20. Taha

Ṭā, Hā.1

Ta Ha

O Ideal Prophet

We have not sent down to you the Qur’ān that you be distressed

We have not sent the Quran down to you to distress you

We have not bestowed upon you this Qur'an to cause you any hardship

But only as a reminder for those who fear [Allāh] -

but only as an exhortation for him who fears God

But as a Reminder to the reverent, those who stand in awe of the Creator

A revelation from He who created the earth and highest heavens,

it is a revelation from Him who has created the earth and the high heavens

A Revelation from Him Who created the earth and the high skies

The Most Merciful [who is] above the Throne established.1

the All Merciful settled on the throne

The Beneficent, established on the throne of His Almightiness. (He maintains Supreme Control over all that He has created)

To Him belongs what is in the heavens and what is on the earth and what is between them and what is under the soil.

To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, and whatever lies in between them, and all that lies under the ground

Unto Him belongs what is in the heavens, what is in the earth, and all between them, and all that is beneath the soil

And if you speak aloud - then indeed, He knows the secret and what is [even] more hidden.

Whether you speak aloud [or in a low voice], He hears all, for He knows your secrets and what is even more hidden

And if you speak aloud, then verily, He knows the secret thoughts, as well as that is yet more hidden within man

Allāh - there is no deity except Him. To Him belong the best names.

God, there is no deity but Him. His are the most excellent names

Allah! There is no god but He. His are the most beautiful Names. (His alone are the attributes of perfection)

And has the story of Moses reached you? -

Have you heard the story of Moses

Has there come to you the history of Moses

When he saw a fire and said to his family, "Stay here; indeed, I have perceived a fire; perhaps I can bring you a torch or find at the fire some guidance."

When he saw a fire, he said to his family, "Wait here. I can see a fire. Perhaps I can bring you a brand from it, or find some guidance at the fire

When he saw a fire (in the desert), he said to his family, "Wait! Behold, I see a fire far away. Perhaps I can bring to you a burning torch from there or find some guidance at the fire (to get directions)

And when he came to it, he was called, "O Moses,

When he came close to it, a voice called out, "Moses

This is the story of the days when Moses had reached the converging point of the stream of the conceptual knowledge of intellect, and the stream of the extrinsic knowledge of the Divine Revelation (18:65)). When Moses reached the fire, a voice called out, "O Moses

Indeed, I am your Lord, so remove your sandals. Indeed, you are in the blessed valley of Ṭuwā.

I am your Lord! Take off your sandals, for you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa

Verily, I am your Lord! Take off your sandals, verily, you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa." (Your quest for the Truth is over. So lighten the burdens of your search. Now you are in the Sacred Valley of Revelation)

And I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed [to you].

I have chosen you. So listen to what is being revealed

I have chosen you to be My Prophet. Listen, then, to what is being revealed

Indeed, I am Allāh. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.

I am God. There is no deity save Me; so worship Me alone, and say your prayers in My remembrance

Verily, I, I alone am Allah, there is no god but Me. Therefore, serve Me alone, and from this very moment strive to establish the Divine Order in the land to practically remember Me

Indeed, the Hour is coming - I almost conceal it1 - so that every soul may be recompensed according to that for which it strives.

The Hour is coming. But I choose to keep it hidden, so that every human being may be recompensed in accordance with his labours

Behold, the revolution is surely coming. But I Will to keep it hidden for the time-being. (You will be the pioneer of a great revolution, the signs of which are not yet visible). The purpose of this revolution will be for every person to get the fair compensation of his hard work (and bring an end to the hegemony of Pharaoh and his people)

So do not let one avert you from it1 who does not believe in it and follows his desire, for you [then] would perish.

Do not let anyone who does not believe in it and follows his own desires turn you away from it and so bring you to ruin

Let not those people join your mission who consider it an impossible dream. They accept only what resonates with their desires. Such people will do more harm than good to your Mission

And what is that in your right hand, O Moses?"

What do you have in your right hand, Moses

What is your strength O Moses?" (Moses was then given complete Guidance and strong Logic, and was encouraged to ask any questions)

He said, "It is my staff; I lean upon it, and I bring down leaves for my sheep and I have therein other uses."

He replied, "It is my staff. I lean on it, and with it, I beat down the leaves for my flock; I also have other uses for it

He said, "Your Guidance is my strength. It will help me in all walks of life. I will prove to be a competent shepherd for the Israelites, and will use it as the challenges come forth

[Allāh] said, "Throw it down, O Moses."

God said, "Moses, cast it down

Allah said, "You are now ready to embark upon your mission

So he threw it down, and thereupon it was a snake, moving swiftly.

So he threw it down, and all of a sudden, it turned into a fast-moving serpent

He felt that the Message given to him was vibrant with life

[Allāh] said, "Seize it and fear not; We will return it to its former condition.

God said, "Take hold of it, and have no fear: We shall return it to its former state

He said, "Grasp it and fear not. We will keep it evergreen." Moses was told to hold fast to what he was taught to the extent that it became his first nature; even in frightening situations. And that he would come out unscathed from trying circumstances

And draw in your hand to your side; it will come out white without disease - another sign,

Put your hand under your armpit: it will come out [shining] white, without any blemish. This shall be another sign

The Light in your heart will shine forth in the power of your presentation of the Truth. Another clear evidence

That We may show you [some] of Our greater signs.

