16-   The Bee (Al-Nahl)

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In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[16:1]   GOD's command has already been issued (and everything has already been written), so do not rush it. Be He glorified; the Most High, far above any idols they set up.

[16:2]   He sends down the angels with the revelations, carrying His commands, to whomever He chooses from among His servants: "You shall preach that there is no other god beside Me; You shall reverence Me."

[16:3]   He created the heavens and the earth for a specific purpose. He is much too High, far above any idols they set up.

[16:4]  He created the human from a tiny drop, then he turns into an ardent opponent.

[16:5]   And He created the livestock for you, to provide you with warmth, and many other benefits, as well as food.

[16:6]   They also provide you with luxury during your leisure, and when you travel.

[16:7]   And they carry your loads to lands that you could not reach without a great hardship. Surely, your Lord is Compassionate, Most Merciful.

[16:8]   And (He created) the horses, the mules, and the donkeys for you to ride, and for luxury. Additionally, He creates what you do not know.

[16:9]   GOD points out the paths, including the wrong ones. If He willed, He could have guided all of you.

[16:10]   He sends down from the sky water for your drink, and to grow trees for your benefit.

[16:11]   With it, He grows for you crops, olives, date palms, grapes, and all kinds of fruits. This is (sufficient) proof for people who think.

[16:12]   And He commits, in your service, the night and the day, as well as the sun and the moon. Also, the stars are committed by His command. These are (sufficient) proofs for people who understand.

[16:13]   And (He created) for you on earth things of various colors. This is a (sufficient) proof for people who take heed.

[16:14]   And He committed the sea to serve you; you eat from it tender meat, and extract jewelry which you wear. And you see the ships roaming it for your commercial benefits, as you seek His bounties, that you may be appreciative.

[16:15]   And He placed stabilizers (mountains) on earth, lest it tumbles with you, as well as rivers and roads, that you may be guided.

[16:16]   And landmarks, as well as the stars; to be used for navigation.

[16:17]   Is One who creates like one who does not create? Would you now take heed?

[16:18]   If you count GOD's blessings, you cannot possibly encompass them. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[16:19]   And GOD knows whatever you conceal and whatever you declare.

[16:20]   As for the idols they set up beside GOD, they do not create anything; they themselves were created.

[16:21]   They are dead, not alive, and they have no idea how or when they will be resurrected.

[16:22]   Your god is one god. As for those who do not believe in the Hereafter, their hearts are denying, and they are arrogant.

[16:23]   Absolutely, GOD knows everything they conceal and everything they declare. He does not love those who are arrogant.

[16:24]   When they are asked, "What do you think of these revelations from your Lord," they say, "Tales from the past."

[16:25]   They will be held responsible for their sins on the Day of Resurrection, all of them, in addition to sins of all those whom they misled by their ignorance. What a miserable load!

[16:26]   Others like them have schemed in the past, and consequently, GOD destroyed their building at the foundation, causing the roof to fall on them. The retribution struck them when they least expected.

[16:27]   Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them and ask, "Where are My partners that you had set up beside Me, and had opposed Me for their sake?" Those blessed with knowledge will say, "Today, the shame and misery have befallen the disbelievers."

[16:28]   The angels put them to death in a state of wronging their souls. That is when they finally submit, and say, "We did not do anything wrong!" Yes indeed. GOD is fully aware of everything you have done.

[16:29]   Therefore, enter the gates of Hell, wherein you abide forever. What a miserable destiny for the arrogant ones.

[16:30]   As for the righteous, when they are asked, "What do you think of these revelations from your Lord," they say, "Good." For those who lead a righteous life, happiness; and the abode of the Hereafter is even better. What a blissful abode for the righteous.

[16:31]   The gardens of Eden are reserved for them, wherein rivers flow. They have anything they wish therein. GOD thus rewards the righteous.

[16:32]   The angels terminate their lives in a state of righteousness, saying, "Peace be upon you. Enter Paradise (now) as a reward for your works."

[16:33]   Are they waiting for the angels to come to them, or until your Lord's judgment comes to pass? Those before them did the same thing. GOD is not the One who wronged them; they are the ones who wronged their own souls.

[16:34]   They have incurred the consequences of their evil works, and the very things they ridiculed came back to haunt them.

