6. Al-An'am

[All] praise is [due] to Allāh, who created the heavens and the earth and made the darkness and the light. Then those who disbelieve equate [others] with their Lord.

Praise be to God, who has created the heavens and the earth and brought into being darkness and light. Yet those who deny the truth set up equals to their Lord

All Praise in word and action belongs to Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and appointed darkness and light. (All things in the Universe witness and manifest His Glory). Yet those who reject the Truth, hold others as equal with their Sustainer

It is He who created you from clay and then decreed a term1 and a specified time [known] to Him;2 then [still] you are in dispute.

It is He who has created you out of clay, and then has decreed a term [for you], a term known [only] to Him. Yet you are still in doubt

He is the One Who created you from inorganic matter, and decreed a term for you humans, a term known to Him. It is determined according to His Laws, for individuals (3:144), (56:60) and nations (7:34), (10:49), (13:38). Yet you keep doubting and arguing about Him

And He is Allāh, [the only deity] in the heavens and the earth. He knows your secret and what you make public, and He knows that which you earn.

He is God both in the heavens and on earth. He has knowledge of all that you hide and all that you reveal. He knows what you do

He is Allah in the heavens and in the earth. He knows all that you keep secret as well as all that you do openly

And no sign comes to them from the signs of their Lord except that they turn away therefrom.

yet every time a sign comes to them from their Lord, they turn away from it

Yet whenever a Message from the Revelations of their Sustainer came to them, they turned away from it

For they had denied the truth when it came to them, but there is going to reach them the news of what they used to ridicule.1

They have rejected truth whenever it came to them, yet [more] news will reach them concerning what they have been making a mockery of

And so they are denying this Truth as it has come to them. However, soon they will come to understand what they used to ridicule

Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them which We had established upon the earth as We have not established you? And We sent [rain from] the sky upon them in showers and made rivers flow beneath them; then We destroyed them for their sins and brought forth after them a generation of others.

Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? We established them on the earth more firmly than you, and We sent the clouds over them, pouring down abundant rain; and made the rivers flow at their feet. Yet We destroyed them for their sins, and raised up other generations after them

Do they not see how many a generation Our Law of Requital has annihilated before them? We had established them on earth more firmly than you, and We gave them plenty of blessings of the heavens and the earth, abundant showers from the sky and rivers flowing beneath them. When they trailed behind in humanity, Our Law obliterated them or caused them to be enslaved by another nation

And even if We had sent down to you, [O Muḥammad], a written scripture on a page and they touched it with their hands, the disbelievers would say, "This is not but obvious magic."

But even if We had sent down to you a Book written on parchment, and they had touched it with their own hands -- those who deny the truth would still have said, "This is mere magic

Even if We had sent down to you (O Prophet) a pre-printed book written upon parchment, so that they could feel it with their hands, the rejecters would have said, "This is nothing but obvious magic

And they say, "Why was there not sent down to him an angel?"1 But if We had sent down an angel, the matter would have been decided;2 then they would not be reprieved.

They ask, "Why has an angel not been sent down to him?" If We did send down an angel, the matter would be settled and they would not have been granted any respite

They say, "Why is not an angel sent down to him," for them to behold? If We sent down an angel, the matter would have been judged; no further time would be allowed them. (We send angels to behold only when the period of respite is over (16)

And if We had made him [i.e., the messenger] an angel, We would have made him [appear as] a man, and We would have covered them with that in which they cover themselves [i.e., confusion and doubt].

Indeed, if We had sent an angel as messenger, We would have made him in the form of a man as well, and would have thus added to their confusion

If We sent an angel to them, We would have sent him in the form of a man (so that he could live with them and speak to them), and the truth would remain obscure as it is to them now

And already were messengers ridiculed before you, but those who mocked them were enveloped by that which they used to ridicule.

Messengers have been mocked before you, but those who scoffed were overtaken by the very thing they scoffed at

Messengers before you have been mocked. The very thing they used to mock overwhelmed them in the end

Say, "Travel through the land; then observe how was the end of the deniers."

Say, "Travel about the land and see what was the end of the deniers

Say, "Travel through the earth taking lessons from history (in order to comprehend the Laws of the Rise and Fall of nations), and notice the outcome of those who belied these Laws

Say, "To whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and earth?" Say, "To Allāh." He has decreed upon Himself mercy. He will surely assemble you for the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt. Those who will lose themselves [that Day] do not believe.

Say, "To whom belongs all that is in the heavens and earth?" Say, "To God. He has taken it upon Himself to be merciful. That He will gather you on the Day of Resurrection is beyond all doubt. Those who have forfeited their souls will never have faith

(From history, let them turn their attention to the Universe). Say, "To whom belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth?" Say, "To Allah Who has prescribed for Himself Mercy." (He nourishes the entire Universe as a mother's womb nourishes the fetus with no returns, while meeting its needs at all stages of development. He does not task individuals and nations to doom, without giving them a period of respite to mend their behavior). He will assemble all individuals and nations on the Day when humanity stands on its feet, and ultimately on the Day of Resurrection about which there is no doubt. Only those who have destroyed their "Self" will keep denying the Truth

And to Him belongs that which reposes by night and by day, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing.

To Him belongs all that dwells in the night and the day. He is the All Hearing and the All Knowing

To Him belongs all that dwells in the night and the day. He is the Knower, the Hearer

Say, "Is it other than Allāh I should take as a protector, Creator of the heavens and earth, while it is He who feeds and is not fed?" Say, [O Muḥammad], "Indeed, I have been commanded to be the first [among you] who submit [to Allāh] and [was commanded], 'Do not ever be of the polytheists."

Say, "Shall I take as my protector someone other than God, Creator of the heavens and the earth, who feeds all and is fed by none?" Say, "I have been commanded to be the first of those who submit. Do not be one of the polytheists

Say, "Shall I take for my master other than Allah Who is the Initiator of the heavens and the earth? And He provides all without return. Feeds but is not fed." Say, " I have been commanded to be the foremost among those who surrender to Him and ascribe not divinity besides Him

Say, "Indeed I fear, if I should disobey my Lord, the punishment of a tremendous Day."

Say, "I will never disobey my Lord, for I fear the punishment of a dreadful Day

Say, "I fear, if I disobey my Lord, the retribution of an awesome Day

He from whom it is averted that Day - [Allāh] has granted him mercy. And that is the clear attainment.

Anyone from whom punishment is averted on that Day has been shown great mercy by God. That is a supreme achievement

Whoever is saved from retribution on that Day, has attained Allah's Mercy, and that is the signal triumph

And if Allāh should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him. And if He touches you with good - then He is over all things competent.

If God should let any harm touch you, no one could remove it except He; while if He should let some good touch you, know that He has the power to do all that He wills

Whatever adversity touches you for violating Allah's Laws, the only way to redress it is to turn to His Laws. And you attain all blessings by following His Laws, for He is Able to do all things. He has appointed due measure for all things including harm and benefit

And He is the subjugator over His servants. And He is the Wise,1 the Aware.2

He reigns Supreme over His servants; and He is the All Wise, the All Aware

He is Supreme over His servants, and He is the Wise, the Aware. (He uses his Authority with Wisdom and Knowledge)

Say, "What thing is greatest in testimony?" Say, "Allāh is witness between me and you. And this Qur’ān was revealed to me that I may warn you thereby and whomever it reaches.1 Do you [truly] testify that with Allāh there are other deities?" Say, "I will not testify [with you]." Say, "Indeed, He is but one God, and indeed, I am free of what you associate [with Him]."

Ask them, "What carries the most weight as a witness?" Tell them it is God. He is a witness between you and me. Say, "This Quran has been revealed to me so that through it I may warn you and whoever it reaches. Do you really bear witness that there are other deities beside God?" Say, "I do not bear witness to this." Say, "He is only one God, and I disown whatever you associate with Him

Say (O Messenger), "What could be the greatest witness?" Say, "Allah is Witness between me and you. This Qur'an has been revealed to me so that I may warn you as well as whomever it reaches. Do you bear witness that there are other deities besides Allah?" Say, "I bear no such witness." Say, "He is the One God. I disown what you associate with Him

Those to whom We have given the Scripture recognize it1 as they recognize their [own] sons. Those who will lose themselves [in the Hereafter] do not believe.

Those to whom We have given the Scriptures know this as they know their own sons. But those who have ruined their souls will not believe

Those who have been given the Scripture, recognize this fact as they recognize their sons (the fact of God's Transcendental Uniqueness and Oneness). Yet those who have squandered their own "Self" fail to accept such undeniable Truth

And who is more unjust than one who invents about Allāh a lie or denies His verses? Indeed, the wrongdoers will not succeed.

Who does greater wrong than he who invents a lie against God and denies His signs? Assuredly, the wrongdoers will not succeed

Who can be a greater transgressor than the one who invents a lie against Allah and belies His Revelations? The wrongdoers who displace reality with falsehood, will not succeed

And [mention, O Muḥammad], the Day We will gather them all together; then We will say to those who associated others with Allāh, "Where are your 'partners' that you used to claim [with Him]?"

On the Day when We gather them all together, We will say to those who associated [others with Us], "Where are those partners that you claimed

On the Day We assemble them, We will ask the idolaters, "Where are now those partners of Allah that you conceived

Then there will be no [excuse upon] examination except they will say, "By Allāh, our Lord, we were not those who associated."

Then they will have no excuse but to say, "By God our Lord, we have never been polytheists

They will hardly have a response, but they will swear," By Allah, our Lord, we never were idolaters

See how they will lie about themselves. And lost from them will be what they used to invent.

See how they lie to themselves, and how those [the deities] they invented have deserted them

Imagine how they lie against themselves, and how their fabricated gods abandon them

And among them are those who listen to you,1 but We have placed over their hearts coverings, lest they understand it, and in their ears deafness. And if they should see every sign, they will not believe in it. Even when they come to you arguing with you, those who disbelieve say, "This is not but legends of the former peoples."

Among them are some who listen to you, but We have placed veils over their hearts and deafness in their ears which prevent them from understanding what you say. Even if they saw all the signs, they would still not believe in them. When those who deny the truth come to dispute with you, they will say, "This is nothing but ancient fables

Some of them pretend to listen to you, but Our Law has already veiled their hearts from understanding and caused deafness in their ears. Blind followers fail to believe even when they see all kinds of proofs. When they come to argue with you, they say about the Qur'an, "These are stories of the bygones

And they prevent [others] from him and are [themselves] remote from him. And they do not destroy except themselves, but they perceive [it] not.

and they bar others from believing and themselves keep away. But they ruin no one but themselves, though they fail to realize this

They repel others from the Qur'an and deprive themselves of it. They hurt their own "Self" without even knowing it

If you could but see when they are made to stand before the Fire and will say, "Oh, would that we could be returned [to life on earth] and not deny the signs of our Lord and be among the believers."