We shall show you some of Our greatest signs

We will show you some of Our great Signs (witness how the strength of the Truth can bring about great Revolutions (1)

Go to Pharaoh. Indeed, he has transgressed [i.e., tyrannized]."

Go to Pharaoh; he has transgressed all bounds

Go to Pharaoh who is transgressing the limits

[Moses] said, "My Lord, expand [i.e., relax] for me my breast [with assurance]

Moses said, "My Lord! open up my heart

Moses said, "My Lord! Expand my chest with confidence, courage and steadfastness

And ease for me my task

and make my task easy for me

Give me the strength that the formidable challenge becomes easy for me

And untie the knot from my tongue

Loosen the knot in my tongue

Make me eloquent of speech

That they may understand my speech.

so that they may understand my speech

That my word reaches the depths of their hearts

And appoint for me a minister [i.e., assistant] from my family -

and appoint for me a helper from among my family

And appoint a deputy for me from my folk

Aaron, my brother.

Aaron, my brother

My brother Aaron

Increase through him my strength

Strengthen me through him

Strengthen me with him

And let him share my task

and let him share my task

Make him my partner in my Mission

That we may exalt You much

so that we may glorify You much

That both of us strive hard together

And remember You much.

and remember You much

And we raise every step remembering Your Commands

Indeed, You are of us ever Seeing."

You are surely watching over us

It is a great feeling that You watch us every moment

[Allāh] said, "You have been granted your request, O Moses.

God said, "You have been granted your request, Moses

God said, "O Moses! All your requests are granted

And We had already conferred favor upon you another time,

Indeed, We showed Our favour to you before also

We have blessed you before and prepared you for this day, (since you were born)

When We inspired to your mother what We inspired,

when We revealed Our will to your mother, saying

When We inspired your mother with this inspiration

[Saying], 'Cast him into the chest and cast it into the river, and the river will throw it onto the bank; there will take him an enemy to Me and an enemy to him.' And I bestowed upon you love from Me1 that you would be brought up under My eye [i.e., observation and care].

Put him into a chest, then cast it into the river. The river will cast it on to the bank, and there he shall be taken up by an enemy of Mine and his.' I showered My love on you so that you might be reared under My watchful eye

Saying, "Place him (the baby Moses) in a box, and cast the box into the river. The river will cast it on to the bank, and it will be picked up by the one who considers Me and him (Moses) as his enemy. O Moses! I prepared you for this day with love, and reared you before My Sight

[And We favored you] when your sister went and said, 'Shall I direct you to someone who will be responsible for him?' So We restored you to your mother that she might be content and not grieve. And you killed someone,1 but We saved you from retaliation and tried you with a [severe] trial. And you remained [some] years among the people of Madyan. Then you came [here] at the decreed time, O Moses.

Recall when your sister walked along and said, "Shall I guide you to one who will take care of him?" Thus We returned you to your mother, so that her eyes might be cooled and that she might not grieve. And you killed a man and We delivered you from sorrow. We tested you with various trials. You stayed for a number of years among the people of Midian, then you came upto the standard, Moses

Your sister walked (to the Royal Palace) and said to the royals, 'I can tell you of a nursing mother who can take good care of the baby.' We thus returned you to your mother, that she may be consoled and stop worrying. When you grew up, you accidentally killed a man who was beating up another man (28:15). We resolved this matter for you when you were going through trying periods. Then you dwelt among the Midyanites (with Prophet Shoaib) for several years. (Then you walked between the two streams, one of intellect and one of Revelation, to the point where they joined (18:65)). And now you are here as ordained, O Moses

And I produced you for Myself.1

I have chosen you for Myself

This is how I have made you for My service

Go, you and your brother, with My signs and do not slacken in My remembrance.

Go, you and your brother, with My signs, and do not be remiss in remembering Me

Now go, you and your brother, with My Messages and stay vigilant about My Remembrance

Go, both of you, to Pharaoh. Indeed, he has transgressed.

Go, both of you to Pharaoh, for he has transgressed all bounds

Go, both of you, to Pharaoh. He has indeed transgressed all bounds

And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear [Allāh]."

But speak gently to him; perhaps he may yet take heed or even feel afraid

Speak to him nicely, so that he may take heed and fear the consequences of his actions

They said, "Our Lord, indeed we are afraid that he will hasten [punishment] against us or that he will transgress."

They both said, "Our Lord, We fear that he may commit some excess against us, or exceed all bounds in transgression

They said, "Our Lord! Verily, We fear that he might act hastily regarding us in abrupt tyranny

[Allāh] said, "Fear not. Indeed, I am with you both; I hear and I see.

God said, "Do not fear; I am with you both. I hear and I see

Answered He, "Fear not. Behold, I am with both of you, I Hear and I See

So go to him and say, 'Indeed, we are messengers of your Lord, so send with us the Children of Israel and do not torment them. We have come to you with a sign from your Lord. And peace1 will be upon he who follows the guidance.

Go to him and say, 'We are both messengers from your Lord. Let the Children of Israel go with us, and do not oppress them. We have brought you a Sign from your Lord, and may peace be upon whoever follows the right guidance

So go you both to him and say, "We are two Messengers of your Lord. Let the Children of Israel go with us, and stop persecuting them forthwith. We have come to you with a Message from your Lord. And Peace be upon him who follows Right Guidance

Indeed, it has been revealed to us that the punishment will be upon whoever denies and turns away.'"

it has been revealed to us that punishment shall overtake him who rejects it and turns away

Verily, it has been revealed to us that doom will be for him who is bent upon denial and turns away

[Pharaoh] said, "So who is the Lord of you two, O Moses?"

