29. Al-'Ankabut

Alif, Lām, Meem.1

Alif Lam Mim

L.M. Allah, Aleem the Knower, Hakeem the Wise, says

Do the people think that they will be left to say, "We believe" and they will not be tried?

Do people think that once they say, "We believe," they will be left alone and not be put to the test

Do people think that they will be left (at ease) simply because they say, "We believe", and will not be put to a test? (Nay! Mere belief such as belief in Blood Atonement will never suffice for Salvation and Success (2:214), (3:141), (9)

But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allāh will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.

We certainly tried those who have gone before them, so God will certainly distinguish between those who are truthful and those who are lying

Yes, indeed, We did test those who lived before them. And so, most certainly, Allah will distinguish between those who are truthful from those who are liars

Or do those who do evil deeds think they can outrun [i.e., escape] Us? Evil is what they judge.

Do those who do evil imagine that they will escape Us? How ill they judge

Do those who treat others unfairly think that they can escape Us (Our Laws)? Bad, indeed, is their judgment

Whoever should hope for the meeting with Allāh - indeed, the term [decreed by] Allāh is coming. And He is the Hearing, the Knowing.

He who hopes to meet God should know that God's appointed hour is sure to come. He is the All Hearing, the All Knowing

One who looks forward to meeting with Allah, should have conviction that the end is bound to come - and He is the Hearer, the Knower

And whoever strives only strives for [the benefit of] himself. Indeed, Allāh is Free from need of the worlds.

And whoever strives, strives only for himself, God is independent of all His creation

Hence, whoever strives (in the Cause of Allah), strives for the good of his own "Self". Allah is altogether Independent of His creation

And those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will surely remove from them their misdeeds and will surely reward them according to the best of what they used to do.

as for those who have faith and do good works, We shall certainly cleanse them of their evil deeds and reward them according to the best of their actions

As for those who come to believe and help others, We shall blot out their previous misdeeds, and We shall certainly reward them generously for what they do

And We have enjoined upon man goodness to parents. But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge,1 do not obey them. To Me is your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.

We have enjoined man to show kindness to his parents. But if they bid you associate with Me something about which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. To Me you shall all return, and I shall tell you about all that you have done

(As among the best deeds) We have enjoined upon the human being kindness to parents. But, if they strive to make you ascribe divinity side by side with Me, this will conflict with your knowledge. Then, obey them not, for it is unto Me that all of you must return, whereupon I shall truly make you understand what you used to do

And those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will surely admit them among the righteous [into Paradise].

We shall surely admit those who believe and do good deeds to the company of the righteous

Those who accept the Divine Revelation and help create balance in the community, We will include them among those who have fulfilled their personalities

And of the people are some who say, "We believe in Allāh," but when one [of them] is harmed for [the cause of] Allāh, he considers the trial [i.e., harm] of the people as [if it were] the punishment of Allāh. But if victory comes from your Lord, they say, "Indeed, We were with you." Is not Allāh most knowing of what is within the breasts of the worlds [i.e., all creatures]?

Some profess to believe in God, but when they suffer for God's cause they mistake the persecution of man for the punishment of God. But when help comes to you from God, they will say, "We have always been with you." Is not God fully aware of what is in the hearts of all creatures

Now of mankind there are such who say, "We do believe in Allah." But when they are made to suffer in Allah's Cause, they think that persecution at the hands of people is Allah's punishment. And if help comes from your Lord, they say, "Behold, we were with you all the while." Is not Allah best Aware of what is in the hearts of all creatures

And Allāh will surely make evident those who believe, and He will surely make evident the hypocrites.

Most certainly God will mark out those who believe and mark out those who are hypocrites

Verily, Allah knows those who believe, and verily He knows the pretenders

And those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Follow our way, and we will carry your sins."1 But they will not carry anything of their sins. Indeed, they are liars.

Those who deny the truth say to the faithful, "Follow our way, and we will bear the burden of your sins." But they will bear none of their sins. They are surely lying

And some rejecters tell the believers, "Follow our way and we will bear your faults." Never in the least will they bear their faults. Behold, they are liars indeed

But they will surely carry their [own] burdens and [other] burdens along with their burdens,1 and they will surely be questioned on the Day of Resurrection about what they used to invent.

