till you bring down to us a book that we can read.' (Say), `Glory be to my Lord! I am not but a human being (sent as) a Messenger.' SECTION 11 94. And nothing has prevented the people from believing when the guidance came to them except their sayings, `Has Allâh raised a human being (like us) as a Messenger?' 95. Say, `Had there been angels on the earth (in place of human beings) walking about secure and sound We (too) would have invariably sent down an angel from heaven as a Messenger to them.' 96. Say, `Allâh suffices as a witness between me and you. Surely, He is Ever Aware of and sees His servants full well.' 97. He whom Allâh guides (to the straight and right path) is the only one rightly guided, but those whom He abandons to perish, you will find no protecting friends for them apart from Him. And We shall gather them on the Day of Resurrection (dragging them) on their faces. They shall be blind, dumb and deaf. Gehenna is their resort. As often as it (- the flames of the Hell-fire) abate, We shall add (fuel) to the blaze for them. 98. Such shall be their recompense because they rejected Our commandments and said, `Shall we really be raised up as a new creation when (after our death) we are reduced to mere bones and broken particles (of dust). 99. Have they not seen that Allâh, Who created the heavens and the earth, has the power to create their like? And He has appointed for them a term, no doubt about it. Yet the unjust would reject everything except (following in the way of) disbelief. 100. Say, `Even if you possessed all the treasures of the mercy and blessings of my Lord yet you would hold (them) back for fear of depleting, for a human being is very niggardly indeed.' SECTION 12 101. And most certainly, We gave Moses nine clear signs. So ask the Children of Israel (about it). When he (- Moses) came to them, Pharaoh said to him, `Moses! I think you to be under a spell and a victim of deception.' 102. He said, `You know fully well that none other but the Lord of the heavens and the earth has revealed these signs as (means of) enlightenment. Surely, I believe you, O Pharaoh! to be doomed to perish.'



	103. So he resolved to weaken them by humiliating them in and thus scare them out of the country; but We drowned him and those with him, one and all. 104. And We said after (it was all over with Pharaoh), to the Children of Israel, `Settle down occupying the (promised) land (of Palestine). When the time of fulfillment of the second Prophecy comes, We shall bring you back gathering you (from various lands).' 105. We revealed it (- the Qur'ân) to suit all the requirement of truth and wisdom and it has come down (to you) with truth and wisdom. (Prophet!) We have sent you (on one hand) as a Bearer of good tidings and as a Warner (on the other). 106. We have divided this Qur'ân into distinct chapters and have revealed it in stages that you may recite it to mankind at intervals and (that is why) We have revealed it piece by piece, and in stages. 107. Say, `You may believe in it (- the Qur'ân) or you may not believe, those who have been given the (spiritual) knowledge before it (- its revelation) fall down on their faces prostrating submissively (before their Lord) when it is recited to them.' 108. And they say, `Glory be to Our Lord! The promise of our Lord is really bound to be fulfilled.' 109. They fall down on their faces weeping and (as they listen to the divine words) it adds to their humility. [Prostration] 110. Say, `Call upon (Him by the name of) Allâh or call upon (Him by the name of) Al-Rahmân (the Most Gracious). (In short) call upon Him by whichsoever name you like, all beautiful names belong to Him (- the One God). And utter not your prayer in a loud voice nor utter it in too low tones (completely concealing it) but seek a middle course.' 111. And say, `All true and perfect praise belongs to Allâh Who has not taken to Himself a son, and Who has no associate-partner in His kingdom, nor has He any helper because of any weakness. And extol His glory with repeated glorification.' Chapter 18 Al-Kahf (The Place of Refuge) (Revealed before Hijrah) With the name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful (I commence to read Sûrah Al-Kahf). 1. All type of true and perfect praise belongs to Allâh Who has revealed this perfect Book to His servant, and has not assigned to it any crookedness. 2. (He has made it) rightly directing, that it may warn (the disbelievers) of a severe calamity (coming) from Him and that it may give good tidings to the believers who do deeds of righteousness, that there awaits them a (place of) goodly reward, 3. Wherein they shall stay for ever. 4. And that it may warn those who say, `Allâh has begotten a son.' 5. (This is absolutely wrong.) They have no real knowledge of Him, nor (had) their fathers. Grievous is the word that comes out of their mouths. They speak naught but a lie. 6. Will you worry yourself to death sorrowing after them, if they do not believe in this (great) discourse (- the Qur'ân). 7. Verily, We have made all that is on the earth as an embellishment for it, that We may try them as to which of them is the most excellent in (respect of) performing the noblest deeds. 8. Yet it is We Who shall (one day) reduce all that is on it to a barren soil. 9. Do you think that the People of the Place of Refuge and of the Inscriptions were a wonder among Our signs. 10. (Recall the time) when the young men betook themselves to the Place of Refuge and said (in prayer), `Our Lord! grant us mercy from Yourself and provide for us right course in our affair (setting all things right for us).'