If you could only see when they are set before the Fire. They will say, "If only we could be sent back. Then we would not deny the signs of our Lord and we would be of the believers

If only you could see them when they face the Fire! They will say, " We wish we could go back and never reject our Lord's Revelations, and be among the believers

But what they concealed before has [now] appeared to them. And even if they were returned, they would return to that which they were forbidden; and indeed, they are liars.

The truth they used to hide will become all too clear to them. But if they were sent back, they would return to what they had been forbidden. For they are indeed liars

Nay, they will be making excuses since the Truth they used to conceal from themselves, has become obvious to them. If they were sent back (with no retention of what they have seen), they would commit exactly the same crimes. They are indeed liars

And they say, "There is none but our worldly life, and we will not be resurrected."

They say, "There is nothing beyond our life in this world: we shall not be raised up again from the dead

There are people who think that the only life is the life of this world and that they will not be raised again

If you could but see when they will be made to stand before their Lord. He will say, "Is this not the truth?" They will say, "Yes, by our Lord." He will [then] say, "So taste the punishment for what you used to deny."

If you could only see when they are made to stand before their Lord! He will ask them, "Is this [second life] not the truth?" They will say, "Yes, by our Lord!" He will say, "Then, taste the punishment that comes from your having refused to acknowledge the truth

But if only you could see when they stand before their Lord! He will ask, "Is not this real? " They will say "Yes, by our Lord." Allah will then say, "Taste the Requital for your rejection of the Truth

Those will have lost who deny the meeting with Allāh, until when the Hour [of resurrection] comes upon them unexpectedly, they will say, "Oh, [how great is] our regret over what we neglected concerning it [i.e., the Hour]," while they bear their burdens [i.e., sins] on their backs. Unquestionably, evil is that which they bear.

Those indeed are the losers who deny the meeting with God. When the Hour comes on them suddenly, they cry, "Alas for us, that we neglected it!" They shall bear their burdens on their backs. Evil are the burdens they shall bear

Losers indeed are those who deny meeting with Allah, until the Hour suddenly comes upon them. Then they say, "We deeply regret wasting our lives in this world!" They will bear on their backs their burdens. What a miserable load

And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allāh, so will you not reason?

The life of this world is but a sport and a pastime. Surely the Home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear God. Will you not understand

The life of this world is a play and a passing delight in comparison to the Eternal Life. The abode of the Hereafter is far better for those who live according to the Divine Laws. Will you not use Reason

We know that you, [O Muḥammad], are saddened by what they say. And indeed, they do not call you untruthful, but it is the verses of Allāh that the wrongdoers reject.

We know that what they say grieves you. It is not you that the wrongdoers are rejecting, rather it is the signs of God that they reject

We know well how their talk grieves you (O Messenger). In truth they deny you not. It is the Revelations of Allah that these wrongdoers flout

And certainly were messengers denied before you, but they were patient over the denial, and they were harmed until Our victory came to them. And none can alter the words [i.e., decrees] of Allāh. And there has certainly come to you some information about the [previous] messengers.

Other messengers have been denied before you, and they bore their rejection and persecution steadfastly, until Our help came to them. There is no one who can change the words of God. You have already received some account of those messengers

Messengers before you were denied and opposed. They steadfastly faced persecution until Our help reached them. There is none to alter the Decisions, Laws and Words of Allah. Some history of the Messengers has already come to you and sets examples for you

And if their evasion is difficult for you, then if you are able to seek a tunnel into the earth or a stairway into the sky to bring them a sign, [then do so]. But if Allāh had willed, He would have united them upon guidance. So never be of the ignorant.

If you find their rejection hard to bear, then seek a tunnel into the ground or a ladder into the sky, if you can, and bring them a sign. Had God so willed, He would indeed have given them all [His] guidance. So do not be among the ignorant

If their rejection is hard on you, know that even if you dug a tunnel in the ground, or climbed a ladder into the sky and brought a miracle for them, they still will not believe. If it were Allah's Will, He could assemble them to Guidance. But, He wants them to make free decisions (10:98-99). Be not among those who are carried away to ignore the Law

Only those who hear will respond. But the dead1 - Allāh will resurrect them; then to Him they will be returned.

Only they who listen can respond to a call; and as for the dead, God will raise them up, and then they will all return to Him

Only those can accept who hear and listen with an open mind (10:100). The living dead will only listen when they use their faculties (2:260), or when Allah will raise them to the second life; unto Him will they be returned

And they say, "Why has a sign not been sent down to him from his Lord?" Say, "Indeed, Allāh is Able to send down a sign, but most of them do not know."

They ask, "Why has no sign been sent down to him from his Lord?" Say, "God alone has the power to send down a sign." But most of them do not understand

They say, "If only a miracle could come down to him from his Lord!" Say, "Allah surely has the Power to send down a miracle, but most of them do not use their knowledge." (He does not wish to stun the human intellect with supernatural phenomena. He wants people to reflect and use reason)

And there is no creature on [or within] the earth or bird that flies with its wings except [that they are] communities like you. We have not neglected in the Register1 a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered.

there is not an animal that moves about on the earth, nor a bird that flies on its two wings, but are creatures like you. We have left out nothing in the Book -- they shall all be gathered before their Lord

(There are miracles in the Universe to behold). All creatures on earth and all the birds that fly on two wings are communities like you. We did not omit any knowledge from this Book that was essential to be given through Revelation. All these creatures are part of the Divine Plan and they are together working the Plan of their Lord

But those who deny Our verses are deaf and dumb within darknesses. Whomever Allāh wills - He sends astray; and whomever He wills - He puts him on a straight path.

Those who reject Our signs are deaf and dumb, [groping along] in darkness. God lets anyone He wishes go astray and sets whoever He will on a straight path

Those who deny Our Signs are deaf and dumb, in total darkness. Straying, and Guidance take place according to the Divine Laws

Say, "Have you considered:1 if there came to you the punishment of Allāh or there came to you the Hour - is it other than Allāh you would invoke, if you should be truthful?"

Say, "Tell me if the punishment of God came upon you or the Hour overtook you, would you call upon any other than God, if you are truthful

Ask them, "If a natural disaster strikes you as Divine retribution, or when the Hour comes, would you call upon others besides God? Answer if you are truthful." (You work by Divine Laws)

No, it is Him [alone] you would invoke, and He would remove that for which you invoked Him if He willed, and you would forget what you associate [with Him].

Indeed, it is on Him that you would call, and He could remove that [affliction] which made you call on Him, if He will, and then you would forget [the false deities] which you associate with Him

Nay, you call unto Him, act, and He removes your affliction according to His Laws. At that time you forget your idols

And We have already sent [messengers] to nations before you, [O Muḥammad]; then We seized them with poverty and hardship that perhaps they might humble themselves [to Us].

We sent messengers before you [Prophet] to many communities and afflicted their people with suffering and hardship, so that they might humble themselves

We sent Messengers to nations before you. (They compassionately advised their people that the Supreme Law is operative on the earth, as it is in the heavens). When those nations violated Our Laws in their societies, they had to face the consequences. They should have become humble and taken corrective action right away

Then why, when Our punishment came to them, did they not humble themselves? But their hearts became hardened, and Satan made attractive to them that which they were doing.

When the affliction decreed by Us befell them, they did not humble themselves, but rather their hearts hardened, for Satan had made all their doings seem fair to them

But, instead of being humble when Our Requital touched them, their selfish desire led their minds into rationalizing their actions. This is because their hearts had been hardened with arrogance and repeated rejection of the Truth

So when they forgot that by which they had been reminded,1 We opened to them the doors of every [good] thing until, when they rejoiced in that which they were given, We seized them suddenly, and they were [then] in despair.

When they had forgotten Our admonition, We granted them all that they desired; but just as they were rejoicing in what they were given, We seized them suddenly and they were plunged into despair

They ignored the Message, and persisted in their ways. We opened for them the gates of all things and they kept enjoying life exploiting others (16:112). But the Law of Requital is ever vigilant. Social orders based on injustice and inequities eventually fail. Our Requital then came with stunning speed, and all they could do was, to plunge in despair

So the people that committed wrong were eliminated. And praise to Allāh, Lord of the worlds.

The wrongdoers were thus annihilated. All praise be to God, the Lord of the Worlds

When nations violated human rights with their unjust systems they were uprooted (6:6), (7:129). Allah replaced them with people who were not like them (10:14), (11:57). You can understand that all Praise in word and action belongs to the Lord of the Worlds; His Rule is the Rule of Law (

Say, "Have you considered:1 if Allāh should take away your hearing and your sight and set a seal upon your hearts, which deity other than Allāh could bring them [back] to you?" Look how We diversify2 the verses; then they [still] turn away.

Say, "If God should take away your hearing and your sight and seal your hearts, who is the deity who could restore it to you save God?" See how We explain the signs to them in diverse ways, yet they turn away

The exploiters of the masses think that they are smarter, and hence, they deserve to take advantage (28:76-82)). They must realize that the Creator has given them the faculties of hearing, seeing and thinking. If their faculties were taken away, who can restore these back to them but the Law of Allah? See, how We use TASREEF --presenting Our verses from various view-points -- giving them the Big Picture. Yet they turn away

Say, "Have you considered: if the punishment of Allāh should come to you unexpectedly or manifestly,1 will any be destroyed but the wrongdoing people?"

Ask them, "Tell me, if the punishment of God came upon you suddenly or predictably, would any but the wrongdoers be destroyed

Tell them that the punishment according to the Law of Requital, sneaks up or suddenly hits nations that are transgressors (11:104). Would any people perish unless they are oppressors of the masses? (Nations are not annihilated unless they violate human rights)

And We send not the messengers except as bringers of good tidings and warners. So whoever believes and reforms - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

We send the messengers only to give good news and to warn, so those who believe and reform themselves need have no fear, nor will they grieve

We have sent Our Messengers to give good news and to warn. Those who attain belief, mend their ways and work for social equity fulfilling the needs of others, will have nothing to fear nor will they have any regrets

But those who deny Our verses - the punishment will touch1 them for their defiant disobedience.