[16:35]   The idol worshipers say, "Had GOD willed, we would not worship any idols besides Him, nor would our parents. Nor would we prohibit anything besides His prohibitions."  Those before them have done the same. Can the messengers do anything but deliver the complete message?

[16:36]   We have sent a messenger to every community, saying, "You shall worship GOD, and avoid idolatry." Subsequently, some were guided by GOD, while others were committed to straying. Roam the earth and note the consequences for the rejectors.

[16:37]   No matter how hard you try to guide them, GOD does not guide the ones He had committed to straying. Thus, no one can help them.

[16:38]   They swore solemnly by GOD: "GOD will not resurrect the dead." Absolutely, such is His inviolable promise, but most people do not know.

[16:39]   He will then point out to everyone all the things they had disputed, and will let those who disbelieved know that they were liars.

[16:40]   To have anything done, we simply say to it, "Be," and it is.

[16:41]   Those who emigrated for the sake of GOD, because they were persecuted, we will surely make it up to them generously in this life, and the recompense of the Hereafter is even greater, if they only knew.

[16:42]   This is because they steadfastly persevere, and in their Lord they trust.

[16:43]   We did not send before you except men whom we inspired.  Ask those who know the scripture, if you do not know.

[16:44]   We provided them with the proofs and the scriptures. And we sent down to you this message, to proclaim for the people everything that is sent down to them, perhaps they will reflect.

[16:45]   Did those who scheme evil schemes guarantee that GOD will not cause the earth to swallow them, or that the retribution will not come to them when they least expect it?

[16:46]   It may strike them while they are asleep; they can never escape.

[16:47]   Or it may strike them while they are fearfully expecting it. Your Lord is Compassionate, Most Merciful.

[16:48]   Have they not seen all the things created by GOD? Their shadows surround them right and left, in total submission to GOD, and willingly.

[16:49]   To GOD prostrates everything in the heavens and everything on earth - every creature - and so do the angels; without the least arrogance.

[16:50]   They reverence their Lord, high above them, and they do what they are commanded to do.

[16:51]   GOD has proclaimed: "Do not worship two gods; there is only one god. You shall reverence Me alone."

[16:52]   To Him belongs everything in the heavens and the earth and therefore, the religion shall be devoted absolutely to Him alone. Would you worship other than GOD?

[16:53]   Any blessing you enjoy is from GOD. Yet, whenever you incur any adversity you immediately complain to Him.

[16:54]   Yet, as soon as He relieves your affliction, some of you revert to idol worship.

[16:55]   Let them disbelieve in what we have given them. Go ahead and enjoy temporarily; you will surely find out.

[16:56]   They designate for the idols they set up out of ignorance, a share of the provisions we bestow upon them.  By GOD, you will be held accountable for your innovations.

[16:57]   They even assign daughters to GOD, be He glorified, while they prefer for themselves what they like.

[16:58]   When one of them gets a baby girl, his face becomes darkened with overwhelming grief.

[16:59]   Ashamed, he hides from the people, because of the bad news given to him. He even ponders: should he keep the baby grudgingly, or bury her in the dust. Miserable indeed is their judgment.

[16:60]   Those who do not believe in the Hereafter set the worst examples, while to GOD belongs the most sublime examples.  He is the Almighty, the Most Wise.

[16:61]   If GOD punished the people for their transgressions, He would have annihilated every creature on earth. But He respites them for a specific, predetermined time. Once their interim ends, they cannot delay it by one hour, nor advance it.

[16:62]   They ascribe to GOD what they dislike for themselves, then utter the lie with their own tongues that they are righteous! Without any doubt, they have incurred Hell, for they have rebelled.

[16:63]   By GOD, we have sent (messengers) to communities before you, but the devil adorned their works in their eyes.  Consequently, he is now their lord, and they have incurred a painful retribution.

[16:64]   We have revealed this scripture to you, to point out for them what they dispute, and to provide guidance and mercy for people who believe.

[16:65]   GOD sends down from the sky water to revive the land after it had died. This should be (sufficient) proof for people who hear.

[16:66]   And in the livestock there is a lesson for you: we provide you with a drink from their bellies. From the midst of digested food and blood, you get pure milk, delicious for the drinkers.

[16:67]   And from the fruits of date palms and grapes you produce intoxicants, as well as good provisions. This should be (sufficient) proof for people who understand.

[16:68]   And your Lord inspired the bee: build homes in mountains and trees, and in (the hives) they build for you.

