Al-A’raaf
Chapter 7 — Chapter Al-A’raaf (326)
Bismillaah Ar-Rahmaan Ar-Raheem
1. Alif, Laam, Meem, Saad (327).
2. [This is] a Book revealed to you, in your breast distress there from —that you may warn
thereby and as a reminder to the believers.
3. Follow, [O mankind], what has been revealed to you from your Lord and do not follow other
than Him any allies. Little do you remember.
4. And how many cities have We destroyed, and Our punishment came to them at night or
while they were sleeping at noon.5. And their declaration when Our punishment came to them was only that they said, “Indeed,
we were wrongdoers!”
6. Then We will surely question those to whom [a message] was sent, and We will surely
question the messengers.
7. Then We will surely relate [their deeds] to them with knowledge, and We were not [at all]
absent.
8. And the weighing [of deeds] that Day will be the truth. So those whose scales are heavy — it
is they who will be the successful.
9. And those whose scales are light —they are the ones who will lose themselves for what
injustice they were doing toward Our verses.
10. And We have certainly established you upon the earth and made for you therein ways of
livelihood. Little are you grateful.
11. And We have certainly created you, [O mankind], and given you [human] form. Then We
said to the angels, “Prostrate to Adam”; so they prostrated, except for Iblees (328). He was not
of those who prostrated.
12. [Allaah] said, “What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you?” [Satan]
said, “I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay [i.e. earth].”
13. [Allaah] said, “Descend from it [i.e. Paradise], for it is not for you to be arrogant therein. So
get out; indeed, you are of the debased.”
14. [Satan] said, “Reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected.”15. [Allaah] said, “Indeed, you are of those reprieved.”
16. [Satan] said, “Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them [i.e.
mankind] on Your straight path.
17. Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on
their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].”
18. [Allaah] said, “Get out of it [i.e. Paradise], reproached and expelled.
Whoever follows you among them — I will surely fill Hell with you, all together.”
19. And “O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat from wherever you will but do
not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.”
20. But Satan whispered to them to make apparent to them that which was concealed from
them of their private parts. He said, “Your Lord did not forbid you this tree except that you
become angels or become of the immortal.”
21. And he swore [by Allaah] to them, “Indeed, I am to you from among the sincere advisors.”
22. So he made them fall, through deception. And when they tasted of the tree, their private
parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten together over themselves from the
leaves of Paradise. And their Lord called to them, “Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell
you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?”
23. They said, “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have
mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.”
24. [Allaah] said, “Descend, being to one another enemies. And for you on the earth is a placeof settlement and enjoyment [i.e. provision] for a time.”
25. He said, “Therein you will live, and therein you will die, and from it you will be brought
forth.”
26. O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts
and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness — that is best. That is from the signs of
Allaah that perhaps they will remember.
27. O children of Adam, let not Satan tempt you as he removed your parents from Paradise,
stripping them of their clothing (329) to show them their private parts. Indeed, he sees you, he
and his tribe, from where you do not see them. Indeed, We have made the devils allies to those who do not believe.
28. And when they commit an immorality, they say, “We found our fathers doing it, and Allaah
has ordered us to do it.” Say, “Indeed, Allaah does not order immorality. Do you say about
Allaah that which you do not know?”
29. Say, [O Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam], “My Lord has ordered justice and that
you maintain yourselves [in worship of Him] at every place [or time] of prostration, and invoke
Him, sincere to Him in religion.” Just as He originated you, you will return [to life] —
30. A group [of you] He guided, and a group deserved [to be in] error. Indeed, they [i.e., the
latter] had taken the devils as allies instead of Allaah while they thought that they were guided.
31. O children of Adam, take your adornment [i.e. wear your clothing] at every Masjid (330),
and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.32. Say, “Who has forbidden the adornment of [i.e. from] Allaah which He has produced for
His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?” Say, “They are for those who believe
during worldly life [but] exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection.” Thus do We detail
the verses for a people who know.
33. Say, “My Lord has only forbidden immoralities — what is apparent of them and what is
concealed — and sin (331), and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allaah
that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allaah that which you do
not know.”
34. And for every nation is a [specified] term. So when their time has come, they will not
remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it].
35. O children of Adam, if there come to you messengers from among you relating to you My
verses [i.e. scriptures and laws], then whoever fears Allaah and reforms — there will be no fear
concerning them, nor will they grieve.
36. But the ones who deny Our verses and are arrogant toward them — those are the
companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.
37. And who is more unjust than one who invents about Allaah a lie or denies His verses?
Those will attain their portion of the decree (332) until, when Our messengers [i.e. angels]
come to them to take them in death, they will say, “Where are those you used to invoke besides Allaah?” They will say, “They have departed from us,” and will bear witness against
themselves that they were disbelievers.38. [Allaah] will say, “Enter among nations which had passed on before you of jinn and mankind into the Fire.” Every time a nation enters, it will curse its sister (333) until, when they have all overtaken one another therein, the last of them (334) will say about the first of them
(335), “Our Lord, these had misled us, so give them a double punishment of the Fire.” He will
say, “For each is double, but you do not know.”
39. And the first of them will say to the last of them, “Then you had not any favor over us, so
taste the punishment for what you used to earn.”
40. Indeed, those who deny Our verses and are arrogant toward them — the gates of Heaven
will not be opened for them, nor will they enter Paradise until a camel enters into the eye of a
needle [i.e. never]. And thus do We recompense the criminals.
41. They will have from Hell a bed and over them coverings [of fire]. And thus do We
recompense the wrongdoers.
42. But those who believed and did righteous deeds — We charge no soul except [within] its
capacity. Those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally.
43. And We will have removed whatever is within their breasts of resentment (336), [while]
flowing beneath them are rivers. And they will say, “Praise to Allaah, who has guided us to
this; and we would never have been guided if Allaah had not guided us. Certainly the
messengers of our Lord had come with the truth.” And they will be called, “This is Paradise,
which you have been made to inherit for what you used to do.”
44. And the companions of Paradise will call out to the companions of the Fire, “We havealready found what our Lord promised us to be true. Have you found what your Lord promised to be true?” They will say, “Yes.” Then an announcer will announce among them, “The curse of Allaah shall be upon the wrongdoers.
45. Who averted [people] from the way of Allaah and sought to make it [seem] deviant while
they were, concerning the Hereafter, disbelievers.”
46. And between them will be a partition [i.e. wall], and on [its] elevations are men (337) who
recognize all (338) by their mark. And they call out to the companions of Paradise, “Peace be
upon you.” They have not [yet] entered it, but they long intensely.
47. And when their eyes are turned toward the companions of the Fire, they say. “Our Lord, do
not place us with the wrongdoing people.”
48. And the companions of the Elevations will call to men [within Hell] whom they recognize
by their mark, saying, “Of no avail to you was your gathering and [the fact] that you were
arrogant.”
49. [Allaah will say], “Are these (340) the ones whom you [inhabitants of Hell] swore that
Allaah would never offer them mercy? Enter Paradise, [O people of the Elevations]. No fear
will there be concerning you, nor will you grieve.”
50. And the companions of the Fire will call to the companions of Paradise, “Pour upon us
some water or from whatever Allaah has provided you.” They will say, ‘Indeed, Allaah has
forbidden them both to the disbelievers
51. Who took their religion as distraction and amusement and whom the worldly life deluded.”So today We will forget them just as they forgot the meeting of this Day of theirs and for having rejected Our verses.
52. And We had certainly brought them a Book which We detailed by knowledge — as
guidance and mercy to a people who believe.
53. Do they await except its result (341)? The Day its result comes those who had ignored it
before will say, “The messengers of our Lord had come with the truth, so are there [now] any
intercessors to intercede for us or could we be sent back to do other than what we used to do?” They will have lost themselves, and lost from them is what they used to invent.
54. Indeed, your Lord is Allaah, who created the heavens and earth in six days and then
established Himself above the Throne (342). He covers the night with the day, [another night]
chasing it rapidly; and [He created] the sun, the moon, and the stars, subjected by His
command. Unquestionably, His is the creation and the command; blessed is Allaah, Lord of the
worlds.
55. Call upon your Lord in humility and privately; indeed, He does not like transgressors (343).
56. And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and
aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allaah is near to the doers of good.
57. And it is He who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy [i.e. rainfall] until,
when they have carried heavy rain clouds, We drive them to a dead land and We send down
rain therein and bring forth thereby [some] of all the fruits. Thus will We bring forth the dead;
perhaps you may be reminded.58. And the good land — its vegetation emerges by permission of its Lord; but that which is bad — nothing emerges except sparsely, with difficulty. Thus do We diversify the signs for a people who are grateful.