Chastisement will befall those who reject Our signs because of their disobedience

But those who belie Our Revelations, retribution will afflict them, for they keep drifting from the secure path. (Retribution is a logical and built-in consequence of their wrongdoing (7:14)

Say, [O Muḥammad], "I do not tell you that I have the depositories [containing the provision] of Allāh or that I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me." Say, "Is the blind equivalent to the seeing? Then will you not give thought?"

Say, "I do not say to you that I possess the treasures of God, nor do I know the unseen, nor do I say to you that I am an angel. I follow only that which is revealed to me." Say, "Are the blind and the seeing alike? Can you not then think

Say, (O Messenger), "I do not claim that I have the Treasures of Allah, nor do I have the knowledge of the Unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I follow what is revealed to me. (You blindly follow your ancestors). Say, "Is the blind of the heart the same as the seer who uses reason? Won't you reflect

And warn by it [i.e., the Qur’ān] those who fear that they will be gathered before their Lord - for them besides Him will be no protector and no intercessor - that they might become righteous.

Warn by it those who fear to be gathered before their Lord, when they have no guardian or intercessor besides God, so that they may become God-fearing

Counsel those who are mindful of the Law of Requital and have the slightest idea that they will be brought before their Lord. And they know that besides Allah, they will have no protector and no intercessor. Counsel them so that they may live upright

And do not send away those who call upon their Lord morning and afternoon, seeking His face [i.e., favor]. Not upon you is anything of their account and not upon them is anything of your account.1 So were you to send them away, you would [then] be of the wrongdoers.

Do not send away those who call upon their Lord in the morning and in the evening, seeking only His grace. You are not by any means accountable for them, nor are they accountable for you. If you turn them away, you yourself will become one of the unjust

In spite of the demands of the rich and powerful leaders, you shall not turn away the poor who call upon their Lord, morning and evening, seeking His Approval. They are responsible for whatever good and bad they have done, and their toiling in labor is respectable in the Sight of Allah. Likewise they are not accountable for you. If you repelled them, you shall be of the wrongdoers

And thus We have tried some of them through others that they [i.e., the disbelievers] might say, "Is it these whom Allāh has favored among us?" Is not Allāh most knowing of those who are grateful?1

In this way We try some of them by means of others, so that they may ask, "Are these [lowly ones] whom God has singled out for His favours from among us? Does God not know best who are the grateful ones

We thus let people distinguish one another's egos. The elite among them say, "Are these the people among us whom Allah has favored?" But, is not Allah best Aware of the appreciative

And when those come to you who believe in Our verses, say, "Peace be upon you. Your Lord has decreed upon Himself mercy: that any of you who does wrong out of ignorance and then repents after that and corrects himself - indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful."

When those who believe in Our revelations come to you, say, "Peace be upon you. Your Lord has taken it upon Himself to be merciful. So that if any one among you does evil in ignorance and repents thereafter and makes amends, then He is most forgiving and ever merciful

When those who believe in Our Revelations come to you, say, SALAMUN ALAIKUM (Peace be upon you!) Your Lord has decreed for Himself Mercy. Thus anyone among you who commits a bad deed out of ignorance, and then repents and makes amends should know that He is Forgiving, Merciful

And thus do We detail the verses, and [thus] the way of the criminals will become evident.

Thus We make plain Our signs, so that the path of the evil-doers might be laid bare

We explain Our Laws to distinguish (between minor, unintended violations and) the way of the criminals who steal the fruit of others' labor

Say, "Indeed, I have been forbidden to worship those you invoke besides Allāh." Say, "I will not follow your desires, for I would then have gone astray, and I would not be of the [rightly] guided."

Say, "I am forbidden to worship those you call upon besides God." Say, "I do not follow your whims and desires. If I did, I would go astray and cease to be rightly guided

Say, "I am forbidden to worship and obey on whom you call instead of Allah." Say, "I will not follow your desires, otherwise I will go astray and not be among the rightly guided

Say, "Indeed, I am on clear evidence from my Lord, and you have denied it. I do not have that for which you are impatient.1 The decision is only for Allāh. He relates the truth, and He is the best of deciders."

Say, "I stand by the clear evidence from my Lord, yet you deny it. What you seek to hasten is not within my power. Judgement is for God alone. He declares the truth. He is the best of judges

Say, "I have a manifest Proof from my Lord that you deny. I do not control the retribution you challenge me to bring. Judgment belongs to none but Allah. And no one has the Ultimate Rule. He declares the Truth and He is the Best of deciders

Say, "If I had that for which you are impatient, the matter would have been decided between me and you, but Allāh is most knowing of the wrongdoers."

Say, "If what you seek to hasten were within my power, the matter would be settled between you and me. God best knows the evil-doers

Say, "If the ultimate decision you are hastening for was up to me, the case would have been already decided. Allah is best Aware of the wrongdoers

And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darknesses of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that it is [written] in a clear record.

He holds the keys to the unseen; none knows them but He. He has knowledge of all that land and sea contain. No leaf falls without His knowledge, nor is there a single grain in the darkness of the earth, or anything, wet or dry, but is recorded in a clear Record

With Him are the keys of the Unseen. (None but He knows the subtle processes and their stages where actions culminate into their logical outcome). He knows everything in the land and in the sea. Not even a leaf falls without His knowledge. Neither is there a grain in the dark depths of the soil, nor anything fresh or withered, that He knows not. But all is written in the Open Book of the Universe around you

And it is He who takes your souls by night1 and knows what you have committed by day. Then He revives you therein [i.e., by day] that a specified term2 may be fulfilled. Then to Him will be your return; then He will inform you about what you used to do.

It is He who gathers you in at night and knows all that you do by day; then He raises you up during the day so that an appointed term may be completed. Then to Him you shall return and He will declare to you all that you used to do

He suspends your consciousness during sleep at night, and knows what you do by day, when awake. He resurrects you every morning until your life span is completed. Death is, likewise, a temporary suspension of consciousness and afterward to Him is your return (39:42). Then, He will inform you of what you really accomplished

And He is the subjugator over His servants, and He sends over you guardian-angels until, when death comes to one of you, Our messengers [i.e., angels of death] take him, and they do not fail [in their duties].

He is the Absolute Master over His servants. He sends forth guardians [angels] who watch over you until, when death approaches one of you, Our angels take his soul, and they never fail in their duty

He is Supreme over His servants. His Laws guard your life until the inescapable Law of death approaches you. When death comes to one of you, Our couriers receive him without delay

Then they [i.e., His servants] are returned to Allāh, their true Lord. Unquestionably, His is the judgement, and He is the swiftest of accountants.

Then they will all be returned to God, their true Lord. The Judgement is His alone. He is the swiftest reckoner

Then they are restored to Allah, their Rightful Master. Surely, His is the Command and His is the Judgment. And He is the most Swift of reckoners

Say, "Who rescues you from the darknesses of the land and sea [when] you call upon Him imploring [aloud] and privately, 'If He should save us from this [crisis], we will surely be among the thankful.'"

Say, "Who is it who delivers you from the dark depths of land and sea when you call out to Him humbly and in secret, saying, "If He rescues us from this, we shall most certainly be among the grateful

Say, " Who saves you, in the darkness of the land and the sea, when you call upon Him humbly and quietly saying, "If He saves us this time, we will always be thankful

Say, "It is Allāh who saves you from it and from every distress; then you [still] associate others with Him."

Say, "It is God who delivers you from it and from every other distress, yet you associate partners with Him

Say, "It is Allah (Whose Laws you trust never to change), that protects you from different afflictions. Even then you attribute partners to Him

Say, "He is the [one] Able to send upon you affliction from above you or from beneath your feet or to confuse you [so you become] sects1 and make you taste the violence of one another." Look how We diversify the signs that they might understand.

Say, "He has the power to send punishment on you from above your heads or from beneath your feet, or to divide you in sects and make you taste one another's violence." See how We explain Our revelations in various ways, so that they may understand

Say, "He is Able to send punishment upon you from above you or from beneath your feet, or to bewilder you with dissension and make you taste the tyranny one of another. (Violation of His Laws can inflict you from the top in the form of tyrannical rule, or from the bottom in the form of popular rebellion. You could then divide into hateful parties, and taste smite of one another). Note how We use TASREEF, explaining Our Verses from various vantage points, that men and women may understand

But your people have denied it while it is the truth. Say, "I am not over you a manager [i.e., authority]."

Your people have rejected the message We have sent through you, though it is the truth. Say "I am not your keeper

Even then, (O Messenger) Your people deny the Truth. Tell them, "I have not been appointed a guardian over you

For every news [i.e., happening] is a finality;1 and you are going to know.

Every prophecy has its fixed time to be fulfilled: and soon you will come to know

Every tiding given in the Qur'an shall come to pass and you mankind will surely find out

And when you see those who engage in [offensive] discourse1 concerning Our verses, then turn away from them until they enter into another conversation. And if Satan should cause you to forget, then do not remain after the reminder with the wrongdoing people.

When you see people engaged in finding fault with Our revelations, withdraw from them until they turn to some other topic. Should Satan cause you to forget this, take leave of the wrongdoers as soon as you remember

When you see men and women engaged in mocking Our Verses, ignore them until they turn to a different theme. If your mind gets engrossed in their discourse, then as soon as you recollect, no longer sit with them. Those who displace decent dialogue with mockery indeed wrong their own "Self

And those who fear Allāh are not held accountable for them [i.e., the disbelievers] at all, but [only for] a reminder - that perhaps they will fear Him.

The God-fearing are not in any way held accountable for the wrongdoers; their only duty is to remind them, so that they may fear God

Those who walk aright bear no responsibility for them, except decent follow up reminders, so that the fellow human beings might reflect and come to walk the Right Path

And leave those who take their religion as amusement and diversion and whom the worldly life has deluded. But remind with it [i.e., the Qur’ān], lest a soul be given up to destruction for what it earned; it will have other than Allāh no protector and no intercessor. And if it should offer every compensation, it would not be taken from it [i.e., that soul]. Those are the ones who are given to destruction for what they have earned. For them will be a drink of scalding water and a painful punishment because they used to disbelieve.