Pharaoh said, "Who then is the Lord of you both, Moses

Pharaoh said, "Who then is the Lord of you two, O Moses

He said, "Our Lord is He who gave each thing its form and then guided [it]."

Moses replied, "Our Lord is He who has given everything its form, then guided it

He replied, "Our Lord is He who creates and shapes everything, assigns its role and guides it aright

[Pharaoh] said, "Then what is the case of the former generations?"

Pharaoh asked, "What about the previous generations

(Pharaoh in front of his courtiers thought up a tricky question). He said, "What then is the state of the previous generations?" (The forefathers of the dignitaries sitting around, who never believed in your Lord)

[Moses] said, "The knowledge thereof is with my Lord in a record. My Lord neither errs nor forgets."

Moses said, "My Lord alone has knowledge of that, recorded in a Book. My Lord neither errs nor forgets

(Pharaoh expected Moses to say that they would be in Hellfire, and that would infuriate the courtiers.) Moses responded, "The knowledge of that is with my Lord in a Record. My Lord neither errs nor forgets

[It is He] who has made for you the earth as a bed [spread out] and inserted therein for you roadways and sent down from the sky, rain and produced thereby categories of various plants.

It is He who has laid out the earth for you and traced routes in it and sent down water from the sky. We have brought forth every sort of plant with it

He it is Who has made the earth a cradle for you, and has traced out ways thereon enabling you to go about therein by roads and channels. And He sends down from the sky water." And, by this means We bring forth different classes and pairs of plants

Eat [therefrom] and pasture your livestock. Indeed in that are signs for those of intelligence.

so eat and graze your cattle. In this there are signs for men of understanding

Saying, "Eat and raise your cattle. Verily, herein are signs for men and women of thought

From it [i.e., the earth] We created you, and into it We will return you, and from it We will extract you another time.

From the earth We have created you and We will return you to it, and from it We shall bring you forth a second time

From the earth We created you, into it We return you and from it We will bring you forth a second time

And We certainly showed him [i.e., Pharaoh] Our signs - all of them - but he denied and refused.

We showed Pharaoh all Our signs but he rejected them and refused to believe in them

And (through Moses) We made Pharaoh aware of all Our Messages. (The Message plainly refuted Pharaoh's long-standing claim that he was the high lord of people since he owned the land, the rivers and the resources of Egypt (43:46-54), (79:17-26)). But he stubbornly rejected the Message

He said, "Have you come to us to drive us out of our land with your magic, O Moses?

He said, "Have you come to us to turn us out of our land by means of your magic, Moses

He said, "Have you come here to destabilize our country and drive us out of our land with your false religion and magical arguments, O Moses

Then we will surely bring you magic like it, so make between us and you an appointment, which we will not fail to keep and neither will you, in a place assigned."1

We will certainly bring you magic to match it. So appoint a time between us and you, in an open space, which neither we nor you will fail to keep

In that case, We will certainly produce before you the like thereof! (Will answer your arguments and arrange a debate between you, and our priests). Set up an appointment between us and you. Neither we, nor you shall break this appointment. It will be at a location convenient to us both and where both parties will have even chances." (7:104-126), (10:76-8)

[Moses] said, "Your appointment is on the day of the festival when the people assemble at mid-morning."1

Moses said, "The day of the encounter will be the day of the festival, and let the people assemble when the sun has risen high

Answered Moses, "Your appointed time is the forthcoming Day of the Festival. And let the people be assembled after sunrise

So Pharaoh went away, put together his plan, and then came [to Moses].

So Pharaoh withdrew, devised his stratagem and returned

Pharaoh turned and collected his strength. (In the next few days he summoned his master debaters, the priests from various towns). And then he came at the appointed time

Moses said to them [i.e., the magicians summoned by Pharaoh], "Woe to you! Do not invent a lie against Allāh or He will exterminate you with a punishment; and he has failed who invents [such falsehood]."

Moses said to them, "Woe to you! Do not invent lies against God, lest He destroy you by some calamity: whoever invents lies is bound to fail

Moses warned Pharaoh's debaters, "Woe unto you! Invent not a lie against God, lest He afflict you with suffering, for whoever invents such a lie is already undone

So they disputed over their affair among themselves and concealed their private conversation.

Then they [the magicians] conferred among themselves, whispering to one another

On hearing this, they debated among themselves about what they must do but they kept their talk secret

They said, "Indeed, these are two magicians who want to drive you out of your land with their magic and do away with your most exemplary way [i.e., religion or tradition].

They said, "Certainly they are both magicians who want to drive you out of your land by their magic, and destroy your best traditions

The chiefs, seeing their hesitation, said to the debaters, "Behold, these two are wizards of logic, capable of carrying the masses with them, destroying your time-honored traditions, and thus estranging you in your own country or causing a great rebellion that drives you out of the land

So resolve upon your plan and then come [forward] in line. And he has succeeded today who overcomes."