	11. So We sealed up their ears (to cut them off from the outside world) in their Place of Refuge for (only) a number of years. 12. Then We raised them up (for making certain efforts) that We might distinguish as to which of the two groups had made better use of the time they had stayed there according to its rightful requirement. SECTION 2 13. We relate to you their true story. They were a few young men who believed in their Lord and whom We had led from guidance to guidance. 14. And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up (in the cause of God) and (said), `Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. Never shall we call upon any god apart from Him (for in that case) we would certainly be uttering a preposterous thing far from the truth. 15. `These people of ours have taken to them (for worship) other gods apart from Him. Why do they not bring any clear proof and authority in support (of their belief). (Infact they have no such proof,) Who can be more unjust than the person who forges a lie against Allâh?' 16. (They said one to another), `So (now) when you have left them and that which they worship apart from Allâh, you should take shelter in the Place of Refuge. (If you do so) your Lord will extend to you His mercy and will provide some ease for you in (this) affair of yours.' 17. And (O people!) you could see the sun when it rose, inclining to the right of their (spacious) Place of Refuge, and when it set declining to their left, while they were in the open space of this (refuge of theirs); this was one of the signs of Allâh. He alone is rightly guided whom Allâh guides. As for the person whom He forsakes, you will find no helper, no guide, for him. SECTION 3 18. You might think them wary while they are dormant and asleep. We shall make them turn over (now) to the right and (then) to the left while their dog is (present with them) stretching its paws forward on the threshold in the courtyard. If you had become aware of their (true) state you would have turned back from them in fright and you would have surely been filled with great awe of them. 19. And (just as We made them dormant) We raised them (to life from the state of lethargy). So that they questioned one another. One of them asked, `How long have you remained (dormant)?' (Some of them) said, `We have remained (in this state of inactivity) a day or a part of a day.' (Others) said, `Only your Lord knows best (the time) you have remained so. Now send one of you with these silver coins of yours to the city, he should see which of its (inhabitants) has the best and purest food and let him bring for you provisions from it. And let him be courteous and let him not at all apprise anyone about you. 20. `(For) if they come to know of you they will condemn you or make you revert to their faith (by force) and in that case (that you revert to their faith), you will never attain your goal and prosper ever.' 21. That is how We let (other people) know about them (- their intentions and the real state of their affairs), that people might know that the promise of Allâh is true and that as to the (coming of the promised) hour there is no doubt about it. And (recall the time) when the people (that followed) argued among themselves about their affairs and they said, `Build a monument over them;' their Lord knows them best. Those (of them) who won their point said, `We will certainly build a mosque (- place of worship) over them.' 22. Guessing at random (- about them) some say, `(They were) three, their dog being the fourth,' while others say, `(They were) five and their dog being the sixth.' Yet there are others who say, `(They were) seven and their dog being the eighth.' Say, `My Lord knows best their real number. None knows them except a few.' So do not argue about them save with arguing on known premise (which is) overpowering and seek no legal order concerning them from anyone of them, (from those who make random guesses). SECTION 4 23. And never say of anything, `I am going to do it tomorrow,' 24. Unless (you add to it) `God willing.' And remember your Lord whenever you forget (and make a mistake) and say, `I hope my Lord will guide me to a course even shorter than this to the right path (leading to success). 25. And they (- the early Christians) stayed in this Place of Refuge three hundred years and extended (their stay) another nine (years). 26. Say, `Allâh knows best how long they stayed. To Him belong the hidden realities in the heavens and the earth. How clear He sees and how well He hears! They have no helper beside Him. He lets none associate with Him and