They shall bear their own burdens, and other burdens besides. On the Day of Resurrection they shall be questioned about their false assertions

And they will bear their own burdens, and in addition, the burden of misguiding others. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will be called to account for the lies they invented

And We certainly sent Noah to his people, and he remained among them a thousand years minus fifty years, and the flood seized them while they were wrongdoers.

We sent Noah to his people and he lived among them for fifty short of a thousand years; then the deluge overtook them, for they were wrongdoers

And, indeed, We sent Noah to his nation, and his Message survived among his followers a thousand years less fifty. The flood overwhelmed the rejecters, for they used to violate human rights

But We saved him and the companions of the ship, and We made it1 a sign for the worlds.

But We saved him and those who were with him in the Ark and made the event a sign for mankind

And We saved him and his followers on the ship and We made this a lesson for all people

And [We sent] Abraham, when he said to his people, "Worship Allāh and fear Him. That is best for you, if you should know.

Tell of Abraham. He said to his people, "Worship God and fear Him, that would be best for you, if only you knew

(Over a thousand years after Noah, about the same location in Ur, Mesopotamia) Abraham - when he said to his people, "Serve Allah and be mindful of Him. If you bring this fact in the realm of your knowledge you will see that it is better for you

You only worship, besides Allāh, idols, and you produce a falsehood. Indeed, those you worship besides Allāh do not possess for you [the power of] provision. So seek from Allāh provision and worship Him and be grateful to Him. To Him you will be returned."

You worship idols besides God and fabricate falsehoods. Those whom you worship besides God have no power to provide sustenance for you. So seek your sustenance from God and worship Him and be grateful to Him, for to Him you shall return

You worship idols instead of Allah and spread false news about their powers. Behold, those you worship instead of Allah (such as the priesthood of the temple), do not own your provision. (If you establish the Divine System), Allah will guarantee honorable provision for you. Then, serve Him alone and be grateful by sharing His bounties with others. Unto Him you shall be brought back

And if you [people] deny [the message] - already nations before you have denied. And there is not upon the Messenger except [the duty of] clear notification.1

If you reject the truth, other communities before you also rejected the truth. The messenger's responsibility is only to convey the message clearly

And if you deny - well, nations before you have denied the Truth (and suffered the consequences). The duty of a Messenger is only to convey the Message clearly

Have they not considered how Allāh begins creation and then repeats it? Indeed that, for Allāh, is easy.

Do they not see how God originates creation, then reproduces it? That surely is easy for God

Do they not see how Allah originates creation, then repeats it? (Think of the emergence of organic matter, its decay and then re-emergence of life). This, verily, is easy for Allah

Say, [O Muḥammad], "Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then Allāh will produce the final creation [i.e., development]. Indeed Allāh, over all things, is competent."

Tell them, "Roam the earth and see how He originated creation. Then God will bring into being your second life. God has power over all things

Say, "Travel in the earth and find out how He originated creation. And how afterward, Allah brings forth entirely new forms. Verily, Allah is the Designer of all things

He punishes whom He wills and has mercy upon whom He wills, and to Him you will be returned.

He punishes whom He will and shows mercy to whom He pleases. And to Him you shall be returned

He requites individuals and nations according to His Laws, and bestows Mercy according to His Laws. And you are obliged to draw consequences from Him

And you will not cause failure [to Allāh] upon the earth or in the heaven. And you have not other than Allāh any protector or any helper.

You cannot defeat His purpose on earth or in heaven; nor have you any friend or helper besides God

And never - not in decline and not in rise - can you hope to defy His Laws, and there is no protector or helper for you other than Allah. (In the context of change and evolution, the earth and the sky are here metaphorically applied to the low or high state of nations)

And the ones who disbelieve in the signs of Allāh and the meeting with Him - those have despaired of My mercy, and they will have a painful punishment.

Those who deny God's revelations and the meeting with Him -- it is they who have despaired of My mercy. They will suffer a grievous punishment

And thus it is: Those who deny Allah's Messages and meeting with Him - it is they - who shall abandon all hope of My Grace. And for them is an awful doom. (They disbelieve in the glad tidings and in the Law of Eternal Recompense)

And the answer of his [i.e., Abraham's] people was not but that they said, "Kill him or burn him," but Allāh saved him from the fire. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.