Therefore, decide upon your plan and then come forward in ranks. Whoever gains the upper hand today shall surely triumph

The chiefs took matters very seriously and commanded the debaters, "So arrange your plan, and face Moses and Aaron as a united front. Indeed, he is the victor today who gains the upper hand

They said, "O Moses, either you throw or we will be the first to throw."

They said, "Moses, will you throw down first, or shall we be the first to throw down

The debaters asked, "O Moses! Do you begin or shall we go first

He said, "Rather, you throw." And suddenly their ropes and staffs seemed to him from their magic that they were moving [like snakes].

Moses said, "You throw down first." Suddenly their ropes and staffs appeared to him, by their magic, to be moving about rapidly

He said, "Nay, you go first." Their smart presentation appeared to him to put life into otherwise feeble arguments with their logic wandering in different directions. (They were throwing the ropes of falsehood against the Rope of Allah)

And he sensed within himself apprehension, did Moses.

and in his heart Moses became apprehensive

Moses feared in his heart that their expertise of playing with words might influence the audience

We [i.e., Allāh] said, "Fear not. Indeed, it is you who are superior.

but We said, "Do not be afraid. It is you who shall prevail

We said, "Fear not! Verily, it is you who will prevail

And throw what is in your right hand; it will swallow up what they have crafted. What they have crafted is but the trick of a magician, and the magician will not succeed wherever he is."

Throw down that [staff] which is in your right hand -- it shall swallow up what they have wrought, for what they have wrought is only a magician's trick. A magician shall never thrive, come whence he may

Present your case with confidence and the sheer power of Truth will swallow all their handiwork. Their fabrication is no more than a scheme of deception. And the liars succeed not against the Truth, however skillfully they design their strategy

So the magicians fell down in prostration.1 They said, "We have believed in the Lord of Aaron and Moses."

The magicians then prostrated themselves. They said, "We believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses

Then down fell the debaters prostrating themselves, and exclaimed "We have come to believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses

[Pharaoh] said, "You believed him [i.e., Moses] before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic. So I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you on the trunks of palm trees, and you will surely know which of us is more severe in [giving] punishment and more enduring."

Pharaoh said, "Have you believed in him before I permit you? He must be your master who has taught you magic. I will cut your hands and feet off on opposite sides, and have you crucified on the trunks of palm-trees. You shall know whose punishment is more severe and more lasting

Pharaoh said, "Have you come to believe in him before I give you permission? Verily, he must be your master who has conspired with you. I will cut off your hands and feet on alternate sides and then I will crucify all of you on the palm trunks. Then you will know for certain which of us can give the more severe and the more lasting punishment, (the Lord of Moses or me)

They said, "Never will we prefer you over what has come to us of clear proofs and [over] He who created us.1 So decree whatever you are to decree. You can only decree for this worldly life.

They said, "Never shall we prefer you to all the evidence of the truth that has come to us. Nor to Him who has brought us into being. So decide whatever you will. Your jurisdiction only covers the life of this world

They answered, "Never shall we choose you above the clear evidence of the Truth that has come to us, nor prefer you over Him Who brought us into being! So issue whatever decree you will. Your judgment can only touch us in this worldly life

Indeed, we have believed in our Lord that He may forgive us our sins and what you compelled us [to do] of magic. And Allāh is better and more enduring."1

we have believed in our Lord so that He may forgive us our sins and forgive us the sorcery that you have forced us to practice. God is the best and the most abiding

As for us, behold, we have come to believe in our Lord hoping that He may forgive us our faults. And that He may forgive us for the lies that you had forced us to speak. For, Allah is Best and Most Abiding

Indeed, whoever comes to his Lord as a criminal - indeed, for him is Hell; he will neither die therein nor live.

Indeed, he who comes to his Lord a sinner shall be consigned to Hell; he shall neither die therein nor live

Verily, as for him who shall appear before his Sustainer while he had been violating human rights, for him shall be Hell. He will neither die there nor live. (1)

But whoever comes to Him as a believer having done righteous deeds - for those will be the highest degrees [in position]:

But he who comes to Him as a believer, having done good deeds, shall be exalted to the highest ranks

Whereas he who appears before Him as a believer who had been doing good to others, such people will have lofty ranks

Gardens of perpetual residence beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally. And that is the reward of one who purifies himself.1

he will abide forever in the Gardens of eternity, through which rivers flow. That is the recompense for those who purify themselves

And Gardens of Eden (Perpetual Bliss) beneath which rivers flow, therein to abide. That shall be the recompense of all those who have developed their personality. (They have actualized their "Self" by helping humanity with their wealth and person)

And We had inspired to Moses, "Travel by night with My servants and strike for them a dry path through the sea; you will not fear being overtaken [by Pharaoh] nor be afraid [of drowning]."

We sent a revelation to Moses saying, "Take away My servants by night and strike for them a dry path through the sea. Have no fear of being overtaken and do not be afraid

Finally, a time came when We commanded Moses, "Take away My servants by night and find for them a dry path through the Sea of Reeds. Fear not of being overtaken (by Pharaoh), and dread not the sea." (7:130), (2)

So Pharaoh pursued them with his soldiers, and there covered them from the sea that which covered them,1

Pharaoh pursued them with his hosts, but they were submerged by the sea, which was destined to overwhelm them

Pharaoh pursued them with his forces, but the high tide completely overwhelmed them, and covered them up

And Pharaoh led his people astray and did not guide [them].