59. We had certainly sent Noah to his people, and he said, “O my people, worship Allaah; you
have no deity other than Him. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day.”
60 Said the eminent among his people “Indeed, we see you in clear error.”
61. [Noah] said, “O my people, there is not error in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of
the worlds.
62. I convey to you the messages of my Lord and advise you; and I know from Allaah what you
do not know.
63. Then do you wonder that there has come to you a reminder from you Lord through a man
from among you, that he may warn you and that you may fear Allaah so you might receive
mercy?”
64. But they denied him, so We saved him and those who were with him in the ship. And We
drowned those who denied Our signs. Indeed,
they were a blind people (344).
65. And to the ‘Aad [We Sent] their brother Houd. He said, “O my People, worship Allaah; you
have no deity other than Him. Then will you not fear Him?”
66. Said the eminent ones who disbelieved among his people, “Indeed, we see you in
foolishness, and indeed, we think you are of the liars.”
67. [Houd] said, “O my people, there is not foolishness in me, but I am a messenger from theLord of the worlds.
68. I convey to you the messages of my Lord, and I am to you a trustworthy adviser.
69. Then do you wonder that there has come to you a reminder from your Lord through a man
from among you, that he may warn you? And remember when He made you successors after
the people of Noah and increased you in stature extensively. So remember the favors of Allaah
that you might succeed.”
70. They said, “Have you come to us that we should worship Allaah alone and leave what our
fathers have worshipped? Then bring us what you promise us (345), if you should be of the
truthful.”
71. [Houd] said, “Already have defilement and anger fallen upon you from your Lord. Do you
dispute with me concerning [mere] names you have named them (346), you and your fathers,
for which Allaah has not sent down any authority? Then wait; indeed, I am with you among
those who wait.”
72. So We saved him and those with him by mercy from Us. And We eliminated those who
denied Our signs, and they were not [at all] believers.
73. And to the Thamud [We sent] their brother Salih. He said, “O my people, worship Allaah;
you have no deity other than Him. There has come to you clear evidence from your Lord. This
is the she-camel of Allaah [sent] to you as a sign. So leave her to eat within Allaah’s land and
do not touch her with harm, lest there seize you a painful punishment.
74. And remember when He made you successors after the ‘Aad and settled you in the land,[and] you take for yourselves palaces from its plains and carve from the mountains, homes.
Then remember the favors of Allaah and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading
corruption.”
75. Said the eminent ones who were arrogant among his people to those who were oppressed — to those who believed among them, “Do you [actually] know that Salih is sent from his Lord?” They said, “Indeed we, in that with which he was sent, are believers.”
76. Said those who were arrogant, “Indeed we, in that which you have believed, are
disbelievers.”
77. So they hamstrung the she-camel and were insolent toward the command of their Lord and
said, “O Salih, bring us what you promise us, if you should be of the messengers.”
78. So the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home [corpses] fallen prone.
79. And he [i.e. Salih] turned away from them and said, “O my people, I had certainly
conveyed to you the message of my Lord and advised you, but you do not like advisors.”
80. And [We had sent] Lot when he said to his people, “Do you commit such immorality as no
one has preceded you with from among the worlds [i.e. People]?
81. Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing
people.”
82. But the answer of his people was only that they said, “Evict them from your city! Indeed,
they are men who keep themselves pure.”
83. So We saved him and his family, except for his wife; she was of those who remained [withthe evildoers].
84. And We rained upon them a rain [of stones]. Then see how the end of the criminals was.
85. And to [the people of] Madyan [We sent] their brother Shu’ayb. He said, “O my people,
worship Allaah; you have no deity other than Him. There has come to you clear evidence from
your Lord. So fulfill the measure and weight and do not deprive people of their due and cause
not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. That is better for you, if you should be
believers.
86. And do not sit on every path, threatening and averting from the way of Allaah those who
believe in Him, seeking to make it [seem] deviant. And remember when you were few and He
increased you. And see how the end of the corrupters was.
87. And if there should be a group among you who has believed in that with which I have been sent and a group that has not believed, then be patient until Allaah judges between us. And He is the best of judges.”
88. Said the eminent ones who were arrogant among his people, “We will surely evict you, O
Shu’ayb, and those who have believed with you from our city or you must return to our
religion.” He said, “Even if we were unwilling?
89. We would have invented against Allaah a lie if we returned to your religion after Allaah
had saved us from it. And it is not for us to return to it except that Allaah, our Lord, should
will. Our Lord has encompassed all things in knowledge. Upon Allaah we have relied. Our
Lord, decide between us and our people in truth, and You are the best of those who givedecision.”
90. Said the eminent ones who disbelieved among his people, “If you should follow Shu’ayb,
indeed, you would then be losers.”
91. So the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home [corpses] fallen prone.
92. Those who denied Shu’ayb --it was as though they had never resided there. Those who
denied Shu’ayb — it was they who were the losers.
93. And he [i.e. Shu’ayb] turned away from them and said, ‘O my people, I had certainly
conveyed to you the messages of my Lord and advised you, so how could I grieve for a
disbelieving people?”
94. And We sent to no city a prophet [who was denied] except that We seized its people with
poverty and hardship that they might humble themselves [to Allaah].
95. Then We exchanged in place of the bad [condition] good, until they increased [and
prospered] and said, “Our fathers [also] were touched with hardship and ease (347).” So We
seized them suddenly while they did not perceive (348).
96. And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allaah, We would have opened [i.e. bestowed] upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning (349).
97. Then, did the people of the cities feel secure from Our punishment —coming to them at
night while they were asleep?
98. Or did the people of the cities feel secure from Our punishment coming to them in themorning while they were at play (350)?
99. Then, did they feel secure from the plan of Allaah? But no one feels secure from the plan of
Allaah except the losing people.
100. Has it not become clear to those who inherited the earth after its [previous] people that if
We willed, We could afflict them for their sins? But We seal over their hearts so they do not
hear (351).
101. Those cities—We relate to you, [O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam], some of
their news. And certainly did their messengers come to them with clear proofs, but they were
not to believe in that which they had denied before (352). Thus does Allaah seal over the hearts of the disbelievers.
102. And We did not find for most of them any covenant (353); but indeed, We found most of
them defiantly disobedient.
103. Then We sent after them Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his establishment, but they
were unjust toward them (354). So see how the end of the corrupters was.
104. And Moses said, “O Pharaoh, I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds.
105. [Who is] obligated not to say about Allaah except the truth. I have
come to you with
clear evidence from your Lord so send with me the Children of Israel (355).”
106. [Pharaoh] said, “If you have come with a sign, then bring it forth, if you should be of the
truthful.”
107. So he [i.e. Moses] threw his staff, and suddenly it was a serpent, manifest (356).108. And he drew out his hand; thereupon it was white [with radiance] for the observers.
109. Said the eminent among the people of Pharaoh, “Indeed, this is a learned magician.”
110. Who wants to expel you from your land [through magic], so what do you instruct?”
111. They said (357), “Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities
gatherers.
112. Who will bring you every learned magician.”
113. And the magicians came to Pharaoh. They said, Indeed for us is a reward if we are the
predominant.”
114. He said, “Yes, and, [moreover], you will be among those made near [to me].”
115. They said, “O Moses, either you throw [your staff], or we will be the ones to throw
[first].”
116. He said, “Throw,” and when they threw, they bewitched the eyes of the people and struck
terror into them, and they presented a great [feat of] magic (358).
117. And We inspired to Moses, “Throw your staff,” and at once it devoured what they were
falsifying.
118. So the truth was established, and abolished was what they were doing.
119. And they [i.e. Pharaoh and his people] were overcome right there and became debased.
120. And the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allaah].
121. They said, “We have believed in the Lord of the worlds,122. The Lord of Moses and Aaron.”
123. Said Pharaoh, “You believed in him (359) before I gave you permission. Indeed, this is a
conspiracy which you conspired in the city to expel there from its people. But you are going to
know.
124. I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides; then I will surely crucify
you all.”
125. They said, “Indeed, to our Lord we will return.
126. And you do not resent us except because we believed in the signs of our Lord when they
came to us. Our Lord, pour upon us patience and let us die as Muslims [in submission to You].”
127. And the eminent among the people of Pharaoh said, ‘Will you leave Moses and his people
to cause corruption in the land and abandon you and your gods?” [Pharaoh] said, “We will kill
their sons and keep their women alive; and indeed, we are subjugators over them.”
128. Said Moses to his people, “Seek help through Allaah and be patient. Indeed, the earth
belongs to Allaah. He causes to inherit it whom He wills of His servants. And the [best]
outcome is for the righteous.”