Leave alone those for whom religion is only a sport and pastime and are deceived by the life of this world, but continue to remind them with the Quran, lest a soul be held in pledge because of what it has wrought, having no helper or intercessor besides God. Whatever ransom they may offer, it will not be accepted. Such are those that are damned by their own actions: they will have boiling water to drink and a painful punishment for their denial of truth

Leave to themselves those who take their religion as nothing but pastime, amusement, games of ritual, and social partying; their life revolving around quick gains of the worldly life. But follow up with reminders with the Qur'an on appropriate occasions. Remind people lest a "Self" be ruined for its own actions. No "Self" has a protecting friend, master or intercessor against the Law of Allah even if it offered any conceivable ransom. Such is the end of those who land themselves into ruin with their own actions. For them is a draught of burning despair and a painful doom. They had kept denying the Truth

Say, "Shall we invoke1 instead of Allāh that which neither benefits us nor harms us and be turned back on our heels after Allāh has guided us? [We would then be] like one whom the devils enticed [to wander] upon the earth confused, [while] he has companions inviting him to guidance, [calling], 'Come to us.'"2 Say, "Indeed, the guidance of Allāh is the [only] guidance; and we have been commanded to submit to the Lord of the worlds.

Say, "Instead of God, shall we call upon that which can neither benefit us nor harm us? Are we to turn upon our heels after God has guided us, like one who, beguiled by devils in the land, wanders bewildered, his companions calling him to the right path, saying, "Come to us"?" Say, "God's guidance is the only guidance. We are commanded to surrender ourselves to the Lord of the Universe

Say, "Should we call unto those who can neither benefit nor harm us, and turn back on our heels after Allah has guided us aright? In that situation we would be like the person who is left wandering enticed by his satanic thoughts, stranded in the desert of doubt. And his companions trying to guide him: Come to us! Say, "The guidance of Allah is Guidance, and we are commanded to submit to the Lord of the Worlds

And to establish prayer and fear Him." And it is He to whom you will be gathered.

say our prayers regularly and to fear God." He it is to whom you will be gathered

And to establish the Divine System and walk aright. He it is to Whom you will be summoned

And it is He who created the heavens and earth in truth. And the day [i.e., whenever] He says, "Be," and it is, His word is the truth.1 And His is the dominion [on] the Day the Horn is blown. [He is] Knower of the unseen2 and the witnessed;3 and He is the Wise, the Aware.

It was He who created the heavens and the earth for a true purpose. On the Day when He says, "Be," it shall be: His word is the truth. All sovereignty shall be His on the Day when the trumpet is sounded. The Knower of the unseen and the visible, He is the Wise, the Aware One

He has created the heavens and the earth with a definite Plan. Whenever He says "Be!" it is. His Word is the Truth and comes True. As ever, His will be the Dominion on the Day when the Trumpet is blown (of Resurrection). Knower of the invisible and the visible, He is the Wise, the Aware

And [mention, O Muḥammad], when Abraham said to his father Āzar, "Do you take idols as deities? Indeed, I see you and your people to be in manifest error."

Remember when Abraham said to his father, Azar, "Do you take idols as your gods? I see that you and your people have clearly gone astray

Remember when Abraham said to his father Azar (Terah), "How could you worship idols as gods? I see you and your people are in obvious error." (Azar is called Terah in the Bible and Zarah in Talmud)

And thus did We show Abraham the realm of the heavens and the earth that he would be among the certain [in faith].

In this way We showed Abraham Our kingdom of the heavens and the earth, so that he might have certainty of faith

We gave Abraham insight, the ability to reflect, into the Mighty Dominion of the Universe so that he might attain firm conviction

So when the night covered him [with darkness], he saw a star. He said, "This is my lord."1 But when it set, he said, "I like not those that set [i.e., disappear]."

When night descended on him, he saw a star. He said, "This is my Lord!" Then when it set he said, "I do not love things that set

(Some of his people were idolaters and others were Nature worshipers.) One night when it grew dark upon him he saw a star. Abraham exclaimed to them, "This is my Lord!" But when it went down, he said, "I love not the things that go down

And when he saw the moon rising, he said, "This is my lord." But when it set, he said, "Unless my Lord guides me, I will surely be among the people gone astray."

When he saw the moon rise and spread its light, he said, "This is my Lord." But when it set, he said, "If my Lord does not guide me, I will be one of the misguided people

(The other night) when the moon was rising, he exclaimed, "This is my Lord." But when it went down, he said to himself and to the people, "Unless my Lord guides me, I surely will go astray

And when he saw the sun rising, he said, "This is my lord; this is greater." But when it set, he said, "O my people, indeed I am free from what you associate with Allāh.

Then, when he saw the sun shining, he said, "This is my Lord! This is the greatest of all!" Then when it set, he said, "My people, I disown all that you worship besides God

(In the morning) he saw the sun rising in splendor, and he said, "This is my Lord! This is greater!" But, as the sun went down, Abraham exclaimed, "O My people! I am free from all that you associate with God

Indeed, I have turned my face [i.e., self] toward He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allāh."

I have set my face with single-minded devotion, towards Him who has created the heavens and the earth, and I am not one of the polytheists

I have focused firmly on Him Who initiated the heavens and the earth; as an upright man I turn away from all that is false. I will never be an idol worshiper in any form

And his people argued with him. He said, "Do you argue with me concerning Allāh while He has guided me? And I fear not what you associate with Him [and will not be harmed] unless my Lord should will something. My Lord encompasses all things in knowledge; then will you not remember?

His people argued with him. He said, "Are you arguing with me about God, while He has guided me? I have no fear of any partner you ascribe to Him, unless my Lord should wish otherwise. My Lord encompasses all things in His knowledge, so will you not pay heed

His people argued with him, but Abraham said, "You dispute with me about Allah when He has guided me? I have no fear of the idols you set up. Nothing can happen to me contrary to the Laws of Allah. My Lord's Knowledge encompasses all things. Will you not then, use your intellect?" (This is how Abraham tried that his people reflect and be rational)

And how should I fear what you associate while you do not fear that you have associated with Allāh that for which He has not sent down to you any authority? So which of the two parties has more right to security, if you should know?"

Why should I fear what you associate with Him, while you do not fear to associate with God that for which He has sent down to you no authority? Tell me, if you know the truth, which side has more right to feel secure

He said, "Why should I fear that which you set up beside Him, when you fear not to set up beside Allah, deities for which He has sent no authority and that are utterly powerless. Think which of the two sides among us deserves peace and security? (3:150-151), (29:41), (33:39) Answer me if you have the answer

They who believe and do not mix their belief with injustice1 - those will have security, and they are [rightly] guided.

It is those who have faith, and do not mix their faith with wrongdoing, who will be secure, and it is they who are rightly guided

Those who attain belief and cloak not their belief with wrong doctrines, for them is inner peace and security. They are rightly guided

And that was Our [conclusive] argument which We gave Abraham against his people. We raise by degrees whom We will. Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing.

This is the reasoning We gave to Abraham against his people, We raise in rank anyone We please, your Lord is wise and aware

This is the logic (examples of the star, the moon and the sun) that We taught Abraham against his people. We exalt people in ranks when they follow Our Laws. Your Lord is Wise, All-Knowing

And We gave to him [i.e., Abraham] Isaac and Jacob - all [of them] We guided. And Noah, We guided before; and among his descendants, David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron. Thus do We reward the doers of good.

We gave him Isaac and Jacob, each of whom We guided as We had guided Noah before. Among his descendants were David and Solomon, and Job, Joseph, Moses and Aaron. Thus do We reward the righteous

We gave him Isaac the son, and Jacob the grandson, and We guided them. Before Abraham, We guided Noah and from his descendants, We guided David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron. We thus reward the benefactors of humanity

And Zechariah and John and Jesus and Elias - and all were of the righteous.

Zachariah, John, Jesus, and Elijah, every one of them was righteous

And Zachariah, John, Jesus and Elias; all in the ranks of the righteous who fulfilled the needs of mankind

And Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lot - and all [of them] We preferred over the worlds.

Ishmael, Elisha, Jonah, and Lot -- We favoured each one of them above other people

And Ishmael, Elisha, Jonah, and Lot. To all of them We gave distinction over people of their times

And [some] among their fathers and their descendants and their brothers - and We chose them and We guided them to a straight path.

and also some of their forefathers, their offspring, and their brothers: We chose them and guided them to a straight path

And We gave distinction to some of their ancestors, children and siblings and guided them to the Straight Path

That is the guidance of Allāh by which He guides whomever He wills of His servants. But if they had associated others with Allāh, then worthless for them would be whatever they were doing.

This is the guidance of God: He gives that guidance to whichever of His servants He pleases. If they had associated other deities with Him, surely all they did would have been of no avail

This is the Guidance of Allah. He guides His servants according to His Laws (4:88). If they had associated others with Allah, their actions would have been vain

Those are the ones to whom We gave the Scripture and authority and prophethood. But if they [i.e., the disbelievers] deny it, then We have entrusted it to a people who are not therein disbelievers.

Those are the ones to whom We gave the Scripture, wisdom, and prophethood. If these people [the Makkans] reject it, We shall entrust it to a people who will never refuse to acknowledge it

They were the ones to whom We gave the Scripture, Sound Judgment and Prophethood. Now, if these people reject these truths, We have entrusted these truths to people who will not refuse to acknowledge them

Those are the ones whom Allāh has guided, so from their guidance take an example. Say, "I ask of you for it [i.e., this message] no payment. It is not but a reminder for the worlds."

Those [the previous prophets] were the people whom God guided. Follow their guidance then and say, "I ask no reward for this from you: it is only a reminder for all mankind

Those were the ones guided by Allah, so follow their guidance. Say, (O Messenger), "I ask of you no wage for this. This (Guidance in the Qur'an) is but a Reminder to all nations

And they did not appraise Allāh with true appraisal1 when they said, "Allāh did not reveal to a human being anything." Say, "Who revealed the Scripture that Moses brought as light and guidance to the people? You [Jews] make it into pages, disclosing [some of] it and concealing much. And you2 were taught that which you knew not - neither you nor your fathers." Say, "Allāh [revealed it]." Then leave them in their [empty] discourse, amusing themselves.