[16:69]   Then eat from all the fruits, following the design of your Lord, precisely. From their bellies comes a drink of different colors, wherein there is healing for the people. This should be (sufficient) proof for people who reflect.

[16:70]   GOD created you, then He terminates your lives. He lets some of you live to the oldest age, only to find out that there is a limit to the knowledge they can acquire. GOD is Omniscient, Omnipotent.

[16:71]   GOD has provided for some of you more than others. Those who are given plenty would never give their properties to their subordinates to the extent of making them partners.  Would they give up GOD's blessings?

[16:72]   And GOD made for you spouses from among yourselves, and produced for you from your spouses children and grandchildren, and provided you with good provisions.  Should they believe in falsehood, and turn unappreciative of GOD's blessings?

[16:73]   Yet, they worship beside GOD what possesses no provisions for them in the heavens, nor on earth, nor can provide them with anything.

[16:74]   Therefore, do not cite the examples for GOD; GOD knows while you do not know.

[16:75]   GOD cites the example of a slave who is owned, and is totally powerless, compared to one whom we blessed with good provisions, from which he gives to charity secretly and publicly. Are they equal? Praise be to GOD, most of them do not know.

[16:76]   And GOD cites the example of two men: one is dumb, lacks the ability to do anything, is totally dependent on his master - whichever way he directs him, he cannot produce anything good. Is he equal to one who rules with justice, and is guided in the right path?

[16:77]   To GOD belongs the future of the heavens and the earth.  As far as He is concerned, the end of the world (the Hour) is a blink of an eye away, or even closer. GOD is Omnipotent.

[16:78]   GOD brought you out of your mothers' bellies knowing nothing, and He gave you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brains, that you may be appreciative.

[16:79]   Do they not see the birds committed to fly in the atmosphere of the sky? None holds them up in the air except GOD. This should be (sufficient) proof for people who believe.

[16:80]   And GOD provided for you stationary homes where you can live. And He provided for you portable homes made of the hides of livestock, so you can use them when you travel, and when you settle down. And from their wools, furs, and hair, you make furnishings and luxuries for awhile.

[16:81]   And GOD provided for you shade through things which He created, and provided for you shelters in the mountains, and provided for you garments that protect you from heat, and garments that protect when you fight in wars. He thus perfects His blessings upon you, that you may submit.

[16:82]   If they still turn away, then your sole mission is the clear delivery (of the message).

[16:83]   They fully recognize GOD's blessings, then deny them; the majority of them are disbelievers.

[16:84]   The day will come when we raise from every community a witness, then those who disbelieved will not be permitted (to speak), nor will they be excused.

[16:85]   Once those who transgressed see the retribution, it will be too late; it will not be commuted for them, nor will they be respited.

[16:86]   And when those who committed idol worship see their idols, they will say, "Our Lord, these are the idols we had set up beside You." The idols will then confront them and say, "You are liars."

[16:87]   They will totally submit to GOD on that day, and the idols they had invented will disown them.

[16:88]   Those who disbelieve and repel from the path of GOD, we augment their retribution by adding more retribution, due to their transgressions.

[16:89]   The day will come when we will raise from every community a witness from among them, and bring you as the witness of these people. We have revealed to you this book to provide explanations for everything, and guidance, and mercy, and good news for the submitters.

[16:90]   GOD advocates justice, charity, and regarding the relatives. And He forbids evil, vice, and transgression.  He enlightens you, that you may take heed.

[16:91]   You shall fulfill your covenant with GOD when you make such a covenant. You shall not violate the oaths after swearing (by God) to carry them out, for you have made GOD a guarantor for you. GOD knows everything you do.

[16:92]   Do not be like the knitter who unravels her strong knitting into piles of flimsy yarn. This is your example if you abuse the oaths to take advantage of one another.  Whether one group is larger than the other, GOD thus puts you to the test. He will surely show you on the Day of Resurrection everything you had disputed.

[16:93]   Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation.  But He sends astray whoever chooses to go astray, and He guides whoever wishes to be guided. You will surely be asked about everything you have done.

[16:94]   Do not abuse the oaths among you, lest you slide back after having a strong foothold, then you incur misery.  Such is the consequence of repelling from the path of GOD (by setting a bad example); you incur a terrible retribution.

[16:95]   Do not sell your oaths short before GOD. What GOD possesses is far better for you, if you only knew.