129. They said, “We have been harmed before you came to us and after you have come to us.”
He said, “Perhaps your Lord will destroy your enemy and grant you succession in the land and
see how you will do.”
130. And We certainly seized (361) the people of Pharaoh with years of famine and a
deficiency in fruits that perhaps they would be reminded.131. But when good [i.e. provision] came to them, they said, “This is ours [by right].” And if a
bad [condition] struck them, they saw an evil omen in Moses and those with him.
Unquestionably, their fortune is with Allaah, but most of them do not know.
132. And they said, “No matter what sign you bring us with which to bewitch us, we will not be believers in you.”
133. So We sent upon them the flood and locusts and lice and frogs and blood as distinct signs, but they were arrogant and were a criminal people.
134. And when the punishment descended upon them, they said, “O Moses, invoke for us your
Lord by what He has promised you. If you [can] remove the punishment from us, we will
surely believe you, and we will send with you the Children of Israel.”
135. But when We removed the punishment from them until a term which they were to reach,
then at once they broke their word.
136. So We took retribution from them, and We drowned them in the sea because they denied
Our signs and were heedless of them.
137. And We caused the people who had been oppressed to inherit the eastern regions of the
land and the western ones, which We had blessed. And the good word [i.e. decree] of your
Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel because of what they had patiently endured. And
We destroyed [all] that Pharaoh and his people were producing and what they had been
building.
138. And We took the Children of Israel across the sea; then they came upon a people intent indevotion to [some] idols of theirs. They [the Children of Israel] said, “O Moses, make for us a
god just as they have gods.” He said, “Indeed, you are a people behaving ignorantly.
139. Indeed, those [worshippers] — destroyed is that in which they are [engaged] and worthless
is what ever they were doing.”
140. He said, “Is it other than Allaah I should desire for you as a god (363) while He has
preferred you over the worlds?”
141. And [recall, O Children of Israel], when We saved you from the people of Pharaoh, [who
were] afflicting you with the worst torment — killing your sons and keeping your women alive.
And in that was a great trial from your Lord.
142. And We made an appointment with Moses for thirty nights and perfected them by [the
addition of] ten; so the term of his Lord was completed as forty nights. And Moses said to his
brother Aaron, “Take my place among my people, do right [by them] (364), and do not follow
the way of the corrupters.”
143. And when Moses arrived at Our appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said, “My
Lord, show me [Yourself] that I may look at You.” [Allaah] said, “You will not see Me (365),
but look at the mountain; if it should remain in place, then you will see Me.” But when his Lord
appeared to the mountain, He rendered it level (366), and Moses fell unconscious. And when he awoke, he said, “Exalted are You! I have repented to You, and I am the first of the believers.”
144. [Allaah] said, “O Moses, I have chosen you over the people with My messages and My
words [to you]. So take what I have given you and be among the grateful.”145. And We wrote for him on the tablets [something] of all things — instruction and
explanation for all things, [saying] “Take them with determination and order your people to
take the best of it. I will show you the home of the defiantly disobedient (367).”
146. I will turn away from My signs those who are arrogant upon the earth without right; and if
they should see every sign, they will not believe in it. And if they see the way of consciousness
(368), they will not adopt it as a way; but if they see the way of error, they will adopt it as a
way. That is because they have denied Our signs and they were heedless of them.
147. Those who denied Our signs and the meeting of the Hereafter — their deeds have become worthless. Are they recompensed except for what they used to do?
148. And the people of Moses made, after [his departure], from their ornaments a calf — an
image having a lowing sound. Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor guide
them to a way? They took it [for worship], and they were wrongdoers.
149. And when regret overcame them (369) and they saw that they had gone astray, they said,
“If our Lord does not have mercy upon us and forgive us, we will surely be among the losers.”
150. And when Moses returned to his people, angry and grieved, he said, “How wretched is
that by which you have replaced me after [my departure]. Were you impatient over the matter
of your Lord?” And he threw down the tablets and seized his brother by [the hair of] his head,
pulling him toward him. [Aaron] said, “O son of my mother, indeed the people oppressed me
and were about to kill me, so let not the enemies rejoice over me (370) and do not place me
among the wrongdoing people.”151. [Moses] said, “My Lord, forgive me and my brother and admit us into Your mercy, for You are the most merciful of the merciful.”
152. Indeed, those who took the calf [for worship] will obtain anger from their Lord and
humiliation in the life of this world, and thus do We recompense the inventors [of falsehood].
153. But those who committed misdeeds and then repented after them and believed — indeed
your Lord, there after, is Forgiving and Merciful.
154. And when the anger subsided in Moses, he took up the tablets; and in their inscription was guidance and mercy for those who are fearful of their Lord.
155. And Moses chose from his people seventy men for Our appointment (371). And when the
earthquake seized them (372), he said, “My Lord, if You had willed, You could have destroyed
them before and me [as well]. Would You destroy us for what the foolish among us have done?
This is not but Your trial by which You send astray whom You will and guide whom You will.
You are our Protector, so forgive us and have mercy upon us; and You are the best of forgivers.
156. And decree for us in this world [that which is] good and [also] in the Hereafter; indeed, we
have turned back to You.” [Allaah] said, “My punishment — I afflict with it whom I will, but
My mercy encompasses all things.” So I will decree it [especially] for those who fear Me and
give zakah and those who believe in Our verses —
157. Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written [i.e.
mentioned] in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is
right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibitsfor them the evil and relieves them of their burden (373) and the shackles which were upon
them (347). So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the
light which was sent down with him — it is those who will be the successful.
158. Say, [O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam], “O mankind, indeed I am the
Messenger of Allaah to you all, [from Him] to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and
the earth. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death.” So believe in Allaah
and His Messenger, the unlettered prophet, who believes in Allaah and His words, and follow
him that you may be guided.
159. And among the people of Moses is a community (375) which guides by truth and by it
establishes justice.
160. And We divided them into twelve descendant tribes (376) [as distinct] nations. And We
inspired to Moses when his people implored him for water, “Strike with your staff the stone,”
and there gushed forth from it twelve springs. Every people [i.e. tribe] knew its watering place.
And We shaded them with clouds and sent down upon them manna and quails, [saying], “Eat
from the good things with which We have provided you.” And they wronged Us not, but they
were [only] wronging themselves.
161. And [mention O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam], when it was said to them,
“Dwell in this city [i.e. Jerusalem] and eat from it wherever you will and say, “Relieve us of
our burdens [i.e. sins],’ and enter the gate bowing humbly; We will [then] forgive you your
sins. We will increase the doers of good [in goodness and reward].”162. But those who wronged among them changed [the words] to a statement other than that
which had been said to them. So We sent upon them a punishment from the sky for the wrong
that they were doing.
163. And ask them about the town that was by the sea — when they transgressed in [the matter
of] the Sabbath — when their fish came to them openly on their Sabbath day, and the day they
had no Sabbath they did not come to them. Thus did We give them trial because they were
defiantly disobedient.
164. And when a community among them said, ‘Why do you advise [or warn] a people whom
Allaah is [about] to destroy or to punish with a severe punishment?” they [the advisors] said,
“To be absolved before your Lord and perhaps they may fear Him.”
165. And when they [i.e. those advised] forgot that by which they had been reminded, We
saved those who had forbidden evil and seized those who wronged, with a wretched
punishment, because they were defiantly disobeying.
166. So when they were insolent about that which they had been forbidden, We said to them,
“Be apes, despised.”
167. And [mention] when your Lord declared that He would surely [continue to] send upon
them until the Day of Resurrection those who would afflict them with the worst torment.
Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.
168. And We divided them throughout the earth into nations. Of them some were righteous,
and of them some were otherwise. And We tested them with good [times] and bad that perhapsthey would return [to obedience].
169. And there followed them successors who inherited the Scripture [while] taking the
commodities (377) of this lower life and saying, “It will be forgiven for us.” And if an offer
like it (378) comes to them, they will [again] take it. Was not the covenant of the Scripture [i.e.
the Torah] taken from them that they would not say about Allaah except the truth, and they
studied what was in it? And the home of the Hereafter is better for those who fear Allaah, so
will you not use reason?
170. But those who hold fast to the Book [i.e. the Quran] and establish prayer — indeed, We
will not allow to be lost the reward of the reformers.
171. And [mention] when We raised the mountain above them as if it was a dark cloud and
they were certain that it would fall upon them (379), [and Allaah said], “Take what We have
given you with determination and remember what is in it that you might fear Allaah.”
172. And [mention] when your Lord took from the children of Adam — from their loins —
their descendants and made them testify of them selves, [saying to them], “Am I not your
Lord?” They said, “Yes, we have testified.” [This] — Lest you should say on the Day of
Resurrection, “Indeed, we were of this unaware.”