	share His judgment. 27. And recite (to these people) what is revealed to you of the commandment of your Lord. There is none who can change His words, and you will find no refuge apart from Him. 28. And keep yourself attached to those who call upon their Lord morning and evening, constantly seeking His pleasure, and do not let your eyes turn away from them to pursue the glamour of the present life and do not follow him whose heart We have declared unmindful of Our remembrance; who follows his evil inclinations, and whose affair exceeds all legitimate limits. 29. And say, `It is the truth from your Lord, therefore let him who wishes (it) believe (in it) and let him who wishes (otherwise) disbelieve (in it).' (But let everyone remember,) We have prepared for the unjust a fire whose (flaming) enclosure will surround (and fumes envelope) them. If they cry for water, they shall be helped with water (boiling) like molten lead, which will scald their faces. How dreadful the drink and how dismal is (the Fire as) a resting place! 30. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness (should know that) We surely do not suffer the reward of those who do good deeds to be lost. 31. It is these for whom there await the Gardens of Eternity served with running streams (to keep them green and flourishing). There they shall be adorned with bracelets of gold and wear green robes of fine silk and rich brocade. They will be reclining in these (Gardens) upon raised couches. How excellent the reward! and how beautiful the resting place! SECTION 5 32. And relate to these (opponents of yours) the parable (and description of the conditions) of two men. We had provided to one of them two vine-gardens which We fenced with date-palms and We placed cornfields between the two. 33. Each of the two gardens brought forth its fruit (in abundance); failing not the least in them. And We had made a stream to flow (as well) in between the two. 34. Thus he (- the owner) had an abundance of fruit (and substance of diverse kinds). So he said to his companion (- the other man) while he was arguing (boastfully and vainly) with him, `I am richer than you in wealth and mightier in respect of man-power.' 35. And (it so happened that) he entered his garden while he was unjust to his own soul. He said, (to his companion), `I do not think that this wealth will ever perish. 36. `And I do not think that the (promised) Hour (of Resurrection) will ever come. But if I am ever made to return to my Lord I will certainly find (there) an even better resort than this.' 37. His companion said to him, while he was arguing with him, `Do you disbelieve in Him Who created you (first) from dust and then from a sperm drop, then He fashioned you into a (perfect) man. 38. `But as for myself (I believe that) He, Allâh alone is my Lord, and I will associate none with my Lord. 39. `And why did you not say when you entered your garden, "(Only) that which Allâh wills (comes to pass)", for power belongs only to Allâh; though you see me inferior to yourself in riches and children, 40. `There is every hope that my Lord will give me a garden better than yours and He may visit this (garden of yours) with thunderbolts from above, so that it is turned into a barren waste. 41. `Or its water may be drained (into the earth) so that you will not be able to find it.' 42. Now (it came to pass that) his fruit (and substance) was utterly destroyed and while it (- the vine garden) lay toppled over on its trellises, he began to wring his hands on account of what he had spent on it and said, `Would that I had associated none with my Lord.' 43. But (then) there was no party left to defend him against Allâh, nor could he defend himself, (for it was Allâh alone Who could help him). 44. At such a time (it is thus established that) protection belongs only to Allâh (and help comes from Him alone), the true (God), He is the Best in respect of rewarding and the Best in respect of bringing about good results. SECTION 6 45. And give them the similitude of the life of this world. It is like water which We send down from the clouds, so the vegetation and plants of the earth flourish with it. And then it turns into chaff which the winds scatter about. Behold! Allâh is the Holder of all power over what He will. 46. Wealth and children are an adornment of the life of this world. But with regard to (immediate) reward, ever-abiding righteous deeds are the best in the sight of your Lord, they (also) promise the best hope (in respect of the future). 47. And beware of the day when We shall set the mountains in motion and make them vanish and you shall find (the nations of) the earth march forth (against one another), and We shall gather all peoples together and We shall leave



	none of them behind. 48. And they shall be presented before your Lord ranged in rows, (and it will be said to them,) `Now certainly you have come to Us (no better than) We created you the first time. But you had thought that We would appoint for you no time for the fulfillment of (Our) promise.' 49. And (on that day) the record (of their deeds) will be exhibited (before them), and you will see those who cut off their ties (with Allâh) fearful as to that which is (recorded) in it. They will say, `Woe to us! what sort of record is this! It leaves out neither a small thing nor a great one but has recounted everything.' And they will find all they did confronting (them) and your Lord does injustice to no one ever. SECTION 7 50. And (recall the time) when We said to the angels, `Submit to Adam.' So they all submitted (bowing), but Iblîs (did not); he was one of the jinn, he disobeyed the command of his Lord. (Mankind!) would you (then) take him and his progeny (and cohorts) for friends rather than Me while they are your enemies? How evil is the substitute (of God) the unjust have chosen! 