The only response of Abraham's people was, "Kill him or burn him!" But God saved him from the fire. Surely in this there are signs for people who believe

(Abraham explained these facts to his people) but their only answer was, "Kill him or burn him alive!" But Allah saved him from their fiery rage. Behold, in this story there are signs for believers (such as, when people have no sensible answers, they resort to threats and violence (21:6)

And [Abraham] said, "You have only taken, other than Allāh, idols as [a bond of] affection among you in worldly life. Then on the Day of Resurrection you will deny one another and curse one another, and your refuge will be the Fire, and you will not have any helpers."

Abraham said, "You have taken up the worship of idols, instead of God, to promote friendship between yourselves in the present life. But on the Day of Judgement, you will disown and curse one another. Your abode will be the Fire and you will have no helpers

And Abraham said, "You have chosen idols (and their priests) instead of Allah, out of regard for your social bonds, good enough only in this worldly life. But then, on the Resurrection Day you shall reject one another and curse one another. And the Fire will be your destination, and there shall be no helpers for you

And Lot believed him. [Abraham] said, "Indeed, I will emigrate to [the service of] my Lord. Indeed, He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise."

Lot was the one who believed in him and said, "I shall migrate to another land for the sake of my Lord. He is the Mighty One, the Wise One

And Lot believed in him all along. Abraham said, "I will quit this domain of evil and migrate in the Cause of my Lord, for He is Almighty, the Wise." (37:99). (From the Kingdom of Nimrod Shaddad, Abraham emigrated to Syria-Canaan. Lot who was Abraham's nephew, was later commissioned as a Prophet and sent to Sodom and Gomorrah by the Dead Sea)

And We gave to him Isaac and Jacob and placed in his descendants prophethood and scripture. And We gave him his reward in this world, and indeed, he is in the Hereafter among the righteous.

We gave him Isaac and Jacob and granted prophethood and the Book to his descendants. We gave him his reward in this life and in the Hereafter he shall dwell among the righteous

And We bestowed upon Abraham (a son) Isaac, and (a grandson) Jacob, and caused Prophethood and Revelation to continue among his progeny. And We gave him his reward in this world, and verily, in the life to come he shall be among those who have perfected their personality

And [mention] Lot, when he said to his people, "Indeed, you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds.

We sent Lot to his people and he said to them, "Indeed you commit obscenity such as no people before you have ever committed

And Lot said to his nation, "Verily, you commit lewdness such as no people in Creation ever committed before you

Indeed, you approach men and obstruct the road1 and commit in your meetings [every] evil." And the answer of his people was not but that they said, "Bring us the punishment of Allāh, if you should be of the truthful."

You approach men and waylay them on the road and commit depravities within your gatherings." But his people's only reply was, "Bring down God's punishment upon us, if what you say be true

Do you not indeed approach males, and cut off the way of Nature? Do you not commit highway robbery? And do you not commit shameful vices openly in your assemblies?" But his people's only answer was, "Bring down upon us the punishment of Allah if you are a man of truth

He said, "My Lord, support me against the corrupting people."

Lot prayed, "Lord, help me against this wicked people

He prayed, "My Lord! Help me against people who spread corruption and disorder

And when Our messengers [i.e., angels] came to Abraham with the good tidings,1 they said, "Indeed, we will destroy the people of that [i.e., Lot's] city. Indeed, its people have been wrongdoers."

When Our messengers brought Abraham the good news [of the birth of Isaac] they [also] said, "We are indeed going to destroy the people of this city, for the people of this city are truly wrongdoers

When Our Messengers brought the glad news to Abraham (of a son Isaac), they also said, "We are appointed to herald the annihilation of that town, for its people are wrongdoers." (Abraham lived in Hebron, Palestine about 1800 B.C. From the heights in Hebron they could see the Valley of Sodom by the Dead Sea)

[Abraham] said, "Indeed, within it is Lot." They said, "We are more knowing of who is within it. We will surely save him and his family, except his wife. She is to be of those who remain behind."