173. Or [lest] you say, “It was only that our fathers associated [others in worship] with Allaah
before, and we were but descendants after them. Then would You destroy us for what the
falsifiers have done?”
174. And thus do We [explain in] detail the verses, and perhaps they will return (380).175. And recite to them, [O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam], the news of him (381)
to whom We gave [knowledge of] Our signs, but he detached himself from them; so Satan
pursued him, and he became of the deviators (382).
176. And if We had willed, We could have elevated him thereby (383), but he adhered [instead]
to the earth (384) and followed his own desire. So his example is like that of the dog: if you
chase him, he pants, or if you leave him, he [still] pants. That is the example of the people who
denied Our signs (385). So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought.
177. How evil an example [is that of] the people who denied Our signs and used to wrong
themselves.
178. Whoever Allaah guides — he is the [rightly] guided; and whoever He sends astray (386)
— it is those who are the losers.
179. And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts
with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have
ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray (387). It
is they who are the heedless.
180. And to Allaah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them. And leave [the company of]
those who practice deviation concerning His names (388). They will be recompensed for what
they have been doing.
181. And among those We created is a community (389) which guides by truth and thereby
establishes justice.182. But those who deny Our signs— We will progressively lead them [to destruction] (390)
from where they do not know.
183. And I will give them time. Indeed, My plan is firm.
184. Then do they not give thought? There is in their companion [i.e. Muhammad (sallallaahu
'alayhi wa sallam)] no madness. He is not but a clear warner.
185. Do they not look into the realm of the heavens and the earth and everything that Allaah
has created and [think] that perhaps their appointed time has come near? So in what statement
[i.e. message] hereafter will they believe?
186. Whoever Allaah sends astray — there is no guide for him. And He leaves them in their
transgression, wandering blindly.
187. They ask you, [O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam], about the Hour: when is its
arrival (391)? Say, “Its knowledge is only with my Lord. None will reveal its time except Him.
It lays heavily (392) upon the heavens and the earth. It will not come upon you except
unexpectedly.” They ask you as if you are familiar with it. Say, “Its knowledge is only with
Allaah, but most of the people do not know.”
188. Say, “I hold not for myself [the power of] benefit or harm, except what Allaah has willed.
And if I knew the unseen, I could have acquired much wealth, and no harm would have
touched me. I am not except a warner and a bringer of good tidings to a people who believe.”
189. It is He who created you from one soul and created from it its mate that he (393) might
dwell in security with her. And when he [i.e. man] covers her (394), she carries a light burden[i.e. a pregnancy] and continues therein. And when it becomes heavy, they both invoke Allaah,
their Lord, “If You should give us a good (395) [child], we will surely be among the grateful.”
190. But when He gives them a good [child], they (396) ascribe partners to Him concerning
that which He has given them. Exalted is Allaah above what they associate with Him.
191. Do they associate with Him those who create nothing and they are [themselves] created?
192. And they [i.e. the false deities] are unable to [give] them help, or can they help
themselves.
193. And if you [believers] invite them to guidance, they will not follow you. It is all the same
for you whether you invite them or you are silent.
194. Indeed, those you [polytheists] call upon besides Allaah are servants [i.e. creations] like
you. So call upon them and let them respond to you, if you should be truthful.
195. Do they have feet by which they walk? Or do they have hands by which they strike? Or do they have eyes by which they see? Or do they have ears by which they hear? Say, [O
Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam], “Call your ‘partners’ and then conspire against me
and give me no respite.
196. Indeed, my protector is Allaah, who has sent down the Book; and He is an ally to the
righteous.
197. And those you call upon besides Him are unable to help you, or can they help
themselves.”
198. And if you invite them to guidance, they do not hear; and you see them looking at youwhile they do not see.
199. Take what is given freely (397), enjoin what is good and turn away from the Ignorant.
200. And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allaah Indeed He
is Hearing and Knowing.
201. Indeed, those who fear Allaah — when an impulse touches them from Satan they
remember [Him] and at once they have insight.
202. But their brothers (398) — they [i.e. the devils] increase them in error; then they do not
stop short.
203. And when you, [O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam], do not bring them a sign
[i.e. miracle], they say, “Why have you not contrived it?” Say, “I only follow what is revealed
to me from my Lord. This [Quran] is enlightenment from your Lord and guidance and mercy
for a people who believe.”
204. So when the Quran is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive
mercy.
205. And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent
in speech —in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.
206. Indeed, those who are near your Lord [i.e. the angels] are not prevented by arrogance
from His worship, and they exalt Him, and to Him they prostrate.
___________________________________________________________
Footnotes:
326. Al-A‘raaf: The Elevations, referring to the partition between Paradise and Hell.
327. See footnote to 2:1.
328. See footnote to 2:34.
329. The garments of Paradise.
330. Literally, “place of prostration” meaning any place that a Muslim prays upon the earth.
The term may also refer specifically to a mosque.
331. Any unlawful deed.
332. What is decreed for them.
333. The nation preceding it.
334. The followers of evil leaders.
335. Their leaders.
336. i.e. ill will or sense of injury for what was inflicted upon them during worldly life.
337. Those whose scales are balanced between good and evil deeds.
338. Both the inhabitants of Paradise and those of Hell.
339. i.e. great numbers or gathering of wealth.
340. The humble believers who are now in Paradise. Another interpretation regards them as the
people on the elevated partition.341. The fulfillment of what is promised in the Quran.
342. See footnote to 2:19.
343. In supplication or otherwise.
344. For a more detailed account, see 11:25-48.
345. i.e. Allaah’s punishment.
346. The false objects of worship which you have called “gods.”
347. Instead of being grateful to Allaah for His blessings, they merely attributed them to the
changing fortunes of time.
348. That they had been tried and tested.
349. of blame for their sin.
350. i.e. occupied with such activities that have no benefit.
351. They do not benefit from what they hear.
352. i.e. they persistently denied every warning given them.
353. i.e. they were found to be unfaithful and negligent of Allaah’s covenant.
354. i.e. they rejected and opposed the signs.
355. i.e. free them from oppression and allow them to emigrate.
356. i.e. genuine and not imagined, as a miracle from Allaah.
357. After mutual consultation and agreement.358. Their staffs and ropes appeared as writhing snakes.
359. i.e. in Moses, avoiding the mention of Allaah (subhanahu wa ta’ala).
360. To endure the torture to which we will be subjected.
361. Imposed on them by way of trial and warning.
362. i.e. a specified term which would end with their reversion to disobedience and disbelief.
363. An object of Worship.
364. i.e. keep their affairs in order.
365. during the life of this world.
366. It crumbled to dust.
367. This is a severe warning from Allaah against rebellion.
368. i.e. reason and integrity.
369. Literally, “When their hands had been descended upon,” i.e., bitten by them out of severe
regret.
370. i.e. over your humiliation of me.
371. Whereupon they were to apologize to Allaah for having worshipped the calf.
372. Upon reaching the appointed place, they said to Moses, “We will not believe until we see
Allaah outright.” So the mountain convulsed, killing them.
373. Difficulties in religious practice.374. i.e. extreme measures previously required for repentance, and retribution without recourse
to Compensation.
375. Those of them who accepted and followed the final prophet, Muhammad (sallallaahu
'alayhi wa sallam).
376. from the twelve Sons of Jacob.
377. i.e. unlawful gains and pleasures.
378. i.e. a similar temptation.
379. for their rebellion and disobedience.
380. to the way of Allaah (subhanahu wa ta’ala), from their diversions and deviations.
381. A man from the Children of Israel at the time of Moses.
382. Those who deliberately persist in error to the point of destruction.
383. i.e. through the revelations, signs or evidences of which he had been given knowledge.
384. i.e. its worldly pleasures.
385. Whether or not they have been exposed to Allaah’s signs or warnings, it is all the same:
they will not believe.
386. As a result of persistence in evil and rejection of truth.
387. The reference is to their inability (i.e., refusal) to think and reason, while blindly following
(as they are accustomed).
388. i.e. use them improperly or deny them.389. The followers of Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam).
390. Allaah will test them with one favor after another in spite of their disobedience, which
only increases them in arrogance and sin.
391. Literally “resting” or “establishment.”
392. i.e. it is a source of concern, worry or fear.
393. i.e. man or every descendent of Adam.
394. An allusion to sexual intercourse.
395. Physically sound or righteous.
396. The ungrateful man and woman or the polytheistic man and woman.
397. from the dispositions of men or from their wealth. In other words, be easy in dealing with
them and avoid causing them difficulty.