For Pharaoh had led his people astray and did not guide them

This is because Pharaoh had led his nation astray and had not guided them aright. (Therein is an example that the top leadership could make or break a nation)

O Children of Israel, We delivered you from your enemy, and We made an appointment with you1 at the right side of the mount, and We sent down to you manna and quails,

Children of Israel! We delivered you from your enemies and We made a covenant with you on the right side of the Mount. We sent down manna and quails for you

O Children of Israel! We saved you from your enemy, and then made a Covenant with you by the right-hand slope of Mount Sinai, and gave you ample provision, meats and wholesome vegetation. (2:57), right slope

[Saying], "Eat from the good things with which We have provided you and do not transgress [or oppress others] therein, lest My anger should descend upon you. And he upon whom My anger descends has certainly fallen [i.e., perished]."

Eat from the wholesome things with which We have provided you but do not transgress, lest you should incur My wrath." [We said], "He that incurs My wrath shall surely be ruined

Saying, "Partake and enjoy the decent provisions which We have bestowed upon you. But do not disregard equity and none shall be deprived of the natural resources. Transgress not in this respect lest My disapproval should descend on you. And those nations on whom descends My disapproval do perish indeed

But indeed, I am the Perpetual Forgiver of whoever repents and believes and does righteousness and then continues in guidance.

But I am most forgiving towards him who turns in repentance and believes and acts righteously and follows the right path

And verily, I am the Protecting Forgiver. There is plenty of room in My Laws to forgo wrongs of the past, so repent by coming back to the right path. Those who believe in My Laws, keep the collective good of the society in mind, and maintain that Order, will find themselves on the way to Success

[Allāh said], "And what made you hasten from your people, O Moses?"

[When Moses was upon the Mount, God said,] "O Moses, why have you come with such haste from your people

(Once, Moses was a step ahead in excitement.) Said his Lord, "What has made you hasten from your people, O Moses

He said, "They are close upon my tracks, and I hastened to You, my Lord, that You be pleased."

He said, "They are following in my footsteps, while I have hastened to You, my Lord, to please You

Moses answered, "They are doing fine following my footsteps. I have rushed to You my Lord, so that You may be well-pleased with me

[Allāh] said, "But indeed, We have tried your people after you [departed], and the Sāmirī1 has led them astray."

But God said, "We have tested your people in your absence. The Samiri has led them astray

Said He, "Our Law has tried your people after you left them, and As-Samiri has misguided them

So Moses returned to his people, angry and grieved.1 He said, "O my people, did your Lord not make you a good promise?2 Then, was the time [of its fulfillment] too long for you, or did you wish that wrath from your Lord descend upon you, so you broke your promise [of obedience] to me?"

Moses returned to his people in anger and great sorrow. He said, "My people, did your Lord not make you a handsome promise? Was my absence too long for you? Did you desire that your Lord's wrath should descend upon you, when you broke your promise to me

Moses went back to his people angry and sad, "O My people! Has not your Lord promised you many a goodly promise? Did, then, the fulfillment of this promise seem to you too long in coming? Or did you wish that your Lord's requital come upon you, and so you broke your promise to me

They said, "We did not break our promise to you by our will, but we were made to carry burdens from the ornaments of the people [of Pharaoh], so we threw them [into the fire], and thus did the Sāmirī throw."

They answered, "We did not break our promise to you of our own accord, but we had to carry loads of the people's ornaments and so we threw them [into the fire] for that was what the Samiri suggested

They said, "We intended to break no promises. But this is what happened. We were loaded with the sinful burdens of the (Egyptian people's) ornament, and so we threw them into the fire, as suggested by this As-Samiri

And he extracted for them [the statue of] a calf which had a lowing sound, and they said, "This is your god and the god of Moses, but he forgot."

then he forged a calf for them -- an image producing a lowing sound. They said, "This is your deity, the deity of Moses; he has forgotten it

Then As-Samiri (experienced in sculpting) made the effigy of a calf. It even brought forth a lowing sound with wind or when blown into. So they said, "This is your god, and the god of Moses, but he has forgotten

Did they not see that it could not return to them any speech [i.e., response] and that it did not possess for them any harm or benefit?

Why did they not see that it could not give them any response and had no power to harm or benefit them

They knew full well that, like all false deities, the golden calf could not respond to queries, and had no control over their harm or benefit

And Aaron had already told them before [the return of Moses], "O my people, you are only being tested by it, and indeed, your Lord is the Most Merciful, so follow me and obey my order."

Aaron had already told them, "O my people! You are only being tested by this. Your Lord is the All Merciful, so follow me and obey my command

And Aaron indeed had told them beforehand, "O My people! You are being tempted to evil by this idol. Behold, your only Lord is the Beneficent! Follow me then, and obey my order

They said, "We will never cease being devoted to it [i.e., the calf] until Moses returns to us."

They replied, "We shall not cease to worship it until Moses returns to us

They said, "We will by no means cease worshiping it until Moses comes back to us

[Moses] said, "O Aaron, what prevented you, when you saw them going astray,

Moses said to Aaron, "What prevented you, when you saw that they had gone astray

When he returned, Moses asked, "O' Aaron! What stopped you when you saw them going astray

From following me? Then have you disobeyed my order?"

from following me? Why did you disobey my command

That you followed me not? Didn't you disobey my order

[Aaron] said, "O son of my mother, do not seize [me] by my beard or by my head. Indeed, I feared that you would say, 'You caused division among the Children of Israel, and you did not observe [or await] my word.'"