Abraham said, "But, Lot lives here." They answered, "We well know who lives here. We shall surely save him and his whole family, except his wife, who will be among those who stay behind

Abraham said, "But Lot is also there." They said, "We know fully well who dwell there. We will certainly save him, his household and his followers - all but his wife - she will be of those that stay behind (since she has stayed behind in belief)." ('Ahl' of a Prophet includes his household and his followers. (7:80-84), (11:70-89), (15:59), (21:71-76), (26:161-167), (27:5)

And when Our messengers [i.e., angels] came to Lot, he was distressed for them and felt for them great discomfort.1 They said, "Fear not, nor grieve. Indeed, we will save you and your family, except your wife; she is to be of those who remain behind.

When Our messengers came to Lot, he was troubled and distressed on their account. They said, "Have no fear or grief. We shall certainly save you and your household, except your wife, who will be among those who stay behind

When Our Messengers came to Lot, he was grieved on their account, for he could not protect them. But they said, "Fear not, nor grieve! Behold, we are appointed to save you, your household and your followers, except your wife who is of those who stay behind

Indeed, we will bring down on the people of this city punishment from the sky because they have been defiantly disobedient."

We are surely going to bring down a punishment from heaven on the people of this town because of their depravities

Verily, we are about to herald the heavenly Requital upon the people of this town because of their drifting away from Divine Values

And We have certainly left of it a sign as clear evidence for a people who use reason.

Surely the ruins We left of that city are a clear sign for a people who use their reason

And so it was - Therein indeed, We have left a Clear Sign for people who use their intellect. (The Dead Sea to this day is known as 'Bahr Lut' = The Sea of Lot and it remains devoid of plant and fish life)

And to Madyan [We sent] their brother Shuʿayb, and he said, "O my people, worship Allāh and expect the Last Day and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption."

To the people of Midian We sent their brother Shu'ayb. He said, "My people, worship God, and look forward to the Last Day, and do not commit evil and spread corruption in the land

And unto Midyan We sent their brother Shoaib (Jethro). He said, "O My people! Serve Allah, and look forward to the Last Day, the life to come, and do not act wickedly on earth spreading disorder and corruption

But they denied him, so the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home [corpses] fallen prone.

But they rejected him, so the earthquake overwhelmed them and they were left lying prostrate on the ground in their homes

But they denied him. Thereupon a dreadful rainstorm and earthquake overtook them, and morning found them dead, prone in their homes

And [We destroyed] ʿAad and Thamūd, and it has become clear to you from their [ruined] dwellings. And Satan had made pleasing to them their deeds and averted them from the path, and they were endowed with perception.

The same happened to the tribes of 'Ad and Thamud: this must be clear to you from their ruins. Satan made their actions seem good to them, and turned them away from the straight path, even though they were intelligent people

And (the tribes of) Aad and Thamud! Their fate is manifest to you from their ruined dwellings. Satan had made their doings seem goodly to them, and thus had barred them from the Path. And they were people who were endowed with vision

And [We destroyed] Qārūn and Pharaoh and Hāmān. And Moses had already come to them with clear evidences, and they were arrogant in the land, but they were not outrunners [of Our punishment].

Korah, Pharaoh, and Haman: Moses came to them with clear signs but they were arrogant in the land. They could not escape Us

And such is the story of Qaroon (Korah) and Pharaoh and Haman! (They represented wealth, tyranny and priesthood, respectively, that go hand in hand in exploiting people). To them had come Moses with all evidence of the Truth, but they remained arrogant in the land. And surely, they could not escape. (

So each We seized for his sin; and among them were those upon whom We sent a storm of stones, and among them were those who were seized by the blast [from the sky], and among them were those whom We caused the earth to swallow, and among them were those whom We drowned. And Allāh would not have wronged them, but it was they who were wronging themselves.