398. Those among mankind who listens to the devils and obeys their orders.
___________________________________________________________
Bismillaah Ar-Rahmaan Ar-Raheem
1. Alif, Laam, Meem, Saad (327).
2. [This is] a Book revealed to you, in your breast distress there from —that you may warn
thereby and as a reminder to the believers.
3. Follow, [O mankind], what has been revealed to you from your Lord and do not follow other
than Him any allies. Little do you remember.
4. And how many cities have We destroyed, and Our punishment came to them at night or
while they were sleeping at noon.5. And their declaration when Our punishment came to them was only that they said, “Indeed,
we were wrongdoers!”
6. Then We will surely question those to whom [a message] was sent, and We will surely
question the messengers.
7. Then We will surely relate [their deeds] to them with knowledge, and We were not [at all]
absent.
8. And the weighing [of deeds] that Day will be the truth. So those whose scales are heavy — it
is they who will be the successful.
9. And those whose scales are light —they are the ones who will lose themselves for what
injustice they were doing toward Our verses.
10. And We have certainly established you upon the earth and made for you therein ways of
livelihood. Little are you grateful.
11. And We have certainly created you, [O mankind], and given you [human] form. Then We
said to the angels, “Prostrate to Adam”; so they prostrated, except for Iblees (328). He was not
of those who prostrated.
12. [Allaah] said, “What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you?” [Satan]
said, “I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay [i.e. earth].”
13. [Allaah] said, “Descend from it [i.e. Paradise], for it is not for you to be arrogant therein. So
get out; indeed, you are of the debased.”
14. [Satan] said, “Reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected.”15. [Allaah] said, “Indeed, you are of those reprieved.”
16. [Satan] said, “Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them [i.e.
mankind] on Your straight path.
17. Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on
their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].”
18. [Allaah] said, “Get out of it [i.e. Paradise], reproached and expelled.
Whoever follows you among them — I will surely fill Hell with you, all together.”
19. And “O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat from wherever you will but do
not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.”
20. But Satan whispered to them to make apparent to them that which was concealed from
them of their private parts. He said, “Your Lord did not forbid you this tree except that you
become angels or become of the immortal.”
21. And he swore [by Allaah] to them, “Indeed, I am to you from among the sincere advisors.”
22. So he made them fall, through deception. And when they tasted of the tree, their private
parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten together over themselves from the
leaves of Paradise. And their Lord called to them, “Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell
you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?”
23. They said, “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have
mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.”
24. [Allaah] said, “Descend, being to one another enemies. And for you on the earth is a placeof settlement and enjoyment [i.e. provision] for a time.”
25. He said, “Therein you will live, and therein you will die, and from it you will be brought
forth.”
26. O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts
and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness — that is best. That is from the signs of
Allaah that perhaps they will remember.
27. O children of Adam, let not Satan tempt you as he removed your parents from Paradise,
stripping them of their clothing (329) to show them their private parts. Indeed, he sees you, he
and his tribe, from where you do not see them. Indeed, We have made the devils allies to those who do not believe.
28. And when they commit an immorality, they say, “We found our fathers doing it, and Allaah
has ordered us to do it.” Say, “Indeed, Allaah does not order immorality. Do you say about
Allaah that which you do not know?”
29. Say, [O Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam], “My Lord has ordered justice and that
you maintain yourselves [in worship of Him] at every place [or time] of prostration, and invoke
Him, sincere to Him in religion.” Just as He originated you, you will return [to life] —
30. A group [of you] He guided, and a group deserved [to be in] error. Indeed, they [i.e., the
latter] had taken the devils as allies instead of Allaah while they thought that they were guided.
31. O children of Adam, take your adornment [i.e. wear your clothing] at every Masjid (330),
and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.32. Say, “Who has forbidden the adornment of [i.e. from] Allaah which He has produced for
His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?” Say, “They are for those who believe
during worldly life [but] exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection.” Thus do We detail
the verses for a people who know.
33. Say, “My Lord has only forbidden immoralities — what is apparent of them and what is
concealed — and sin (331), and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allaah
that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allaah that which you do
not know.”
34. And for every nation is a [specified] term. So when their time has come, they will not
remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it].
35. O children of Adam, if there come to you messengers from among you relating to you My
verses [i.e. scriptures and laws], then whoever fears Allaah and reforms — there will be no fear
concerning them, nor will they grieve.
36. But the ones who deny Our verses and are arrogant toward them — those are the
companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.
37. And who is more unjust than one who invents about Allaah a lie or denies His verses?
Those will attain their portion of the decree (332) until, when Our messengers [i.e. angels]
come to them to take them in death, they will say, “Where are those you used to invoke besides Allaah?” They will say, “They have departed from us,” and will bear witness against
themselves that they were disbelievers.38. [Allaah] will say, “Enter among nations which had passed on before you of jinn and mankind into the Fire.” Every time a nation enters, it will curse its sister (333) until, when they have all overtaken one another therein, the last of them (334) will say about the first of them
(335), “Our Lord, these had misled us, so give them a double punishment of the Fire.” He will
say, “For each is double, but you do not know.”
39. And the first of them will say to the last of them, “Then you had not any favor over us, so
taste the punishment for what you used to earn.”
40. Indeed, those who deny Our verses and are arrogant toward them — the gates of Heaven
will not be opened for them, nor will they enter Paradise until a camel enters into the eye of a
needle [i.e. never]. And thus do We recompense the criminals.
41. They will have from Hell a bed and over them coverings [of fire]. And thus do We
recompense the wrongdoers.
42. But those who believed and did righteous deeds — We charge no soul except [within] its
capacity. Those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally.
43. And We will have removed whatever is within their breasts of resentment (336), [while]
flowing beneath them are rivers. And they will say, “Praise to Allaah, who has guided us to
this; and we would never have been guided if Allaah had not guided us. Certainly the
messengers of our Lord had come with the truth.” And they will be called, “This is Paradise,
which you have been made to inherit for what you used to do.”
44. And the companions of Paradise will call out to the companions of the Fire, “We havealready found what our Lord promised us to be true. Have you found what your Lord promised to be true?” They will say, “Yes.” Then an announcer will announce among them, “The curse of Allaah shall be upon the wrongdoers.
45. Who averted [people] from the way of Allaah and sought to make it [seem] deviant while
they were, concerning the Hereafter, disbelievers.”
46. And between them will be a partition [i.e. wall], and on [its] elevations are men (337) who
recognize all (338) by their mark. And they call out to the companions of Paradise, “Peace be
upon you.” They have not [yet] entered it, but they long intensely.
47. And when their eyes are turned toward the companions of the Fire, they say. “Our Lord, do
not place us with the wrongdoing people.”
48. And the companions of the Elevations will call to men [within Hell] whom they recognize
by their mark, saying, “Of no avail to you was your gathering and [the fact] that you were
arrogant.”
49. [Allaah will say], “Are these (340) the ones whom you [inhabitants of Hell] swore that
Allaah would never offer them mercy? Enter Paradise, [O people of the Elevations]. No fear
will there be concerning you, nor will you grieve.”
50. And the companions of the Fire will call to the companions of Paradise, “Pour upon us
some water or from whatever Allaah has provided you.” They will say, ‘Indeed, Allaah has
forbidden them both to the disbelievers
51. Who took their religion as distraction and amusement and whom the worldly life deluded.”So today We will forget them just as they forgot the meeting of this Day of theirs and for having rejected Our verses.
52. And We had certainly brought them a Book which We detailed by knowledge — as
guidance and mercy to a people who believe.
53. Do they await except its result (341)? The Day its result comes those who had ignored it
before will say, “The messengers of our Lord had come with the truth, so are there [now] any
intercessors to intercede for us or could we be sent back to do other than what we used to do?” They will have lost themselves, and lost from them is what they used to invent.
54. Indeed, your Lord is Allaah, who created the heavens and earth in six days and then
established Himself above the Throne (342). He covers the night with the day, [another night]
chasing it rapidly; and [He created] the sun, the moon, and the stars, subjected by His
command. Unquestionably, His is the creation and the command; blessed is Allaah, Lord of the
worlds.
55. Call upon your Lord in humility and privately; indeed, He does not like transgressors (343).
56. And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and
aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allaah is near to the doers of good.
57. And it is He who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy [i.e. rainfall] until,
when they have carried heavy rain clouds, We drive them to a dead land and We send down
rain therein and bring forth thereby [some] of all the fruits. Thus will We bring forth the dead;
perhaps you may be reminded.58. And the good land — its vegetation emerges by permission of its Lord; but that which is bad — nothing emerges except sparsely, with difficulty. Thus do We diversify the signs for a people who are grateful.