They do not make a just estimate of God, when they say, "God has not revealed anything to any human being." Say, "Who revealed the Book which Moses brought, a light and guidance for the people, which you made into separate sheets, showing some but hiding many? You have been taught things that neither you nor your forefathers had known before." Say, "God has sent it;" then leave them toying away with their speculation

People do not value Allah as He must be valued when they say, "Allah has not revealed His Message to any human being." Ask them, "Who then revealed the Scripture which Moses brought, a Light and Guidance for people? Although you put it down on parchment which you show, but you conceal a lot. You were taught what neither you, nor your ancestors knew before." Say, "Allah (revealed it)." Then leave them to play at their vain talk

And this is a Book which We have sent down, blessed and confirming what was before it, that you may warn the Mother of Cities [i.e., Makkah] and those around it.1 Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in it, and they are maintaining their prayers.

This is a blessed Book which We have revealed, confirming what came before it, so that you may warn the Mother of Cities [Makkah] and the people around it. Those who believe in the Hereafter do believe in it, and they are ever-mindful of their prayers

And this Qur'an is the Blessed Book that We have sent down, confirming the Divine Origin of what was revealed before it, that you (O Prophet) may warn the Central Town, Makkah, and places around it. (From this Center, the Message will fan out (6:90), (12:104)). Those who believe in (the Law of Recompense) the Hereafter, accept this Book as a comprehensive Guide. And they will establish the Divine System

And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allāh or says, "It has been inspired to me," while nothing has been inspired to him, and one who says, "I will reveal [something] like what Allāh revealed." And if you could but see when the wrongdoers are in the overwhelming pangs of death while the angels extend their hands,1 [saying], "Discharge your souls! Today you will be awarded the punishment of [extreme] humiliation for what you used to say against Allāh other than the truth and [that] you were, toward His verses, being arrogant."

Who could do greater wrong than someone who invents a lie against God or who says, "It has been revealed to me," while nothing has been revealed to him, or someone who says, "I will send down the like of what God has sent down"? If you could only see the wrongdoers in the throes of death when the angels are stretching out their hands, saying, "Give up your souls. Today you will be repaid with a humiliating punishment for saying false things about God and being arrogant about His signs

Who can be a greater wrongdoer than the one who fabricates a lie against Allah, or claims receiving Revelation while he has received none? Or someone who says, "I, too, can bestow the like of what Allah has bestowed." If only you could see such transgressors reach the pangs of death! The angels extend their hands to them saying, "Bring out your egos. This day you will be awarded a punishment of disgrace for speaking lies concerning Allah, and being arrogant to His revelations

[It will be said to them], "And you have certainly come to Us alone [i.e., individually] as We created you the first time, and you have left whatever We bestowed upon you behind you. And We do not see with you your 'intercessors' which you claimed that they were among you associates [of Allāh]. It has [all] been severed between you,1 and lost from you is what you used to claim."

And now you have returned to Us, alone as We created you at first, leaving behind all that We gave you. Nor do We see with you your intercessors, those you claimed were your partners with God. The link between you is cut and that which you presumed has failed you

Now you have come to Us alone just as We created you individuals the first time. You have left behind all your belongings. We do not see with you the intercessors you idolized. Now all ties among you have been cut off and your assumptions have failed you

Indeed, Allāh is the cleaver of grain and date seeds.1 He brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living. That is Allāh; so how are you deluded?

It is God who splits the seed and the fruit-stone. He brings forth the living from the dead, and the dead from the living. That is God. How then can you, deluded, turn away from the truth

Allah is the One Who causes the grains and the seeds to split and germinate. He produces the living from the dead, and the dead from the living. Such is Allah. Where are you headed in bewilderment? (Similar are the Laws that apply to individuals and nations. They must develop their inherent potentials in order to prosper)

[He is] the cleaver of daybreak and has made the night for rest and the sun and moon for calculation.1 That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.

He causes the break of day, and has made the night for rest and He made the sun and the moon to a precise measure. That is the measure determined by the All Mighty and the All Knowing

He is the Cleaver of the daybreak. He has appointed the night for stillness, (rest and tranquility) and the sun and the moon to run their well-calculated courses. They become means of calculating time for you (10:5). Such is the Design of the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing

And it is He who placed for you the stars that you may be guided by them through the darknesses of the land and sea. We have detailed the signs for a people who know.

It is He who has set up for you the stars so that you might be guided by them in the midst of the darkness of land and sea. We have made the signs clear for people who want to understand

He it is Who has made the stars to guide you through the darkness of the land and the sea. (And they never fail to guide you (21:33), (36:40)). We have scattered Our Signs throughout the Universe for people of Science

And it is He who produced you from one soul and [gave you] a place of dwelling and of storage.1 We have detailed the signs for a people who understand.

It is He who first produced you from a single soul, then gave you a place to stay [in life] and a resting place [after death]. We have made Our revelations clear to those who are men of understanding

And He it is Who initiated you from a single life cell. Then in the process of evolution He appointed stages, from one station to the next destination. (Thus goes on the journey of life here and in the Hereafter (11:6). We have explained Our Laws for people who will learn and understand

And it is He who sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery from which We produce grains arranged in layers. And from the palm trees - of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And [We produce] gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of] its fruit when it yields and [at] its ripening. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.

It is He who sends down water from the sky. With it We produce vegetation of all kinds; out of green foliage, We produce clustered grain; and from the date-palm, out of its sheath, We produce bunches of dates hanging low. We produce vineyards and olive groves and pomegranates, alike yet different. Look at their fruit as He causes it to grow and ripen. In this are signs for people who believe

(He took care of your provision even before you were created.) He it is Who sends down water from the heights. With it We produce vegetation of all kind; green multitudes, complex grains, palm trees, from their pollens spring pendant clusters, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranate; fruits that are similar and diverse. Look upon the fruit thereof and look upon its ripening. These are signs for those who reach conviction through reason

But they have attributed to Allāh partners - the jinn, while He has created them - and have fabricated for Him sons and daughters without knowledge. Exalted is He and high above what they describe.

They have set up jinns as associates with God, even though He created them! They have even dared, in their ignorance, to attribute sons and daughters to Him. Hallowed be He and exalted far above what they ascribe to Him

Yet, there are people who think falsely that there are invisible creatures, Jinns, with occult powers that share the Divine Attributes. But He has created them, and people assign sons and daughters to Him out of sheer ignorance. Glorified, Exalted is He, infinitely Above what they ascribe to Him

[He is] Originator of the heavens and the earth. How could He have a son when He does not have a companion [i.e., wife] and He created all things? And He is, of all things, Knowing.

the Originator of the heavens and the earth. How could He have a son when He has no consort? He created everything and is aware of everything

Wonderful Originator of the heavens and the earth! How can He have a son when He never chose for Himself a mate? He creates all things (and does not procreate (112:3)) and He is the Profound Knower of all things and events

That is Allāh, your Lord; there is no deity except Him, the Creator of all things, so worship Him. And He is Disposer of all things.

This is God, your Lord, there is no God but Him, the Creator of all things, so worship Him; He is the guardian of all things

Such is Allah, your Sustainer. There is no god but He. No one is worthy of worship and obedience but He, the Creator of all things. Hence, obey Him! He is the Guardian of all and takes care of every thing

Vision perceives Him not,1 but He perceives [all] vision; and He is the Subtle,2 the Aware.3

No vision can grasp Him, but He takes in over all vision; He is the Subtle and Aware One

No vision can encompass Him while He encompasses all vision. He is Subtile, Unfathomable, and therefore beyond physical perception. He is Aware of the minutest details

There has come to you enlightenment from your Lord. So whoever will see does so for [the benefit of] his soul, and whoever is blind [does harm] against it. And [say], "I am not a guardian over you."1

Clear insights have come to you from your Lord. Whoever, therefore, chooses to see, does so for his own good; and whoever chooses to remain blind, does so to his own loss. Say, "I am not here as your keeper

(You are not expected to know His Person.) Say (O Prophet), "The manifest Enlightenment has come to you from your Lord. Whoever sees the Truth, does so for his own good. And whoever turns blind, hurts himself. I am not your keeper or guardian

And thus do We diversify the verses so they [i.e., the disbelievers] will say, "You have studied,"1 and so We may make it [i.e., the Qur’ān] clear for a people who know.

This is how We explain Our revelations in various ways -- so that they might come to the point of saying, "You have read this out to us," and that We might make it clear [that this is the truth] to those who are eager to know

And thus We give many facets to Our verses that they might realize that, "You (O Prophet) have indeed taken these teachings deep down in your heart." (Allah has taught the Messenger in the most beautiful manner). And through this method of TASREEF We make the Message clear to those who use their perceptual knowledge

Follow, [O Muḥammad], what has been revealed to you from your Lord - there is no deity except Him - and turn away from those who associate others with Allāh.

Follow what has been revealed to you from your Lord: there is no deity but Him; and ignore the polytheists

Follow that which is revealed to you from your Lord. There is no god but He. And disregard those who associate others with Him (21:20-2)

But if Allāh had willed, they would not have associated. And We have not appointed you over them as a guardian, nor are you a manager over them.1

If God had willed, they would not have associated anything with Him. We did not appoint you over them as their keeper, nor are you their guardian

We could have created all people without free will and they would then not associate any partners with Him. (But guidance has been distinguished from straying (2:256)). And We have not appointed you (O Messenger) as their guardian, nor are you responsible for them

And do not insult those they invoke other than Allāh, lest they insult Allāh in enmity without knowledge. Thus We have made pleasing to every community their deeds. Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them about what they used to do.

Do not revile those [beings] whom they invoke instead of God, lest they, in their hostility, revile God out of ignorance. Thus to every people We have caused their actions to seem fair. To their Lord they shall all return, and He will declare to them all that they have done

O Believers! Insult not the idols they set up besides Allah. They might insult Allah in their ignorance and hurt themselves. To every community Our Law has made their deeds seem fair. Then unto their Lord is their return and He will inform them what they accomplished and He will make them understand what they really used to do in life

And they swear by Allāh their strongest oaths that if a sign came to them, they would surely believe in it. Say, "The signs are only with [i.e., from] Allāh." And what will make you perceive that even if it [i.e., a sign] came, they would not believe.

They swear a solemn oath by God that if there should come to them a sign, they will believe in it. Say, "Signs are granted only by God." How can you tell that if a sign be given to them, they will indeed believe in it

They swear by Allah that if a miracle comes to them, they would surely believe in it (the Book). Say, "All miracles are with Allah (if you reflect on the Universe). What can make you understand that even if a physical miracle came to them, they will find other excuses and still not believe

And We will turn away their hearts and their eyes just as they refused to believe in it [i.e., the revelation] the first time. And We will leave them in their transgression, wandering blindly.