So We seized each one for his sins; some We struck with a violent storm; some of them were overcome by a sudden blast, some were swallowed up by the earth and some We drowned. God did not wrong them: they wronged themselves

For, every one of them We took to task for his trailing behind in human virtue. And so, upon some of them We let loose a deadly storm wind; and some of them were overtaken by a sudden blast; and some of them We caused to be swallowed by the earth; and some of them We caused to drown. And it was not Allah who wronged them, but it was they who wronged themselves. (The Law of Requital never discriminates between people, whether individuals or nations)

The example of those who take allies other than Allāh is like that of the spider who takes [i.e., constructs] a home. And indeed, the weakest of homes is the home of the spider, if they only knew.

Those who take protectors other than God can be compared to the spider which builds itself a cobweb, but the frailest of all structures is the house of the spider, if they but knew it

The likeness of those who choose patrons other than Allah, is that of the spider which makes for itself a house. And, behold, the frailest of all houses is the spider's house, if they would make use of what they know. (Its web easily traps the weak but cannot withstand the least bit of pressure)

Indeed, Allāh knows whatever thing they call upon1 other than Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

God surely knows what they invoke besides Him. He is the Mighty, the Wise One

Verily, Allah knows whatever they call upon instead of Him - for, He is Almighty, Wise

And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge.

Such are the comparisons We make for people, but only those understand them who have knowledge

And so We cite examples for mankind, but men of Science will make best use of their intellect. ('Aalim = Scientist. (30:22-23)

Allāh created the heavens and the earth in truth. Indeed in that is a sign for the believers.

God has created the heavens and the earth for a purpose; surely in this there is a sign for true believers

(It is they who can best understand that) Allah has created the heavens and the earth with a definite Purpose. Verily, in that is a Sign for those who wish to attain conviction in the Truth

Recite, [O Muḥammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allāh is greater. And Allāh knows that which you do.

Recite what has been revealed to you of the book, and pray regularly. Surely prayer restrains one from indecency and evil and remembrance of God is greater. God has knowledge of all your actions

(O Prophet) convey to people all that is revealed to you of the Book, and establish the Divine System. For, verily, establishment of the Divine System will shut off lewdness, stinginess and behavior contrary to the Divine Values. This is so, because Allah's Law is the Greatest Law that can give you eminence. And (O People) Allah knows whatever you contrive on your own. (21:10), (21:24), (23:70), (43:43-44), (70:21-27) - 'Fahasha' includes miserliness and 'Munkar' is all behavior that goes against Divine Values given in the Qur'an

And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is one; and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him."

Believers, argue only in the best way with the People of the Book, [but contend not at all] with such of them as are unjust. Say, "We believe in what has been revealed to us, and what has been revealed to you; our God and your God are one; and to Him we submit

(The Divine System will be the Living Truth in itself, so) argue not with the People of the Scripture except in a most kind manner. Tell those who adamantly relegate the Truth, "We believe in the Divine Origin of what has been bestowed upon us, as well as what has been bestowed upon you. For, our God and your God is One and the same and to Him we surrender." ((2:79). 'Zulm' = To relegate or displace something from its rightful place

And thus We have sent down to you the Book [i.e., the Qur’ān]. And those to whom We [previously] gave the Scripture believe in it. And among these [people of Makkah] are those who believe in it. And none reject Our verses except the disbelievers.

Likewise We have sent down the Book to you. Those to whom We gave the scripture believe in it, and so do some of your own people. Only those who deny the truth reject Our revelations

And thus it is! We have bestowed this Book upon you (O Prophet). And many of those whom We gave the previous Scriptures will come to believe in it. (5:48). Also, many of your people will believe in it. And none could knowingly reject Our Messages except such as would deny an obvious Truth

And you did not recite before it any scripture, nor did you inscribe one with your right hand. Then [i.e., otherwise] the falsifiers would have had [cause for] doubt.

You were not able to read any book before this, nor did you write one down with your hand. If you had done so, the followers of falsehood would have had cause to doubt it

For, (O Prophet) you were never able to read a book or Scripture before this (Qur'an), nor could you write anything with your own hand. Or else, they who try to disprove the Truth might have some cause to doubt it. ((2:23). 'Biyameenik' = With your right hand = With your own hand

Rather, it [i.e., the Qur’ān] is distinct verses [preserved] within the breasts of those who have been given knowledge. And none reject Our verses except the wrongdoers.