59. We had certainly sent Noah to his people, and he said, “O my people, worship Allaah; you
have no deity other than Him. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day.”
60 Said the eminent among his people “Indeed, we see you in clear error.”
61. [Noah] said, “O my people, there is not error in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of
the worlds.
62. I convey to you the messages of my Lord and advise you; and I know from Allaah what you
do not know.
63. Then do you wonder that there has come to you a reminder from you Lord through a man
from among you, that he may warn you and that you may fear Allaah so you might receive
mercy?”
64. But they denied him, so We saved him and those who were with him in the ship. And We
drowned those who denied Our signs. Indeed,
they were a blind people (344).
65. And to the ‘Aad [We Sent] their brother Houd. He said, “O my People, worship Allaah; you
have no deity other than Him. Then will you not fear Him?”
66. Said the eminent ones who disbelieved among his people, “Indeed, we see you in
foolishness, and indeed, we think you are of the liars.”
67. [Houd] said, “O my people, there is not foolishness in me, but I am a messenger from theLord of the worlds.
68. I convey to you the messages of my Lord, and I am to you a trustworthy adviser.
69. Then do you wonder that there has come to you a reminder from your Lord through a man
from among you, that he may warn you? And remember when He made you successors after
the people of Noah and increased you in stature extensively. So remember the favors of Allaah
that you might succeed.”
70. They said, “Have you come to us that we should worship Allaah alone and leave what our
fathers have worshipped? Then bring us what you promise us (345), if you should be of the
truthful.”
71. [Houd] said, “Already have defilement and anger fallen upon you from your Lord. Do you
dispute with me concerning [mere] names you have named them (346), you and your fathers,
for which Allaah has not sent down any authority? Then wait; indeed, I am with you among
those who wait.”
72. So We saved him and those with him by mercy from Us. And We eliminated those who
denied Our signs, and they were not [at all] believers.
73. And to the Thamud [We sent] their brother Salih. He said, “O my people, worship Allaah;
you have no deity other than Him. There has come to you clear evidence from your Lord. This
is the she-camel of Allaah [sent] to you as a sign. So leave her to eat within Allaah’s land and
do not touch her with harm, lest there seize you a painful punishment.
74. And remember when He made you successors after the ‘Aad and settled you in the land,[and] you take for yourselves palaces from its plains and carve from the mountains, homes.
Then remember the favors of Allaah and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading
corruption.”
75. Said the eminent ones who were arrogant among his people to those who were oppressed — to those who believed among them, “Do you [actually] know that Salih is sent from his Lord?” They said, “Indeed we, in that with which he was sent, are believers.”
76. Said those who were arrogant, “Indeed we, in that which you have believed, are
disbelievers.”
77. So they hamstrung the she-camel and were insolent toward the command of their Lord and
said, “O Salih, bring us what you promise us, if you should be of the messengers.”
78. So the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home [corpses] fallen prone.
79. And he [i.e. Salih] turned away from them and said, “O my people, I had certainly
conveyed to you the message of my Lord and advised you, but you do not like advisors.”
80. And [We had sent] Lot when he said to his people, “Do you commit such immorality as no
one has preceded you with from among the worlds [i.e. People]?
81. Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing
people.”
82. But the answer of his people was only that they said, “Evict them from your city! Indeed,
they are men who keep themselves pure.”
83. So We saved him and his family, except for his wife; she was of those who remained [withthe evildoers].
84. And We rained upon them a rain [of stones]. Then see how the end of the criminals was.
85. And to [the people of] Madyan [We sent] their brother Shu’ayb. He said, “O my people,
worship Allaah; you have no deity other than Him. There has come to you clear evidence from
your Lord. So fulfill the measure and weight and do not deprive people of their due and cause
not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. That is better for you, if you should be
believers.
86. And do not sit on every path, threatening and averting from the way of Allaah those who
believe in Him, seeking to make it [seem] deviant. And remember when you were few and He
increased you. And see how the end of the corrupters was.
87. And if there should be a group among you who has believed in that with which I have been sent and a group that has not believed, then be patient until Allaah judges between us. And He is the best of judges.”
88. Said the eminent ones who were arrogant among his people, “We will surely evict you, O
Shu’ayb, and those who have believed with you from our city or you must return to our
religion.” He said, “Even if we were unwilling?
89. We would have invented against Allaah a lie if we returned to your religion after Allaah
had saved us from it. And it is not for us to return to it except that Allaah, our Lord, should
will. Our Lord has encompassed all things in knowledge. Upon Allaah we have relied. Our
Lord, decide between us and our people in truth, and You are the best of those who givedecision.”
90. Said the eminent ones who disbelieved among his people, “If you should follow Shu’ayb,
indeed, you would then be losers.”
91. So the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home [corpses] fallen prone.
92. Those who denied Shu’ayb --it was as though they had never resided there. Those who
denied Shu’ayb — it was they who were the losers.
93. And he [i.e. Shu’ayb] turned away from them and said, ‘O my people, I had certainly
conveyed to you the messages of my Lord and advised you, so how could I grieve for a
disbelieving people?”
94. And We sent to no city a prophet [who was denied] except that We seized its people with
poverty and hardship that they might humble themselves [to Allaah].
95. Then We exchanged in place of the bad [condition] good, until they increased [and
prospered] and said, “Our fathers [also] were touched with hardship and ease (347).” So We
seized them suddenly while they did not perceive (348).
96. And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allaah, We would have opened [i.e. bestowed] upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning (349).
97. Then, did the people of the cities feel secure from Our punishment —coming to them at
night while they were asleep?
98. Or did the people of the cities feel secure from Our punishment coming to them in themorning while they were at play (350)?
99. Then, did they feel secure from the plan of Allaah? But no one feels secure from the plan of
Allaah except the losing people.
100. Has it not become clear to those who inherited the earth after its [previous] people that if
We willed, We could afflict them for their sins? But We seal over their hearts so they do not
hear (351).
101. Those cities—We relate to you, [O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam], some of
their news. And certainly did their messengers come to them with clear proofs, but they were
not to believe in that which they had denied before (352). Thus does Allaah seal over the hearts of the disbelievers.
102. And We did not find for most of them any covenant (353); but indeed, We found most of
them defiantly disobedient.
103. Then We sent after them Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his establishment, but they
were unjust toward them (354). So see how the end of the corrupters was.
104. And Moses said, “O Pharaoh, I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds.
105. [Who is] obligated not to say about Allaah except the truth. I have
come to you with
clear evidence from your Lord so send with me the Children of Israel (355).”
106. [Pharaoh] said, “If you have come with a sign, then bring it forth, if you should be of the
truthful.”
107. So he [i.e. Moses] threw his staff, and suddenly it was a serpent, manifest (356).108. And he drew out his hand; thereupon it was white [with radiance] for the observers.
109. Said the eminent among the people of Pharaoh, “Indeed, this is a learned magician.”
110. Who wants to expel you from your land [through magic], so what do you instruct?”
111. They said (357), “Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities
gatherers.
112. Who will bring you every learned magician.”
113. And the magicians came to Pharaoh. They said, Indeed for us is a reward if we are the
predominant.”
114. He said, “Yes, and, [moreover], you will be among those made near [to me].”
115. They said, “O Moses, either you throw [your staff], or we will be the ones to throw
[first].”
116. He said, “Throw,” and when they threw, they bewitched the eyes of the people and struck
terror into them, and they presented a great [feat of] magic (358).
117. And We inspired to Moses, “Throw your staff,” and at once it devoured what they were
falsifying.
118. So the truth was established, and abolished was what they were doing.
119. And they [i.e. Pharaoh and his people] were overcome right there and became debased.
120. And the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allaah].
121. They said, “We have believed in the Lord of the worlds,122. The Lord of Moses and Aaron.”
123. Said Pharaoh, “You believed in him (359) before I gave you permission. Indeed, this is a
conspiracy which you conspired in the city to expel there from its people. But you are going to
know.
124. I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides; then I will surely crucify
you all.”
125. They said, “Indeed, to our Lord we will return.
126. And you do not resent us except because we believed in the signs of our Lord when they
came to us. Our Lord, pour upon us patience and let us die as Muslims [in submission to You].”
127. And the eminent among the people of Pharaoh said, ‘Will you leave Moses and his people
to cause corruption in the land and abandon you and your gods?” [Pharaoh] said, “We will kill
their sons and keep their women alive; and indeed, we are subjugators over them.”
128. Said Moses to his people, “Seek help through Allaah and be patient. Indeed, the earth
belongs to Allaah. He causes to inherit it whom He wills of His servants. And the [best]
outcome is for the righteous.”