[16:96]   What you possess runs out, but what GOD possesses lasts forever. We will surely reward those who steadfastly persevere; we will recompense them for their righteous works.

[16:97]   Anyone who works righteousness, male or female, while believing, we will surely grant them a happy life in this world, and we will surely pay them their full recompense (on the Day of Judgment) for their righteous works.

[16:98]   When you read the Quran, you shall seek refuge in GOD from Satan the rejected.

[16:99]   He has no power over those who believe and trust in their Lord.

[16:100]   His power is limited to those who choose him as their master, those who choose him as their god.

[16:101]   When we substitute one revelation in place of another, and GOD is fully aware of what He reveals, they say, "You made this up!" Indeed, most of them do not know.

[16:102]   Say, "The Holy Spirit has brought it down from your Lord, truthfully, to assure those who believe, and to provide a beacon and good news for the submitters."

[16:103]   We are fully aware that they say, "A human being is teaching him!" The tongue of the source they hint at is non-Arabic, and this is a perfect Arabic tongue.

[16:104]   Surely, those who do not believe in GOD's revelations, GOD does not guide them. They have incurred a painful retribution.

[16:105]   The only ones who fabricate false doctrines are those who do not believe in GOD's revelations; they are the real liars.

[16:106]   Those who disbelieve in GOD, after having acquired faith, and become fully content with disbelief, have incurred wrath from GOD. The only ones to be excused are those who are forced to profess disbelief, while their hearts are full of faith.

[16:107]   This is because they have given priority to this life over the Hereafter, and GOD does not guide such disbelieving people.

[16:108]   Those are the ones whom GOD has sealed their hearts, and their hearing, and their eyesight. Consequently, they remain unaware.

[16:109]   Without a doubt, they will be the losers in the Hereafter.

[16:110]   As for those who emigrate because of persecution, then continue to strive and steadfastly persevere, your Lord, because of all this, is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[16:111]   The day will come when every soul will serve as its own advocate, and every soul will be paid fully for whatever it had done, without the least injustice.

[16:112]   GOD cites the example of a community that used to be secure and prosperous, with provisions coming to it from everywhere. But then, it turned unappreciative of GOD's blessings. Consequently, GOD caused them to taste the hardships of starvation and insecurity. Such is the requital for what they did.

[16:113]   A messenger had gone to them from among them, but they rejected him. Consequently, the retribution struck them for their transgression.

[16:114]   Therefore, you shall eat from GOD's provisions everything that is lawful and good, and be appreciative of GOD's blessings, if you do worship Him alone.

[16:115]   He only prohibits for you dead animals, blood, the meat of pigs, and food which is dedicated to other than GOD.  If one is forced (to eat these), without being deliberate or malicious, then GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[16:116]   You shall not utter lies with your own tongues stating: "This is lawful, and this is unlawful," to fabricate lies and attribute them to GOD. Surely, those who fabricate lies and attribute them to GOD will never succeed.

[16:117]   They enjoy briefly, then suffer painful retribution.

[16:118]   For the Jews, we prohibited what we narrated to you previously. It was not us who wronged them; they are the ones who wronged their own souls.

[16:119]   Yet, as regards those who fall in sin out of ignorance then repent thereafter and reform, your Lord, after this is done, is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[16:120]   Abraham was indeed an exemplary vanguard in his submission to GOD, a monotheist who never worshipped idols.

[16:121]   Because he was appreciative of His Lord's blessings, He chose him and guided him in a straight path.

[16:122]   We granted him happiness in this life, and in the Hereafter he will be with the righteous.

[16:123]   Then we inspired you (Muhammad) to follow the religion of Abraham, the monotheist; he never was an idol worshiper.

[16:124]   The Sabbath was decreed only for those who ended up disputing it (Jews & Christians). Your Lord is the One who will judge them on the Day of Resurrection regarding their disputes.

[16:125]   You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones.

[16:126]   And if you punish, you shall inflict an equivalent punishment. But if you resort to patience (instead of revenge), it would be better for the patient ones.

[16:127]   You shall resort to patience - and your patience is attainable only with GOD's help. Do not grieve over them, and do not be annoyed by their schemes.

[16:128]   GOD is with those who lead a righteous life, and those who are charitable.