Aaron said, "Son of my mother! Do not seize me by my beard nor by my head. I was afraid that you would say, 'You have caused dissension among the Children of Israel and did not pay heed to my words

Aaron said, "O Son of my mother! Don't get mad at me, nor treat me harshly. I feared that you would say, "You have let the Children of Israel divide into parties and sects." (Moses accepted this explanation since sectarianism is no less a crime than idol worship in any form. Seizing the beard and head pertains to harsh interrogation)

[Moses] said, "And what is your case, O Sāmirī?"

Moses said, "What was the matter with you, Samiri

Moses now turned to Samiri, "What do you have to say O Samiri

He said, "I saw what they did not see, so I took a handful [of dust] from the track of the messenger1 and threw it,2 and thus did my soul entice me."

He said, "I perceived what they did not see. So I took a handful [of dust] from the footprint of the Messenger and threw it in [the calf]. That is what my inner self prompted me to do

He answered, "I have gained insight into something which they have not. So I took hold of a handful of the Messenger's teachings and cast it away. This is what my mind prompted me to do

[Moses] said, "Then go. And indeed, it is [decreed] for you in [this] life to say, 'No contact.'1 And indeed, you have an appointment [in the Hereafter] you will not fail to keep. And look at your 'god' to which you remained devoted. We will surely burn it and blow it [i.e., its ashes] into the sea with a blast.

Moses said, "Begone! It shall be your lot to say throughout your life, "Do not touch me," and you will be faced with a fate from which there will be no escape. Now look at your deity to which you have become so devoted: we shall burn it up, and then scatter it into the sea

Moses said, "Go away then, for good! In this life it is for you to say, "Touch me not!" And moreover you have a promise that will not fail. (People will consider and treat you as untouchable as before, and the suffering of the Hereafter is inescapable). Now, look at your god to whom you were so devoted. Verily, We will burn it and scatter its ashes far and wide over the sea." (Moses wanted his people to behold the powerlessness of the false deities and their potential to divide humanity)

Your god is only Allāh, except for whom there is no deity. He has encompassed all things in knowledge."

Your only deity is God, there is no deity but Him. His knowledge encompasses all things

Moses continued addressing his people, "Your God is only Allah; there is no god but He. He embraces all things in His Knowledge

Thus, [O Muḥammad], We relate to you from the news of what has preceded. And We have certainly given you from Us a message [i.e., the Qur’ān].

Thus We relate to you the history of past events, and We have given you a reminder [the Quran] from Us

(O Prophet) We thus tell you some news of what happened in the past. And We have given you a Reminder from Our Presence

Whoever turns away from it - then indeed, he will bear on the Day of Resurrection a burden [i.e., great sin],

Whoever turns away from it will bear a heavy burden on the Day of Judgement

Whoever turns away from it, he will, verily, bear a heavy load on the Day of Resurrection

[Abiding] eternally therein,1 and evil it is for them on the Day of Resurrection as a load -

which they shall bear forever. It will be a grievous burden for them on the Day of Judgement

Abiding under it, an evil burden for them on the Day of Resurrection

The Day the Horn will be blown. And We will gather the criminals, that Day, blue-eyed.1

the Day when the trumpet shall be blown: We shall gather all the sinners on that Day. Their eyes will turn blue with terror

The Day when the Trumpet will be blown. On that Day We will assemble the guilty with their eyes dimmed in fear of retribution

They will murmur among themselves, "You remained not but ten [days in the world]."

and they shall murmur to one another, "You stayed only ten days on the earth

Whispering among themselves, "You have lived but ten days

We are most knowing of what they say when the best of them in manner [i.e., wisdom or speech] will say, "You remained not but one day."

We know best what they will say. The most perceptive of them will say, "You stayed only one day

We know best all they will say. The most perceptive of them shall say, "You have lived but a day." (75:2)

And they ask you about the mountains, so say, "My Lord will blow them away with a blast.1

They ask you about the mountains. Say, "My Lord will scatter them as dust

They ask you (O Messenger), "What shall become of the mountains, the tycoons of power and wealth?" Say, "My Lord will blow them away like dust. (18:47), (56:5), (77:10), (

And He will leave it [i.e., the earth] a level plain;

and leave the earth level and bare

And leave the earth plain and level." (Falsehood, deception and treachery shall vanish from the land)

You will not see therein a depression or an elevation."

with neither hollows nor upthrust mounds to be seen

Wherein you see neither curve nor ruggedness. (A life of truthfulness)

That Day, they [i.e., everyone] will follow [the call of] the Caller1 [with] no deviation therefrom, and [all] voices will be stilled before the Most Merciful, so you will not hear except a whisper [of footsteps].

On that Day all will follow the summoning voice from which there is no escape; and all voices will be hushed before the Lord of Mercy, and nothing will be heard except a subdued murmur

On that Day all people will follow the caller who has no crookedness in him. (Ta Ha, the Ideal Prophet's call. The Call that is straight, without crookedness (2:186), (7:86), (18:1), (33:46)). And they will follow the call without deviation. The most vociferous of leaders will subdue their voices before the Message of the Beneficent. You will only hear soft voices, gentle footsteps

That Day, no intercession will benefit except [that of] one to whom the Most Merciful has given permission and has accepted his word.