129. They said, “We have been harmed before you came to us and after you have come to us.”
He said, “Perhaps your Lord will destroy your enemy and grant you succession in the land and
see how you will do.”
130. And We certainly seized (361) the people of Pharaoh with years of famine and a
deficiency in fruits that perhaps they would be reminded.131. But when good [i.e. provision] came to them, they said, “This is ours [by right].” And if a
bad [condition] struck them, they saw an evil omen in Moses and those with him.
Unquestionably, their fortune is with Allaah, but most of them do not know.
132. And they said, “No matter what sign you bring us with which to bewitch us, we will not be believers in you.”
133. So We sent upon them the flood and locusts and lice and frogs and blood as distinct signs, but they were arrogant and were a criminal people.
134. And when the punishment descended upon them, they said, “O Moses, invoke for us your
Lord by what He has promised you. If you [can] remove the punishment from us, we will
surely believe you, and we will send with you the Children of Israel.”
135. But when We removed the punishment from them until a term which they were to reach,
then at once they broke their word.
136. So We took retribution from them, and We drowned them in the sea because they denied
Our signs and were heedless of them.
137. And We caused the people who had been oppressed to inherit the eastern regions of the
land and the western ones, which We had blessed. And the good word [i.e. decree] of your
Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel because of what they had patiently endured. And
We destroyed [all] that Pharaoh and his people were producing and what they had been
building.
138. And We took the Children of Israel across the sea; then they came upon a people intent indevotion to [some] idols of theirs. They [the Children of Israel] said, “O Moses, make for us a
god just as they have gods.” He said, “Indeed, you are a people behaving ignorantly.
139. Indeed, those [worshippers] — destroyed is that in which they are [engaged] and worthless
is what ever they were doing.”
140. He said, “Is it other than Allaah I should desire for you as a god (363) while He has
preferred you over the worlds?”
141. And [recall, O Children of Israel], when We saved you from the people of Pharaoh, [who
were] afflicting you with the worst torment — killing your sons and keeping your women alive.
And in that was a great trial from your Lord.
142. And We made an appointment with Moses for thirty nights and perfected them by [the
addition of] ten; so the term of his Lord was completed as forty nights. And Moses said to his
brother Aaron, “Take my place among my people, do right [by them] (364), and do not follow
the way of the corrupters.”
143. And when Moses arrived at Our appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said, “My
Lord, show me [Yourself] that I may look at You.” [Allaah] said, “You will not see Me (365),
but look at the mountain; if it should remain in place, then you will see Me.” But when his Lord
appeared to the mountain, He rendered it level (366), and Moses fell unconscious. And when he awoke, he said, “Exalted are You! I have repented to You, and I am the first of the believers.”
144. [Allaah] said, “O Moses, I have chosen you over the people with My messages and My
words [to you]. So take what I have given you and be among the grateful.”145. And We wrote for him on the tablets [something] of all things — instruction and
explanation for all things, [saying] “Take them with determination and order your people to
take the best of it. I will show you the home of the defiantly disobedient (367).”
146. I will turn away from My signs those who are arrogant upon the earth without right; and if
they should see every sign, they will not believe in it. And if they see the way of consciousness
(368), they will not adopt it as a way; but if they see the way of error, they will adopt it as a
way. That is because they have denied Our signs and they were heedless of them.
147. Those who denied Our signs and the meeting of the Hereafter — their deeds have become worthless. Are they recompensed except for what they used to do?
148. And the people of Moses made, after [his departure], from their ornaments a calf — an
image having a lowing sound. Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor guide
them to a way? They took it [for worship], and they were wrongdoers.
149. And when regret overcame them (369) and they saw that they had gone astray, they said,
“If our Lord does not have mercy upon us and forgive us, we will surely be among the losers.”
150. And when Moses returned to his people, angry and grieved, he said, “How wretched is
that by which you have replaced me after [my departure]. Were you impatient over the matter
of your Lord?” And he threw down the tablets and seized his brother by [the hair of] his head,
pulling him toward him. [Aaron] said, “O son of my mother, indeed the people oppressed me
and were about to kill me, so let not the enemies rejoice over me (370) and do not place me
among the wrongdoing people.”151. [Moses] said, “My Lord, forgive me and my brother and admit us into Your mercy, for You are the most merciful of the merciful.”
152. Indeed, those who took the calf [for worship] will obtain anger from their Lord and
humiliation in the life of this world, and thus do We recompense the inventors [of falsehood].
153. But those who committed misdeeds and then repented after them and believed — indeed
your Lord, there after, is Forgiving and Merciful.
154. And when the anger subsided in Moses, he took up the tablets; and in their inscription was guidance and mercy for those who are fearful of their Lord.
155. And Moses chose from his people seventy men for Our appointment (371). And when the
earthquake seized them (372), he said, “My Lord, if You had willed, You could have destroyed
them before and me [as well]. Would You destroy us for what the foolish among us have done?
This is not but Your trial by which You send astray whom You will and guide whom You will.
You are our Protector, so forgive us and have mercy upon us; and You are the best of forgivers.
156. And decree for us in this world [that which is] good and [also] in the Hereafter; indeed, we
have turned back to You.” [Allaah] said, “My punishment — I afflict with it whom I will, but
My mercy encompasses all things.” So I will decree it [especially] for those who fear Me and
give zakah and those who believe in Our verses —
157. Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written [i.e.
mentioned] in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is
right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibitsfor them the evil and relieves them of their burden (373) and the shackles which were upon
them (347). So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the
light which was sent down with him — it is those who will be the successful.
158. Say, [O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam], “O mankind, indeed I am the
Messenger of Allaah to you all, [from Him] to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and
the earth. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death.” So believe in Allaah
and His Messenger, the unlettered prophet, who believes in Allaah and His words, and follow
him that you may be guided.
159. And among the people of Moses is a community (375) which guides by truth and by it
establishes justice.
160. And We divided them into twelve descendant tribes (376) [as distinct] nations. And We
inspired to Moses when his people implored him for water, “Strike with your staff the stone,”
and there gushed forth from it twelve springs. Every people [i.e. tribe] knew its watering place.
And We shaded them with clouds and sent down upon them manna and quails, [saying], “Eat
from the good things with which We have provided you.” And they wronged Us not, but they
were [only] wronging themselves.
161. And [mention O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam], when it was said to them,
“Dwell in this city [i.e. Jerusalem] and eat from it wherever you will and say, “Relieve us of
our burdens [i.e. sins],’ and enter the gate bowing humbly; We will [then] forgive you your
sins. We will increase the doers of good [in goodness and reward].”162. But those who wronged among them changed [the words] to a statement other than that
which had been said to them. So We sent upon them a punishment from the sky for the wrong
that they were doing.
163. And ask them about the town that was by the sea — when they transgressed in [the matter
of] the Sabbath — when their fish came to them openly on their Sabbath day, and the day they
had no Sabbath they did not come to them. Thus did We give them trial because they were
defiantly disobedient.
164. And when a community among them said, ‘Why do you advise [or warn] a people whom
Allaah is [about] to destroy or to punish with a severe punishment?” they [the advisors] said,
“To be absolved before your Lord and perhaps they may fear Him.”
165. And when they [i.e. those advised] forgot that by which they had been reminded, We
saved those who had forbidden evil and seized those who wronged, with a wretched
punishment, because they were defiantly disobeying.
166. So when they were insolent about that which they had been forbidden, We said to them,
“Be apes, despised.”
167. And [mention] when your Lord declared that He would surely [continue to] send upon
them until the Day of Resurrection those who would afflict them with the worst torment.
Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.
168. And We divided them throughout the earth into nations. Of them some were righteous,
and of them some were otherwise. And We tested them with good [times] and bad that perhapsthey would return [to obedience].
169. And there followed them successors who inherited the Scripture [while] taking the
commodities (377) of this lower life and saying, “It will be forgiven for us.” And if an offer
like it (378) comes to them, they will [again] take it. Was not the covenant of the Scripture [i.e.
the Torah] taken from them that they would not say about Allaah except the truth, and they
studied what was in it? And the home of the Hereafter is better for those who fear Allaah, so
will you not use reason?
170. But those who hold fast to the Book [i.e. the Quran] and establish prayer — indeed, We
will not allow to be lost the reward of the reformers.
171. And [mention] when We raised the mountain above them as if it was a dark cloud and
they were certain that it would fall upon them (379), [and Allaah said], “Take what We have
given you with determination and remember what is in it that you might fear Allaah.”
172. And [mention] when your Lord took from the children of Adam — from their loins —
their descendants and made them testify of them selves, [saying to them], “Am I not your
Lord?” They said, “Yes, we have testified.” [This] — Lest you should say on the Day of
Resurrection, “Indeed, we were of this unaware.”