51. I did not call them (- Iblîs and his cohorts) to make them witness and to help at (the time of) the creation of the heavens and the earth nor at (the time of) their own creation. I would never take those who lead (others) astray for (My) helpers. 52. And (beware of) the day when He will say, `Call on My (so called) partners about whom you had many pretensions.' Thereupon they will call on them but they will give them no answer, and We shall make their association with them a (cause of their) perdition. 53. And those who cut off their ties (with Allâh) will see the fire and realize that they are going to fall into it, and they shall find no way of escape from it. SECTION 8 54. And We have explained in various ways in this Qur'ân every kind of excellent thing for the good of the people; but of all things human being is the most contentious. 55. Unless the precedence of the ancients should be repeated in their case or the punishment should stare them in the face, there is nothing to hinder people from believing in the guidance when it comes to them and from seeking protection and pardon of their Lord. 56. And We send no Apostles but as Bearers of good tidings (to the obedient on the one hand) and as Warners (to the disobedient on the other). And those who disbelieve contend by means of falsehood that they may refute the truth thereby. And they scoff at My commandments and (the punishment) of which they had been warned. 57. And who is more unjust than he who is reminded of the Messages of his Lord but he turns away from them and forgets what he has forwarded with his own hands (to be stored). In fact We have placed veils upon their hearts which prevent them from understanding it (- the Qur'ân) and in their ears is (created) heaviness (so that they have turned deaf). You call them to the right path as you may they will never follow the right course and accept guidance. 58. Your Lord is All-Protecting, Full of mercy. If He were to take them to task for all that they have done He would certainly have hastened for them the punishment. Yet there is a time appointed for them. They will never find an escape from it. 59. And these are townships (of the people committed to punishment), We destroyed them when they committed inequities and wrong. And We appointed a fixed time for their destruction. SECTION 9 60. And (recall the time) when Moses said to his (sincere) young (comrade), `I will not stop till I reach the confluence of the two rivers (the Niles at Khartoum); even if I must have to go on (journeying) for years.' 61. But when they reached the confluence (where the two rivers met) they forgot (all about) their fish (which they had brought with them) so that it took its way straight into the river burrowing (in to it). 62. And when they had gone further he said to his (sincere) young (comrade), `Bring us our breakfast; indeed the journey of today has been very tiring for us.' 63. He (- the young comrade) replied, `Did you see (what happened) when we betook ourselves to the rock for shelter, I forgot (all about) the fish; and none but satan made me forget to mention this (to you) and behold! it made its way into the river. What a wonder (that I should thus forget)! 64. (Moses) said, `That is (the place) which we have been seeking.' So both of them returned retracing their steps. 65. So that they found a (noble and great) servant of Ours to whom We had granted mercy from Us and whom We had taught (great) Knowledge from Ourself.



	66. Moses said to him, `May I follow you so that you may teach me (some of) the ways of rectitude which you have been taught?' 67. He (- the great man) said, `(Yes, but) while keeping company with me you will never be able to bear (and keep company) with me in patience, 68. `And how can you have patience about things the knowledge of which you do not comprehend.' 69. (Moses) said, `You will find me patient, God willing, and I shall not disobey you in any matter.' 70. He (- the great man) said, `Well, if you would follow me, (mind that) you shall ask me no question about anything unless I myself broach the subject to you.' SECTION 10 71. So both of them set out until when they embarked in a boat he scuttled it. (Thereupon Moses) said, `Have you scuttled it that you may drown (its) occupants? It is indeed a strangely grievous thing you have done.' 72. He replied, `Did I not say that you would not be able to bear with me (and keep company with me patiently).' 73. (Moses) said, `Do not take me to task for what I forgot; do not be too hard on me for this lapse of mine.' 74. Then they both set out again till when they met a boy, he (- the great man) slew him. (At this Moses) said, `Why have you slain an innocent person without (his having slain) any one. Most certainly, it is a strangely wondrous act you have committed.'