On that Day no intercession will avail, except from one who has received the sanction of the Merciful and of whose words He approves

On that Day, intercession will be of no avail except if one stands up as a witness and is accepted according to the Law of the Beneficent. (None will have the benefit of intercession unless he has entered into a bond with the Beneficent during the life of the world)

He [i.e., Allāh] knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them,1 but they do not encompass it [i.e., what He knows] in knowledge.

He knows what is before them and what is behind them, but they cannot encompass Him with their knowledge

This information is given by Him Who knows their past and their future, while none encompasses His Knowledge

And [all] faces will be humbled before the Ever-Living, the Self-Sustaining.1 And he will have failed who carries injustice.2

on that Day all faces shall be humbled before the Living, Self-Subsisting One. Those burdened with evil deeds will come to grief

All faces will be humbled before the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsistent Maintainer of the Universe. And undone will be the violators of human rights

But he who does of righteous deeds while he is a believer - he will neither fear injustice nor deprivation.

but he who does good works, being a believer, shall fear no harm nor any injustice

Whereas anyone who has done his best to help people, and is a believer in the Divine Values, need have no fear of being wronged or deprived of merit

And thus We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’ān1 and have diversified therein the warnings that perhaps they will avoid [sin] or it would cause them remembrance.

We have thus sent down the Quran in Arabic and given all kinds of warnings in it, so that they may fear God, or may take heed

And thus have We sent this down, an Arabic Qur'an, and explained therein warnings in many ways, so that people walk aright or that it makes them rise to a new level of awareness

So high [above all] is Allāh, the Sovereign,1 the Truth.2 And, [O Muḥammad], do not hasten with [recitation of] the Qur’ān before its revelation is completed to you, and say, "My Lord, increase me in knowledge."

exalted is God, the True King. Do not be impatient with the Quran before its revelation is completed, and say, "My Lord, increase my knowledge

Know, then, that Sublimely Exalted is Allah, the Ultimate Sovereign, the Ultimate Truth. (O Prophet) Hasten not in the learning and implementation of the Message of the Qur'an before a particular revelation to you is completed. These Messages given to you shall be established in stages, but always say, "My Lord! Increase me in knowledge

And We had already taken a promise from Adam before, but he forgot; and We found not in him determination.1

We made a covenant with Adam before you, but he forgot, and We found him lacking in constancy

(Without Divine guidance of Revelation man is easily fallible.) And indeed, long ago We made a covenant with Adam (the mankind) that he would hold fast to Our Commands, but he forgot, and We found no constancy in him. (Adam = Mankind (2:30-3)

And [mention] when We said to the angels, "Prostrate to Adam," and they prostrated, except Iblees;1 he refused.

When We said to the angels, "Prostrate yourselves before Adam," they all prostrated themselves, except for Satan, who refused

Recall when We said to the angels, "Bow before Adam, they bowed except Iblis; he refused." (Divine Laws in the Universe have been made of service to man but his selfish desire rebels against himself)

So We said, "O Adam, indeed this is an enemy to you and to your wife. Then let him not remove you from Paradise so you would suffer.

We said, "Adam, [Satan] is an enemy to you and to your wife. Let him not turn you both out of Paradise and thus make you come to grief

And thereupon We said, "O Adam! Verily, this is an enemy to you and your wife so let him not drive the two of you out of this Garden so that you are landed into difficulty. You shall then have to toil hard for getting your sustenance

Indeed, it is [promised] for you not to be hungry therein or be unclothed.

Here you shall not go hungry or be naked

Behold, you are living the life of Paradise (on this very earth) where you are guaranteed never to go hungry and never to walk improperly clothed

And indeed, you will not be thirsty therein or be hot from the sun."

you shall not thirst, nor feel the sun's heat

Neither do you go thirsty, nor are you exposed to the burning sun." (Well provided with food, clothing, shelter, the basic needs)

Then Satan whispered to him; he said, "O Adam, shall I direct you to the tree of eternity and possession that will not deteriorate?"

But Satan whispered evil to him, saying, "Adam, shall I lead you to the tree of immortality and to a kingdom that never declines

But Satan whispered to him (The selfish desire was teaching him a sinister lesson), "O Adam! Shall I lead you to the tree of eternal life and ownership that is ever-lasting

And they [i.e., Adam and his wife] ate of it, and their private parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten over themselves from the leaves of Paradise. And Adam disobeyed his Lord and erred.

They both ate the fruit of this tree, and so they became conscious of their nakedness and began to cover themselves with the leaves of the Garden. Thus Adam disobeyed his Lord and fell into error

Man and woman both ate the fruit of the Tree. People started dividing among themselves and their basic necessities of life ceased to remain guaranteed. They had to toil and contend with one another to earn their livelihood. This exposed the flaws in their character. They tried to hide their selfish behavior with superficial courtesy. Adam and his mate had disobeyed their Lord and gone astray

Then his Lord chose him and turned to him in forgiveness and guided [him].

Then his Lord had mercy on him, accepted his repentance and guided him

Thereafter his Lord elected him and accepted his repentance and guided him

[Allāh] said, "Descend from it [i.e., Paradise] - all, [your descendants] being enemies to one another. And if there should come to you guidance from Me - then whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray [in the world] nor suffer [in the Hereafter].