But the Quran is a revelation that is clear to the hearts of those endowed with knowledge. Only the evil-doers refuse to acknowledge Our revelations

Nay, but this consists of Messages clear to the hearts of all who are gifted with the knowledge of discretion. And none could knowingly reject Our Messages except such as would relegate the Truth

But they say, "Why are not signs sent down to him from his Lord?" Say, "The signs are only with Allāh, and I am only a clear warner."

They say, "Why has no sign been given to him by his Lord?" Say, "The signs are in the hands of God. I am but a plain warner

And yet they say, "Why are not miracles bestowed upon him from his Lord?" Say, "These Verses are in themselves miraculous Signs concerning Allah and with Him are the miracles (you behold in the Universe). And as for me, I am but a plain Warner (drawing your attention to His Signs and to the consequences of your actions)

And is it not sufficient for them that We revealed to you the Book [i.e., the Qur’ān] which is recited to them? Indeed in that is a mercy and reminder for a people who believe.

Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent you down the Book to be recited to them? In this surely there is a blessing and an admonition for a people who believe

Why - Is it not enough of a miracle for them that We have bestowed upon you this Book that is conveyed to them? For, verily, herein is Grace, and a Reminder, a giver of eminence to people who will accept it

Say, "Sufficient is Allāh between me and you as Witness. He knows what is in the heavens and earth. And they who have believed in falsehood and disbelieved in Allāh - it is those who are the losers."

Say, "God is sufficient as a witness between you and me. He knows all that is in the heavens and the earth. Those who believe in falsehood and reject God will surely be the losers

Say, "Allah suffices as Witness between me and you. He knows everything in the heavens and the earth. (6:136). Those who are bent upon believing in falsehood, and thus denying Allah - it is they, they who shall be the losers

And they urge you to hasten the punishment. And if not for [the decree of] a specified term, punishment would have reached them. But it will surely come to them suddenly while they perceive not.

They ask you to hasten the punishment. Had there not been an appointed time for it, the punishment would already have come to them. Indeed it will come down upon them suddenly and catch them unawares

Now they challenge you to hasten the requital. And indeed, if the term had not been set for it, that requital would have come upon them. (The Law of Respite applies to all people). Certainly, it will come upon them all of a sudden, while they perceive not

They urge you to hasten the punishment. And indeed, Hell will be encompassing of the disbelievers

They ask you to hasten the punishment, but surely, Hell is [already] encompassing those who deny the truth

They keep asking you to hasten the requital, but verily, Hell surrounds the rejecters of the Truth every moment of their lives. ((79:36), (82:16). And every action is getting instantly imprinted on each "Self

On the Day the punishment will cover them from above them and from below their feet and it is said, "Taste [the result of] what you used to do."

On the Day the punishment envelops them from above them and from underneath their feet, they will be told, "Taste [the punishment] for what you used to do

The Day will come when suffering overwhelms them from above them and from beneath their feet, and He will say, "Taste now the fruit of your own doings

O My servants who have believed, indeed My earth is spacious, so worship only Me.

My servants who believe, My earth is vast, so worship Me alone

O You servants of Mine who have attained belief! Behold, vast is My earth; serve Me then, Me alone! (Live by Divine Values and work for the establishment of the Divine System wherever you may live)

Every soul will taste death. Then to Us will you be returned.

Every soul shall taste death and then to Us you shall return

(To that noble end strive with all you have, even with your lives since) every living being is bound to taste death. And then, all of you will be returned to Us

And those who have believed and done righteous deeds - We will surely assign to them of Paradise [elevated] chambers beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally. Excellent is the reward of the [righteous] workers

We shall lodge forever those who believe and do good works in the mansions of Paradise beside which rivers flow. How excellent is the reward of those who labour

Whereupon to all those who have attained belief, and worked for the betterment of humanity We shall certainly assign mansions in the Garden underneath which rivers flow, therein to abide. How excellent a reward for the workers

Who have been patient and upon their Lord rely.

and who are steadfast and put their trust in their Lord

Those who are steadfast in adversity and in ease, and put their trust in their Lord

And how many a creature carries not its [own] provision. Allāh provides for it and for you. And He is the Hearing, the Knowing.