We will turn away their hearts and eyes from the Truth, since they refused to believe in it in the first instance. We will let them wander blindly in their insolence

Our Law keeps their hearts and their eyes turned away from the Truth. Since they have preemptively rejected it (the Qur'an), We let them wander blindly in their rebellious attitude

And even if We had sent down to them the angels [with the message] and the dead spoke to them [of it] and We gathered together every [created] thing in front of them, they would not believe unless Allāh should will. But most of them, [of that], are ignorant.

Even if We sent down angels to them, and caused the dead to speak to them, and We gathered together everything in front of them, they would still not believe, unless God had so willed. But most of them behave ignorantly

Even if We caused the angels to descend to them, and the dead to speak to them, and We lined up all the miracles before them, they would not believe. People can be guided only according to Allah's Laws, but most of them choose the way of ignorance

And thus We have made for every prophet an enemy - devils from mankind and jinn, inspiring to one another decorative speech in delusion. But if your Lord had willed, they would not have done it, so leave them and that which they invent.

In like manner We have assigned for every prophet an opponent, Satans from among men and jinn, who make evil suggestions to each other by means of specious words in order to deceive -- had it been your Lord's will, they would not have done so; so leave them alone to their fabrication

Thus We have appointed to every Prophet enemies. The rebellious among the urban and the rural populations rose in opposition, (since the Message struck at their vested interests). They plotted and inspired each other with fancy words. If your Lord willed, they won't do that. (But, challenges come your way only to expand your personalities (2:286)). (O Prophet) Leave them alone with their fabrications

And [it is] so the hearts of those who disbelieve in the Hereafter will incline toward it [i.e., deceptive speech] and that they will be satisfied with it and that they will commit that which they are committing.

in order that the hearts of those who do not believe in the life to come might incline towards those suggestions and, being pleased, persist in their sinful ways

Those who love quick gains and neglect the long-term benefits and the Hereafter, are parties to such fabrications. Let them delight in it and let them earn from it what they may

[Say], "Then is it other than Allāh I should seek as judge while it is He who has revealed to you the Book [i.e., the Qur’ān] explained in detail?" And those to whom We [previously] gave the Scripture know that it is sent down from your Lord in truth, so never be among the doubters.

Should I seek a judge other than God, when it is He who has revealed the Book, clearly explained. Those to whom We gave the Book earlier know that it is the truth revealed by your Lord. Therefore, have no doubts

Say, "Shall I seek for Judge and Ruler someone other than Allah? He it is Who has revealed this Book, well expounded in detail for you." Those whom We have given the Book know that this is revealed in Truth from your Lord. Be not among those who argue for the sake of argument

And the word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can alter His words, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing.

The Word of your Lord is perfected in truth and justice. None can change His words. He is the All Hearing, the All Knowing

Perfected is the Word of your Lord in Truth and Justice. None can change His Words and His Laws. This announcement comes to you from the Profound Hearer, the Knower

And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allāh. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but misjudging.1

If you obey the majority of those on earth, they will lead you astray from God's way. They follow nothing but conjecture. They are only guessing

(People will confront you with what the majority is doing.) Now if you pay heed to, or get intimidated by majority of those who live on earth, they will lead you astray from Allah's Way. Most of the people follow nothing but conjecture and they only live by guesswork

Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who strays from His way, and He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His Way and He knows best those who are guided

Only your Lord (shows the Right Path and) knows best those who stray and those who are rightly guided

So eat of that [meat] upon which the name of Allāh has been mentioned,1 if you are believers in His verses [i.e., revealed law].

Eat then, only that over which God's name has been pronounced, if you truly believe in His revelations

(People wonder why different things have been made Lawful or Unlawful in the Qur'an. But what the majority thinks shall never be the criterion 3:93). So eat of that which Allah has made Permissible, if you are indeed believers in His Revelations

And why should you not eat of that upon which the name of Allāh has been mentioned while He has explained in detail to you what He has forbidden you, excepting that to which you are compelled.1 And indeed do many lead [others] astray through their [own] inclinations without knowledge. Indeed, your Lord - He is most knowing of the transgressors.

Why should you not eat what has been consecrated in God's name, when He has already explained to you what He has forbidden you, unless you are compelled by necessity? Surely, many mislead others by their desires through lack of knowledge. But your Lord best knows the transgressors

Why should you not eat of that on which Allah's Name has been pronounced (i.e. it is not dedicated to other than Him)? He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden along with certain exceptions in dire need (5:3). Numerous of the clergy mislead people in this matter without knowledge, and with their personal opinions. Verily, your Lord is fully Aware of those who go beyond moderation

And leave [i.e., desist from] what is apparent of sin and what is concealed thereof. Indeed, those who earn [blame for] sin will be recompensed for that which they used to commit.

Eschew all sin, open or secret: Those who commit sin will receive due punishment for their sins

Abstain from violating the Divine Commands, whether openly or secretly. Those who drag down their "Self" by such violations will be awarded what they have earned. (They will live a subhuman existence and meet a befitting consequence)

And do not eat of that upon which the name of Allāh has not been mentioned, for indeed, it is grave disobedience. And indeed do the devils inspire their allies [among men] to dispute with you. And if you were to obey them, indeed, you would be associators [of others with Him].1

and do not eat anything over which God's name has not been pronounced, for that surely is disobedience. The devils inspire their followers to argue with you. If you obey them, you will become of those who associate partners with God

Eat not anything (not just meat) unless the Name of Allah has been pronounced first, for that will mean drifting away from Commands. The rebellious among people inspire their companions to dispute with you. If you people heed them, you will be associating others with Allah

And is one who was dead and We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge therefrom? Thus it has been made pleasing to the disbelievers that which they were doing.

Can he who was dead, to whom We gave life, and a light whereby he could walk among people be like him who is in utter darkness from which he can never emerge? Thus the deeds of those who deny the truth have been made fair-seeming to them

(Our Light revives the living dead and makes them walk honorably among mankind.) Is one who was dead and We gave him life with Light that enables him to move among people, equal to one in total darkness from which he cannot come out? (When people have their belief system jumbled up, they lose the power to distinguish between the right and wrong). Hence, the rejecters of the Truth find their own deeds pleasing

And thus We have placed within every city the greatest of its criminals to conspire therein. But they conspire not except against themselves, and they perceive [it] not.

Thus We have placed leaders of the wicked in every town to plot therein. Yet it is only against themselves that they scheme, though they may not perceive it

This is how We allow the greatest ones in every community to become its greatest criminals, to weave their schemes. Yet it is only against themselves that they scheme without even knowing it

And when a sign comes to them, they say, "Never will we believe until we are given like that which was given to the messengers of Allāh." Allāh is most knowing of where [i.e., with whom] He places His message. There will afflict those who committed crimes debasement before Allāh and severe punishment for what they used to conspire.

When a sign comes to them, they say, "We will not believe in it until we are given what God's messengers have been given. But God knows best whom to appoint as His Messenger. Humiliation before God and severe torment will befall the evil-doers for their scheming

When a Message comes to them, they say, "We will not believe until we are directly given what Allah's Messengers are given." But, Allah knows best with whom to place His Message. Such criminals will be humiliated by Allah's Law of Requital, and suffer a heavy punishment for their scheming

So whoever Allāh wants to guide - He expands his breast to [contain] Islām; and whoever He wants to send astray1 - He makes his breast tight and constricted as though he were climbing into the sky. Thus does Allāh place defilement upon those who do not believe.

When God desires to guide someone, He opens his breast to Islam; and whoever He wills to let go astray, He causes his breast to be constricted as if he had to climb up to the skies. That is how God heaps ignominy upon those who refuse to believe

Whoever follows Allah's Law of Guidance, He expands his chest wide open to submission. And whoever violates Allah's Law of Guidance, feels his chest tight and narrowed as if he were climbing to the sky. Thus Allah's Law appoints disgrace for those who continue to reject the Truth

And this is the path of your Lord, [leading] straight. We have detailed the verses for a people who remember.

This is the straight path leading to your Lord. We have made the signs clear for thinking men

And this (Qur'an) is the Path of your Lord, a Straight Path. Clearly indeed have We detailed Our Revelations for those who pay attention and take them to their heart

For them will be the Home of Peace [i.e., Paradise] with their Lord. And He will be their protecting friend because of what they used to do.

They shall dwell in the Home of Peace with their Lord; He will be their Protector as a recompense for what they have been doing

For them is the wonderful Abode of Peace with their Sustainer. He will be their Protecting Friend because of what they used to do

And [mention, O Muḥammad], the Day when He will gather them together [and say], "O company of jinn, you have [misled] many of mankind." And their allies among mankind will say, "Our Lord, some of us made use of others, and we have [now] reached our term which You appointed for us." He will say, "The Fire is your residence, wherein you will abide eternally, except for what Allāh wills. Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing."

On the day when He gathers them all together, He will say, "Company of jinn, you took away many followers among mankind." And their adherents among mankind will say, "Our Lord, we benefited from one another, but now we have reached the end of the term which You determined for us." He will say, "The Fire shall be your home, and there you shall remain forever, except as God wills. Surely your Lord is wise and all knowing

The day will come when He gathers all of them and says, "O You nomads! You have seduced many of the urbanites." Their urbanite friends will say, "Our Lord! We enjoyed each other's company (and both used each other opportunistically as happens in a chaotic society) until we wasted a life span You had given us. He will say, "Fire is your home. Abide therein forever since Allah's Laws never change. Your Lord, the Wise, All-Knowing has designed the Law of Requital

And thus will We make some of the wrongdoers allies of others for what they used to earn.1

And in like manner We shall keep the wrongdoers close to others as a punishment for their misdeeds

Thus Our Law makes the wrongdoers keep company towards a common earning. (The criminals of the same kind tend to hang around together)

"O company of jinn and mankind,1 did there not come to you messengers from among you, relating to you My verses and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?" They will say, "We bear witness against ourselves"; and the worldly life had deluded them, and they will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers.

Company of jinn and mankind! Did messengers not come from among you to recite My revelations to you, and warn you of the meeting of this Day?" They will say, "We bear witness against ourselves." It was the life of this world that deceived them and so they will bear witness against themselves, that they rejected the truth

O You, assembly of the nomads and the urbanites! Did not Messengers come to you from among you, who conveyed to you My Messages and warned you of the meeting of this your Day? They will say, "We testify against ourselves." Pursuit of only the worldly life preoccupied their hearts and minds. They will bear witness against themselves that they disregarded the Truth

That is because your Lord would not destroy the cities for wrongdoing1 while their people were unaware.