God said, "Go down, both of you, from here, as enemies to one another." If there comes to you guidance from Me, then whoever follows My guidance will not lose his way, nor will he come to grief

He said, "Go down hence, O humans, males and females, foes to one another competing for sustenance! Nonetheless, there shall most certainly come to you guidance from Me. And whoever follows My Guidance will not go astray, nor will face hardship." (Nations who adopt Divine Principles, their economy will be abundant)

And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed [i.e., difficult] life, and We will gather [i.e., raise] him on the Day of Resurrection blind."

but whoever turns away from My reminder, will lead a straitened existence and on the Day of Judgement We shall raise him up blind

But whoever will turn away from My remembrance, thus ignoring My Commands, his will be a narrow life. (Such individuals and nations will live in economic and moral poverty). And I shall bring such of them blind to the Assembly on the Day of Resurrection. (17)

He will say, "My Lord, why have you raised me blind while I was [once] seeing?"

and he will ask, "Lord, why have You raised me up blind, while I possessed sight before

He will wonder, "My Lord, why did you gather me blind when I used to see

[Allāh] will say, "Thus did Our signs come to you, and you forgot [i.e., disregarded] them; and thus will you this Day be forgotten."

God will say, "Just as Our signs came to you and you ignored them, so will you on this Day be ignored

God will reply, "Thus it is. Our Messages came to you but you were oblivious to them. (Being blind of reason, you disregarded them). And thus, this Day you will be left in oblivion

And thus do We recompense he who transgressed and did not believe in the signs of his Lord. And the punishment of the Hereafter is more severe and more enduring.1

Thus We shall reward the transgressor who denies the signs of his Lord. But the suffering of the life to come is more terrible and more lasting

Thus do We reward him who wastes his own "Self" and believes not in the Messages of his Sustainer. Indeed, the suffering for them in the life to come shall be severe and enduring

Then, has it not become clear to them how many generations We destroyed before them as they walk among their dwellings? Indeed in that are signs for those of intelligence.

Do they not learn a lesson from Our destruction of many generations before them in whose dwelling-places they walk about? Surely in this are signs for men of understanding

Is it not a guidance for them to know how many a generation Our Law destroyed before them, amid whose dwelling-places they now walk? In this, behold, are Signs for men and women of thought

And if not for a word1 that preceded from your Lord, it [i.e., punishment] would have been an obligation [due immediately],2 and [if not for] a specified term [decreed].

But for a pre-ordained Word from your Lord, and a term [of respite] already fixed, immediate punishment would inevitably have taken place

Now if it were not for a decree that has already been issued by your Lord, setting a term, (the Law of Respite), the Ultimate Requital would have come upon them at once

So be patient over what they say and exalt [Allāh] with praise of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting; and during periods of the night [exalt Him] and at the ends of the day, that you may be satisfied.

So be patient with anything they may say and glorify your Lord with His praise before the rising of the sun and before its setting; and glorify Him in the hours of the night and at the beginning and end of the day, so that you may find comfort

Hence, (O Prophet) be patient about what they say. Strive in the Way of your Sustainer beginning before dawn to before sunset and even hours of the night, practically all day, that the Divine System becomes a living witness of His Praise. So that you attain true happiness (with success in your noble mission)

And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.

Do not regard with envy the worldly benefits We have given some of them, for with these We seek only to test them. The provision of your Lord is better and more lasting

And turn not your eyes towards the splendor of the worldly life We have caused many to enjoy. (15:88). Thereby We put them to test. (A chance for them to walk aright or turn away (104:6-7)). The provision of you Lord is better and more lasting

And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein. We ask you not for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for [those of] righteousness.

Bid your people say their prayers, and be constant in their observance. We demand nothing from you. It is We who provide for you, and the best end is that of righteousness

Enjoin upon your family and followers that their central duty remains the establishment of the Divine System. We do not ask you to provide for Us, We provide for you. (The Divine System will take care of everyone's needs). And the future belongs to those who walk aright

And they say, "Why does he not bring us a sign from his Lord?" Has there not come to them evidence of what was in the former scriptures?1

They say, "Why does he not bring us a sign from his Lord?" Have they not been given sufficient proof in previous scriptures

And they say, "Why does he not bring us a miracle from his Lord?" But has there not come to them a clear evidence of all the truth that was in the former Scriptures? (All Divine Scriptures have been miracles in their own right)

And if We had destroyed them with a punishment before him,1 they would have said, "Our Lord, why did You not send to us a messenger so we could have followed Your verses [i.e., teachings] before we were humiliated and disgraced?"

If We had destroyed them with a punishment before this, they would have surely said, "Our Lord, why did you not send to us a messenger so that we might have followed Your commandment before we were humiliated and disgraced

Had Our Law annihilated them with some punishment before this, they would have said, "Our Lord! If only you had sent a Messenger, so that we might have followed Your Messages before we were thus humbled and disgraced

Say, "Each [of us] is waiting;1 so wait. For you will know who are the companions of the sound path and who is guided."

Say, "Everyone is waiting; so wait if you will. You shall know who has followed the right path, and who has found guidance

Say, "Everyone is hopefully waiting (what the future may bring); wait then, for you will come to know who are on the even path, and who are rightly guided