How many creatures cannot fend for themselves! God provides for them and for you. He is the All Hearing, the All Knowing

How many are the creatures that carry not their own sustenance? It is Allah Who provides for them and you, for He is the Hearer, the Knower. (Establishment of the Divine System ensures honorable provision for everyone (6)

If you asked them, "Who created the heavens and earth and subjected the sun and the moon?" they would surely say, "Allāh." Then how are they deluded?

If you ask them who it is that has created the heavens and the earth and subjugated the sun and the moon, they will say, "God." How then are they turned away

And thus it is - if you ask them, "Who is it that has created the heavens and the earth, and made subservient the sun and the moon?" They will answer, "Allah". How come, then, are they lost in the wilderness of thought! (The Creator must be the Law-giving Authority to mankind as He is in the entire Universe. (21:20-22), (23:84-88), (31:25), (3)

Allāh extends provision for whom He wills of His servants and restricts for him. Indeed Allāh is, of all things, Knowing.

God gives abundantly to whom He will and sparingly to whom He pleases. God has full knowledge of all things

Allah widens His provision to His servants (societies) according to His Laws, and He restricts it accordingly. For, Allah is Knower of all things (not excluding the best socio-economic Order for mankind)

And if you asked them, "Who sends down rain from the sky and gives life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness?" they would surely say, "Allāh." Say, "Praise to Allāh"; but most of them do not reason.

And if you ask them who it is that sends down water from the sky and revives the earth with it after its death, they will surely answer, "God." Then praise be to God. But most of them do not understand

And thus it is - if you ask them, "Who is it that sends down water from the height, and gives life with it to the earth, after it is has been dead?" They will surely answer, "Allah." Say, "(Since this is so) all Praise is due to Allah alone!" But the majority of people fail to use their intellect (and realize that His Guidance can revive the living-dead and the 'dead' nations)

And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.

The life of this world is nothing but sport and a diversion. It is the life of the Hereafter which is the only true life, if they but knew it

For, (if they did, they would understand that) the life of this world is nothing but a pastime and play - whereas, behold, the life in the Home of the Hereafter is the true life, if they but knew (that their actions in this short life will determine their Eternal abode)

And when they board a ship, they supplicate Allāh, sincere to Him in religion [i.e., faith and hope]. But when He delivers them to the land, at once they associate others with Him

When they board a vessel, they call on God, sincere in their faith for Him alone; but when He brings them safe to land, they begin to ascribe partners to Him

And so (are they lost in this passing delight that), when they embark on a boat, they call unto God, sincere in their faith in the Divine Laws. But as soon as He has brought them safe ashore, behold, they resume their idolatry in various forms

So that they will deny what We have granted them, and they will enjoy themselves. But they are going to know.1

And thus they may show utter ingratitude for Our favours; let them enjoy themselves for a time. But they will soon come to know

And thus they show ingratitude for all that We have given them, and go on thoughtlessly enjoying life. But soon will they know

Have they not seen that We made [Makkah] a safe sanctuary, while people are being taken away1 all around them? Then in falsehood do they believe, and in the favor of Allāh they disbelieve?

Have they not seen how We have granted them a safe sanctuary, though all around them people are snatched away? Would they still believe in falsehood, and deny the favour of God

Have they not seen that We have set up a Sacred Sanctuary that We made a source of peace and security for people - while - all around them people are being carried away by fear and insecurity? Will they still believe in falsehood, and thus deny Allah's Blessing? (The Divine System frees people from fear and insecurity)

And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allāh or denies the truth when it has come to him? Is there not in Hell a [sufficient] residence for the disbelievers?

Who does greater wrong than he who invents a lie about God or rejects the truth when it comes to him? Is Hell not the home for those who deny the truth

And who can be a greater wrongdoer than he who invents a lie and attributes it to Allah, or denies the Truth when it comes to him? Is not there a home in Hell for those bent upon rejection

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways.1 And indeed, Allāh is with the doers of good.

We will surely guide in Our ways those who strive hard for Our cause, God is surely with the righteous

As for those who sincerely strive for Us, We surely guide them onto paths that lead to Us. (New channels keep opening for them leading them out of the spider's web onto the Straight Path). Indeed, Allah is with the benefactors of Humanity