Your Lord would not destroy a community for its wrongdoing, so long as its people were still unaware

And so it is that your Lord never destroys communities arbitrarily while their people are unaware of their wrongdoings

And for all are degrees [i.e., positions resulting] from what they have done. And your Lord is not unaware of what they do.

For all are degrees of rank according to their deeds; your Lord is not unaware of anything they do

The ranks of all individuals and nations are determined solely by their deeds, and your Lord is not unaware of what they do. (Calling yourselves believers won't help)

And your Lord is the Free of need, the possessor of mercy. If He wills, He can do away with you and give succession after you to whomever He wills, just as He produced you from the descendants of another people.

Your Lord is the self-sufficient One, the merciful. If He wills, He can take you away and replace you by anyone He pleases, just as He raised you from the offspring of other people

Your Lord is Absolute, the Lord of Mercy. He could replace you with whomever He Will, like He raised you from the generations of other folk.(It is His Mercy that He does Justice to peoples without discrimination, and His Rule is the Rule of Law)

Indeed, what you are promised is coming, and you will not cause failure [to Allāh].1

That which you are promised shall surely come to pass and you cannot prevent it

That which you are promised will surely come to pass, and you can never evade the Divine Laws

Say, "O my people, work according to your position; [for] indeed, I am working. And you are going to know who will have succession in the home.1 Indeed, the wrongdoers will not succeed."

Say, "O my people! Go on acting in your way; indeed I am going to act in my way; soon you will know whose end will be best in the Hereafter." Surely, the wrongdoers shall not prosper

Say (to the opponents O Messenger), "O My people! Do all that is in your power. Behold, I am working. Very soon, you will come to know for which of us is the ultimate success. Violators of human rights will never be successful

And they [i.e., the polytheists] assign to Allāh from that which He created of crops and livestock a share and say, "This is for Allāh," by their claim, "and this is for our 'partners' [associated with Him]." But what is for their "partners" does not reach Allāh, while what is for Allāh - this reaches their "partners." Evil is that which they rule.

They set aside for God a share in what He has produced, such as crops and livestock, and they say, "This is for God," so they claim!, and "this is for our associate-gods?" Their associate-gods' share does not reach God, whereas God's share reaches their associate-gods. How ill they judge

(How can their program succeed when their belief system and the resulting actions are wrong?) They set aside a portion of Allah's provision of crops and cattle and claim, "This is for Allah, and this is for our idols." But the share of their idols never reaches Allah, and the share of Allah does reach their idols. What an unjust decision they make! (Their priesthood devours both portions of their making, and the poor remain wanting. To Allah reaches what you spend on the needy)

And likewise, to many of the polytheists their partners1 have made [to seem] pleasing the killing of their children in order to bring about their destruction and to cover them with confusion in their religion. And if Allāh had willed, they would not have done so. So leave them and that which they invent.

And in like manner, their associate gods have made killing their children seem fair to many pagans, so that they may ruin them and cause confusion in their religion. Had God pleased, they would not have done so; so leave them to their false inventions

(At the prompting of the mystics and monks, and in the name of their temples, idols, sanctuaries, and the dead "holy" men and women), the MUSHRIKEEN do acts of omission and commission against their own children! They inflict great pain upon themselves and their families in the name of religion. If they followed Allah's Commands, they wouldn't have done it. (Since they take this abuse as a part of their plan to salvation, for the moment), leave them alone with their fabrications (until Reality gazes them in the eyes)

And they say, "These animals1 and crops are forbidden; no one may eat from them except whom we will," by their claim. And there are those [camels] whose backs are forbidden [by them]2 and those upon which the name of Allāh is not mentioned3 - [all of this] an invention of untruth about Him.4 He will punish them for what they were inventing.

They also say, "These animals and these crops are forbidden. None may eat them except those we permit." So they claim! There are some animals they exempt from labour and some over which they do not pronounce God's name, thus committing a sin against Him. He will requite them for the falsehoods they invent

And they say, "Such and such cattle and fruits of the field are sacred. No one will eat of them except whom we permit." They also arbitrarily prohibit the riding of some animals (saying that it has been dedicated to some elite or saint. Aren't such VIP favors very much alive in the modern day JAHILYAH?) And there are cattle over which they pronounce not the Name of Allah (but of someone else to please people). Such are their fabrications in His Name. Soon He will reward them for their false imagery

And they say, "What is in the bellies of these animals1 is exclusively for our males and forbidden to our females. But if it is [born] dead, then all of them have shares therein." He will punish them for their description.2 Indeed, He is Wise and Knowing.

They say, "What is in the wombs of such and such cattle is exclusively for our males and is forbidden to our females. But if it is stillborn, they may have a share of it." God will soon punish them for their [false] attribution. He is wise, and all-knowing

(They display their bias toward women in weird ways.) They say, "What is in the bellies of these cattle is reserved for the males among us, and forbidden to our wives." But if it is a stillbirth, they permit their wives to share it. He, the Wise, the Knower, will repay them for their innovations

They will have lost who killed their children in foolishness without knowledge and prohibited what Allāh had provided for them, inventing untruth about Allāh. They have gone astray and were not [rightly] guided.

Losers indeed are they who kill their children foolishly and without knowledge and declare as forbidden what God has provided for them as sustenance -- a fabrication against God: they have gone astray and have not chosen to be rightly guided

Lost indeed are those who kill their children foolishly, and forbid what Allah has provided them as sustenance. And they attribute their innovations to Allah! (They deprive their children to the point of starvation and death in the name of religious service, when under the instructions of the priesthood they abandon their families). Their straying is far from the way of the rightly guided

And He it is who causes gardens to grow, [both] trellised and untrellised, and palm trees and crops of different [kinds of] food and olives and pomegranates, similar and dissimilar. Eat of [each of] its fruit when it yields and give its due [zakāh] on the day of its harvest. And be not excessive.1 Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess.

It is He who has produced gardens, both trellised and untrellised, and date palms and field crops, all varying in taste, and the olive and the pomegranate, both similar and dissimilar. Eat their fruits when they bear fruit and give away what is due of them on the day of their harvest. Do not waste anything. He does not love the wasteful

He it is Who creates Bounties for you, such as gardens that are cultivated, greens that are wild, palm trees of various kinds, crops in diversity, olives and pomegranates, fruits that are similar and diverse. Enjoy them, but give Him His Right. Render the poor what is their Divine Right, on the day of the harvest. This is how you shall give Allah His Right. Do not waste the Bounty of Allah. He does not love the wasteful

And of the grazing livestock are carriers [of burdens] and those [too] small. Eat of what Allāh has provided for you and do not follow the footsteps of Satan.1 Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

Of the cattle there are some for carrying burdens and some for food. Eat what God has provided for you and do not follow in Satan's footsteps, for he is a declared enemy of yours

Among the large and small quadrupeds some are for work and transportation and others for flesh, and their skins for bedding materials. Enjoy what Allah has provided you. And follow not the footsteps of Satan. Satan, your selfish desire, is your open enemy

[They are] eight mates - of the sheep, two and of the goats, two. Say, "Is it the two males He has forbidden or the two females or that which the wombs of the two females contain? Inform me with knowledge, if you should be truthful."

God has created four kinds of livestock of either sex: two of sheep and two of goats. Ask them, "Is it the two males He has forbidden or the two females or what the wombs of the two females contain? Tell me on the basis of knowledge, if you are truthful

Take the example of eight quadrupeds: Two sheep, one male and one female, two goats, one male and one female. Say, "Is it the two males that He has forbidden, or the two females, or the calves in the wombs of the females? Tell me if you have true knowledge

And of the camels, two and of the cattle, two. Say, "Is it the two males He has forbidden or the two females or that which the wombs of the two females contain? Or were you witnesses when Allāh charged you with this? Then who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allāh to mislead the people by [something] other than knowledge? Indeed, Allāh does not guide the wrongdoing people."

Again, of the camels there are two, and of the oxen two. Ask them, "Is it the two males He has forbidden, or the two females or what the wombs of the two females contain? Were you present when God enjoined this on you?" Who is more unjust than one who, without knowledge, fabricates a lie against God, so that he may lead people astray without knowledge? Surely, God does not guide the wrongdoers

Then two camels, one male and one female, two cows, one male and one female. Say, "Is it the two males that He has forbidden, or the two females, or the calves in the wombs of the two females? Were you witnesses when Allah made such prohibitions? Who can be a greater transgressor than the one who invents a lie and attributes it to Allah? They mislead people without knowledge. Allah does not intervene to guide those who displace knowledge with conjecture

Say, "I do not find within that which was revealed to me [anything] forbidden to one who would eat it unless it be a dead animal or blood spilled out or the flesh of swine - for indeed, it is impure - or it be [that slaughtered in] disobedience, dedicated to other than Allāh.1 But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], then indeed, your Lord is Forgiving and Merciful."

Say [O Prophet], "In all that has been revealed to me, I do not find a ban on anything to eat, except for carrion, flowing blood and pork, all these being unclean or profane, on which the name of someone other than God has been invoked." But if anyone is forced by necessity, being neither disobedient nor exceeding the limit, then surely your Lord is most forgiving and merciful

Say, "I do not find in the Revelation given to me, any food that is prohibited for one who wishes to eat except: Carrion (dead meat), running blood as against organ meats, the flesh of swine for it is disapproved, or anything (not just meat) which, in disobedience, has been dedicated to other than Allah." If one is forced by dire need without being deliberate and without transgressing, your Lord is Forgiving, Merciful.

And to those who are Jews We prohibited every animal of uncloven hoof; and of the cattle and the sheep We prohibited to them their fat, except what adheres to their backs or the entrails or what is joined with bone. [By] that We repaid them for their transgression. And indeed, We are truthful.

We forbade the Jews all animals with claws and the fat of sheep [and goats] and oxen, except what is on their backs and in their intestines and what adheres to their bones. That is the penalty We imposed on them for their disobedience. And We assuredly are true to Our word

For those who are Jewish, We had prohibited some edibles, such as animals with undivided hoof, the fat of the cow and the sheep, except that which is carried on their backs or on their intestines, or what is mixed-up in the bone. But that was only a temporary retribution for their disobedience (4:160). We are indeed True to Our Word

So if they deny you, [O Muḥammad], say, "Your Lord is the possessor of vast mercy; but His punishment cannot be repelled from the people who are criminals."