173. Or [lest] you say, “It was only that our fathers associated [others in worship] with Allaah
before, and we were but descendants after them. Then would You destroy us for what the
falsifiers have done?”
174. And thus do We [explain in] detail the verses, and perhaps they will return (380).175. And recite to them, [O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam], the news of him (381)
to whom We gave [knowledge of] Our signs, but he detached himself from them; so Satan
pursued him, and he became of the deviators (382).
176. And if We had willed, We could have elevated him thereby (383), but he adhered [instead]
to the earth (384) and followed his own desire. So his example is like that of the dog: if you
chase him, he pants, or if you leave him, he [still] pants. That is the example of the people who
denied Our signs (385). So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought.
177. How evil an example [is that of] the people who denied Our signs and used to wrong
themselves.
178. Whoever Allaah guides — he is the [rightly] guided; and whoever He sends astray (386)
— it is those who are the losers.
179. And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts
with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have
ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray (387). It
is they who are the heedless.
180. And to Allaah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them. And leave [the company of]
those who practice deviation concerning His names (388). They will be recompensed for what
they have been doing.
181. And among those We created is a community (389) which guides by truth and thereby
establishes justice.182. But those who deny Our signs— We will progressively lead them [to destruction] (390)
from where they do not know.
183. And I will give them time. Indeed, My plan is firm.
184. Then do they not give thought? There is in their companion [i.e. Muhammad (sallallaahu
'alayhi wa sallam)] no madness. He is not but a clear warner.
185. Do they not look into the realm of the heavens and the earth and everything that Allaah
has created and [think] that perhaps their appointed time has come near? So in what statement
[i.e. message] hereafter will they believe?
186. Whoever Allaah sends astray — there is no guide for him. And He leaves them in their
transgression, wandering blindly.
187. They ask you, [O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam], about the Hour: when is its
arrival (391)? Say, “Its knowledge is only with my Lord. None will reveal its time except Him.
It lays heavily (392) upon the heavens and the earth. It will not come upon you except
unexpectedly.” They ask you as if you are familiar with it. Say, “Its knowledge is only with
Allaah, but most of the people do not know.”
188. Say, “I hold not for myself [the power of] benefit or harm, except what Allaah has willed.
And if I knew the unseen, I could have acquired much wealth, and no harm would have
touched me. I am not except a warner and a bringer of good tidings to a people who believe.”
189. It is He who created you from one soul and created from it its mate that he (393) might
dwell in security with her. And when he [i.e. man] covers her (394), she carries a light burden[i.e. a pregnancy] and continues therein. And when it becomes heavy, they both invoke Allaah,
their Lord, “If You should give us a good (395) [child], we will surely be among the grateful.”
190. But when He gives them a good [child], they (396) ascribe partners to Him concerning
that which He has given them. Exalted is Allaah above what they associate with Him.
191. Do they associate with Him those who create nothing and they are [themselves] created?
192. And they [i.e. the false deities] are unable to [give] them help, or can they help
themselves.
193. And if you [believers] invite them to guidance, they will not follow you. It is all the same
for you whether you invite them or you are silent.
194. Indeed, those you [polytheists] call upon besides Allaah are servants [i.e. creations] like
you. So call upon them and let them respond to you, if you should be truthful.
195. Do they have feet by which they walk? Or do they have hands by which they strike? Or do they have eyes by which they see? Or do they have ears by which they hear? Say, [O
Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam], “Call your ‘partners’ and then conspire against me
and give me no respite.
196. Indeed, my protector is Allaah, who has sent down the Book; and He is an ally to the
righteous.
197. And those you call upon besides Him are unable to help you, or can they help
themselves.”
198. And if you invite them to guidance, they do not hear; and you see them looking at youwhile they do not see.
199. Take what is given freely (397), enjoin what is good and turn away from the Ignorant.
200. And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allaah Indeed He
is Hearing and Knowing.
201. Indeed, those who fear Allaah — when an impulse touches them from Satan they
remember [Him] and at once they have insight.
202. But their brothers (398) — they [i.e. the devils] increase them in error; then they do not
stop short.
203. And when you, [O Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam], do not bring them a sign
[i.e. miracle], they say, “Why have you not contrived it?” Say, “I only follow what is revealed
to me from my Lord. This [Quran] is enlightenment from your Lord and guidance and mercy
for a people who believe.”
204. So when the Quran is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive
mercy.
205. And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent
in speech —in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.
206. Indeed, those who are near your Lord [i.e. the angels] are not prevented by arrogance
from His worship, and they exalt Him, and to Him they prostrate.
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Footnotes:
326. Al-A‘raaf: The Elevations, referring to the partition between Paradise and Hell.
327. See footnote to 2:1.
328. See footnote to 2:34.
329. The garments of Paradise.
330. Literally, “place of prostration” meaning any place that a Muslim prays upon the earth.
The term may also refer specifically to a mosque.
331. Any unlawful deed.
332. What is decreed for them.
333. The nation preceding it.
334. The followers of evil leaders.
335. Their leaders.
336. i.e. ill will or sense of injury for what was inflicted upon them during worldly life.
337. Those whose scales are balanced between good and evil deeds.
338. Both the inhabitants of Paradise and those of Hell.
339. i.e. great numbers or gathering of wealth.
340. The humble believers who are now in Paradise. Another interpretation regards them as the
people on the elevated partition.341. The fulfillment of what is promised in the Quran.
342. See footnote to 2:19.
343. In supplication or otherwise.
344. For a more detailed account, see 11:25-48.
345. i.e. Allaah’s punishment.
346. The false objects of worship which you have called “gods.”
347. Instead of being grateful to Allaah for His blessings, they merely attributed them to the
changing fortunes of time.
348. That they had been tried and tested.
349. of blame for their sin.
350. i.e. occupied with such activities that have no benefit.
351. They do not benefit from what they hear.
352. i.e. they persistently denied every warning given them.
353. i.e. they were found to be unfaithful and negligent of Allaah’s covenant.
354. i.e. they rejected and opposed the signs.
355. i.e. free them from oppression and allow them to emigrate.
356. i.e. genuine and not imagined, as a miracle from Allaah.
357. After mutual consultation and agreement.358. Their staffs and ropes appeared as writhing snakes.
359. i.e. in Moses, avoiding the mention of Allaah (subhanahu wa ta’ala).
360. To endure the torture to which we will be subjected.
361. Imposed on them by way of trial and warning.
362. i.e. a specified term which would end with their reversion to disobedience and disbelief.
363. An object of Worship.
364. i.e. keep their affairs in order.
365. during the life of this world.
366. It crumbled to dust.
367. This is a severe warning from Allaah against rebellion.
368. i.e. reason and integrity.
369. Literally, “When their hands had been descended upon,” i.e., bitten by them out of severe
regret.
370. i.e. over your humiliation of me.
371. Whereupon they were to apologize to Allaah for having worshipped the calf.
372. Upon reaching the appointed place, they said to Moses, “We will not believe until we see
Allaah outright.” So the mountain convulsed, killing them.
373. Difficulties in religious practice.374. i.e. extreme measures previously required for repentance, and retribution without recourse
to Compensation.
375. Those of them who accepted and followed the final prophet, Muhammad (sallallaahu
'alayhi wa sallam).
376. from the twelve Sons of Jacob.
377. i.e. unlawful gains and pleasures.
378. i.e. a similar temptation.
379. for their rebellion and disobedience.
380. to the way of Allaah (subhanahu wa ta’ala), from their diversions and deviations.
381. A man from the Children of Israel at the time of Moses.
382. Those who deliberately persist in error to the point of destruction.
383. i.e. through the revelations, signs or evidences of which he had been given knowledge.
384. i.e. its worldly pleasures.
385. Whether or not they have been exposed to Allaah’s signs or warnings, it is all the same:
they will not believe.
386. As a result of persistence in evil and rejection of truth.
387. The reference is to their inability (i.e., refusal) to think and reason, while blindly following
(as they are accustomed).
388. i.e. use them improperly or deny them.389. The followers of Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam).
390. Allaah will test them with one favor after another in spite of their disobedience, which
only increases them in arrogance and sin.
391. Literally “resting” or “establishment.”
392. i.e. it is a source of concern, worry or fear.
393. i.e. man or every descendent of Adam.
394. An allusion to sexual intercourse.
395. Physically sound or righteous.
396. The ungrateful man and woman or the polytheistic man and woman.
397. from the dispositions of men or from their wealth. In other words, be easy in dealing with
them and avoid causing them difficulty.
398. Those among mankind who listens to the devils and obeys their orders.
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