So, if they accuse you of lying, say, "The mercy of your Lord is all-encompassing. His punishment cannot be averted from sinful men

If they accuse you of falsehood (O Prophet), tell them, "Your Lord is a Lord of Infinite Mercy, but His Requital will not be averted from the guilty

Those who associated [others] with Allāh will say, "If Allāh had willed, we would not have associated [anything] and neither would our fathers, nor would we have prohibited anything." Likewise did those before deny until they tasted Our punishment. Say, "Do you have any knowledge that you can produce for us? You follow not except assumption, and you are not but misjudging."

Those who associate partners with God will surely say, "Had God pleased, neither we nor our fathers would have served other gods besides Him; nor would we have made anything unlawful." Likewise those who lived before them argued falsely until they came to taste Our punishment! Say, "Have you any knowledge? If so, produce it before us. You follow nothing but conjecture. You are merely guessing

Those who associate others with Allah will say, "Had Allah willed, we would not practice idolatry, nor would our ancestors, nor would we prohibit anything." So did their ancestors argue falsely until they tasted Our Requital. Say, "Do you have any proven knowledge that you can present (that the human being is created without free will (18:29), (76:3), (90:10)? Nay, you follow nothing but conjecture. You only run after guess-work

Say, "With Allāh is the far-reaching [i.e., conclusive] argument. If He had willed, He would have guided you all."

Say, "God alone has the conclusive proof. If He had willed, He could have guided every one of you

Say, "The most Powerful Reasoning, the Final Evidence belongs to Allah. If He Willed, He could have made all of you innately guided (like other creation who spontaneously follow Divine Laws (16:)

Say, [O Muḥammad], "Bring forward your witnesses who will testify that Allāh has prohibited this." And if they testify, do not testify with them. And do not follow the desires of those who deny Our verses and those who do not believe in the Hereafter, while they equate [others] with their Lord.

Say, "Come, bring your witnesses, who can testify that God forbade [all] this." If they bear witness [falsely], do not bear witness with them; nor yield to the wishes of those who deny Our signs, nor of those who do not believe in the life to come and set up others as equals with their Lord

Say, "Come, bring forward your witnesses who can bear witness that Allah forbade all this. And if they bear witness falsely, do not bear witness with them. You shall not follow the opinions of those who deny our Revelations, nor of those who believe not in the life to come, and deem others equal with their Lord

Say, "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allāh has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason."

Say, "Come! I will tell you what your Lord has really forbidden you! Do not associate anything with Him; be good to your parents; and do not kill your children for fear of poverty, We shall provide sustenance for you as well as for them, refrain from committing indecent deeds, whether openly or in secret; and do not kill the life which God has made sacred, save by right. That is what He has enjoined upon you, so that you may understand

Say, "Come, let me convey to you what your Sustainer has enjoined upon you as a sacred duty: Associate no one with Him. Honor you parents, do good to them, fulfill their needs. Neither kill your children for fear of poverty nor deprive them of proper training and education. We provide for you and for them. (The Divine System will take care of your needs and their needs). Do not go near immodesty or lewdness whether openly or in secret. Do not slay a life, life that Allah has made sacred except in the course of justice. This He has commanded you so that you use reason and obey these Commands

And do not approach the orphan's property except in a way that is best [i.e., intending improvement] until he reaches maturity. And give full measure and weight in justice. We do not charge any soul except [with that within] its capacity. And when you speak [i.e., testify], be just, even if [it concerns] a near relative. And the covenant of Allāh fulfill. This has He instructed you that you may remember.

Stay well away from an orphan's property, except with the best intentions, before he comes of age. Give full measure and weight, according to justice, We never charge a soul with more than it can bear, when you speak, observe justice, even though it concerns a close relative; and fulfil the covenants of God. That is what He has enjoined upon you so that you may take heed

Allah Commands you further: Approach not the wealth of the orphan except for their own benefit until they come of age with full maturity of body and mind. Give full weight and full measure in all your dealings. Uphold justice in all aspects of your life. Our Commands are meant to widen your human potential. We do not assign any "Self" responsibility beyond its means. And when you voice an opinion, be just, even if it is against a relative. Fulfill your Covenant with Allah, the unwavering allegiance to the Divine System (1:4-5), (9:111). This He Commands for you to bear in mind

And, [moreover], this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This has He instructed you that you may become righteous.

[He has enjoined], "This is My straight path; so follow it, and do not follow other ways: that will lead you away from His path." That is what He enjoins upon you, so that you may guard yourselves

(Say, O My people), this is my Straight Path, (and I, Muhammad, walk this Path (12:108)). Follow it, then, and follow not other ways that take you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you so that you live upright

Then1 We gave Moses the Scripture, making complete [Our favor] upon the one who did good [i.e., Moses] and as a detailed explanation of all things and as guidance and mercy that perhaps in the meeting with their Lord they would believe.

Then We gave Moses the Book, completing [Our favour] to the righteous, explaining everything clearly, as guidance and mercy, so that they might believe in meeting their Lord

We had given Moses the Scripture complete for him who would do good to others. We gave him the Scripture in detail as guidance and a mercy that they might believe in the meeting of their Lord (and that all actions are recompensed)

And this [Qur’ān] is a Book We have revealed [which is] blessed, so follow it and fear Allāh that you may receive mercy.

This is a Book which We have revealed as a blessing, follow it and fear your Lord, so that you may receive mercy

And now this Qur'an is the Blessed Book that We have revealed. So follow it and walk aright so that you attain Mercy (and your human potential is guaranteed development, like a fetus grows in the mother's womb)

[We revealed it] lest you say, "The Scripture was only sent down to two groups before us, but we were of their study unaware,"

and not say, "The Book was only sent down to the two groups before us and we were indeed unaware of their teachings

(It has been given to you) lest you say, "The Scripture was sent down to two groups (Jews and Christians) before our time, and we are unaware what they originally read

Or lest you say, "If only the Scripture had been revealed to us, we would have been better guided than they." So there has [now] come to you a clear evidence from your Lord and a guidance and mercy. Then who is more unjust than one who denies the verses of Allāh and turns away from them? We will recompense those who turn away from Our verses with the worst of punishment for their having turned away.

or you may say, "If the Book had been sent down to us, we would surely have followed its guidance better than they did." There has now come to you clear evidence from your Lord, and guidance and mercy. Who, then, is more unjust than one who rejects the signs of God and turns away from them? We shall requite those who turn away from Our signs with a painful punishment, for their turning away

Or lest you say, "If a Divine Scripture had come to us, we would be better guided than they. Now has come to you a clear evidence of Truth from your Lord. It is a Beacon and Mercy. Who can be a greater transgressor than the one who denies the Revelations of Allah and turns away from them in disregard? Our Law of Requital will award those who turn away from Our Revelations, an awful suffering for their disregard

Do they [then] wait for anything except that the angels should come to them or your Lord should come or that there come some of the signs1 of your Lord? The Day that some of the signs of your Lord will come no soul will benefit from its faith as long as it had not believed before or had earned through its faith some good. Say, "Wait. Indeed, we [also] are waiting."

Are they waiting for the angels or your Lord to come down to them, or for some of your Lord's signs to come? The day when some of the signs of your Lord shall come, it shall not profit any human being who did not believe before, or who did not do any good by his faith. Say to them, "Wait then, we too are waiting

Are they waiting for angels, your Lord, or some physical miracles to come to them? On the Day one of such Signs comes, no person will benefit from declaring belief if he did not believe before. Or who, while believing, did not do good works. (Belief has to be based on Reason and it must lead you to a productive life). Say, "Keep on waiting (for miracles), we too are waiting (for the results of our efforts)

Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects - you, [O Muḥammad], are not [associated] with them in anything. Their affair is only [left] to Allāh; then He will inform them about what they used to do.

Have nothing to do with those who have split up their religion into sects. Their case rests with God; He will tell them about what they used to do

(There is only one Straight Path.) O Messenger! Those who break the unity of their DEEN and become sects, you have nothing to do with them whatsoever. Behold, their case will go to Allah and He will tell them what they had been doing

Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgement] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [to his credit], and whoever comes with an evil deed will not be recompensed except the like thereof; and they will not be wronged.1

Whoever does a good deed will be repaid tenfold, but those who do a bad deed will only be repaid with its equivalent and they shall not be wronged

Whoever brings a good deed will receive a tenfold reward. And whoever brings an ill deed will be requited for one. And they will not be wronged

Say, "Indeed, my Lord has guided me to a straight path - a correct religion - the way of Abraham, inclining toward truth. And he was not among those who associated others with Allāh."

Say, "My Lord has guided me to a straight path, and to an upright religion, the religion of Abraham the upright, who was not of those who associate partners with God

Say, "As for me, my Lord has guided me to a Straight Path, the perfect DEEN of Abraham, the upright, who was no idolater in any sense

Say, "Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allāh, Lord of the worlds.

Say, "My prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are all for God, the Lord of the worlds

Say, "All my duties to the Divine System, the ways to discharge them, my living and my dying are for Allah alone, the Lord of the Worlds

No partner has He. And this I have been commanded, and I am the first [among you] of the Muslims."1

He has no partner. So am I commanded, and I am the first of those who submit

He has no partner. This is what I have been commanded and I am the foremost of those who surrender to Him

Say, "Is it other than Allāh I should desire as a lord while He is the Lord of all things? And every soul earns not [blame] except against itself, and no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return, and He will inform you concerning that over which you used to differ."

Say, "Shall I seek a lord other than God, while He is the Lord of all things?" Everyone must bear the consequence of what he does, and no bearer of a burden can bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord you will return, and He will inform you of what you used to dispute about

Say, "Shall I seek anyone other than Allah as a lord when He is the Sustainer of all things? No "Self" benefits but from its own works, and none bears the load of another. Then unto your Lord is your return and He will make you understand wherein you differed

And it is He who has made you successors upon the earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.

It is He who has made you successors [of others] on the earth and has exalted some of you over the others in degrees of rank, so that He may test you by that which He has given you. Your Lord is swift in punishment; yet surely He is forgiving, and merciful

He it is Who has made you inheritors of the earth after other nations. And your ranks are determined by your actions. People and nations must create in them the capacity to live with honor (10:14). The real test is what you do with that which He has given you. Your Lord is Swift in retribution. Yet He is Forgiving, Merciful