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17-   The Children of Israel (Bani Israel)

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In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[17:1]   Most glorified is the One who summoned His servant (Muhammad) during the night, from the Sacred Masjid (of Mecca) to the farthest place of prostration, whose surroundings we have blessed, in order to show him some of our signs. He is the Hearer, the Seer.

[17:2]   Similarly, we gave Moses the scripture, and rendered it a beacon for the Children of Israel that: "You shall not set up any idol as a Lord and Master beside Me."

[17:3]   They are descendants of those whom we carried with Noah; he was an appreciative servant.

[17:4]   We addressed the Children of Israel in the scripture: "You will commit gross evil on earth, twice. You are destined to fall into great heights of arrogance.

[17:5]   "When the first time comes to pass, we will send against you servants of ours who possess great might, and they will invade your homes. This is a prophecy that must come to pass.

[17:6]   "Afterwards, we will give you a turn over them, and will supply you with a lot of wealth and children; we will give you the upper hand.

[17:7]   "If you work righteousness, you work righteousness for your own good, but if you commit evil you do so to your own detriment. Thus, when the second time comes to pass, they will defeat you and enter the masjid, just as they did the first time. They will wipe out all the gains you had accomplished."

[17:8]   Your Lord showers you with His mercy. But if you revert to transgression, we will counter with retribution. We have designated Gehenna as a final abode for the disbelievers.

[17:9]   This Quran guides to the best path, and brings good news to the believers who lead a righteous life, that they have deserved a great recompense.

[17:10]   As for those who disbelieve in the Hereafter, we have prepared for them a painful retribution.

[17:11]   The human being often prays for something that may hurt him, thinking that he is praying for something good. The human being is impatient.

[17:12]   We rendered the night and the day two signs. We made the night dark, and the day lighted, that you may seek provisions from your Lord therein. This also establishes for you a timing system, and the means of calculation. We thus explain everything in detail.

[17:13]   We have recorded the fate of every human being; it is tied to his neck. On the Day of Resurrection we will hand him a record that is accessible.

[17:14]   Read your own record. Today, you suffice as your own reckoner.

[17:15]   Whoever is guided, is guided for his own good, and whoever goes astray does so to his own detriment. No sinner will bear the sins of anyone else. We never punish without first sending a messenger.

[17:16]   If we are to annihilate any community, we let the leaders commit vast corruption therein. Once they deserve retribution, we annihilate it completely.

[17:17]   Many a generation have we annihilated after Noah. Your Lord is most efficient in dealing with the sins of His servants; He is fully Cognizant, Seer.

[17:18]   Anyone who chooses this fleeting life as his priority, we will rush to him what we decide to give him, then we commit him to Gehenna, where he suffers forever, despised and defeated.

[17:19]   As for those who choose the Hereafter as their priority, and work righteousness, while believing, their efforts will be appreciated.

[17:20]   For each one of them we provide; we provide for those and these from your Lord's bounties. Your Lord's bounties are inexhaustible.

[17:21]   Note how we preferred some people above others (in this life). The differences in the Hereafter are far greater and far more significant.

[17:22]   You shall not set up any other god beside GOD, lest you end up despised and disgraced.

[17:23]   Your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship except Him, and your parents shall be honored. As long as one or both of them live, you shall never say to them, "Uff" (the slightest gesture of annoyance), nor shall you shout at them; you shall treat them amicably.

[17:24]   And lower for them the wings of humility, and kindness, and say, "My Lord, have mercy on them, for they have raised me from infancy."

[17:25]   Your Lord is fully aware of your innermost thoughts. If you maintain righteousness, He is Forgiver of those who repent.

[17:26]   You shall give the due alms to the relatives, the needy, the poor, and the traveling alien, but do not be excessive, extravagant.

[17:27]   The extravagant are brethren of the devils, and the devil is unappreciative of his Lord.

[17:28]   Even if you have to turn away from them, as you pursue the mercy of your Lord, you shall treat them in the nicest manner.

[17:29]   You shall not keep your hand stingily tied to your neck, nor shall you foolishly open it up, lest you end up blamed and sorry.

[17:30]   For your Lord increases the provision for anyone He chooses, and reduces it. He is fully Cognizant of His creatures, Seer.

[17:31]   You shall not kill your children due to fear of poverty.  We provide for them, as well as for you. Killing them is a gross offense.

[17:32]   You shall not commit adultery; it is a gross sin, and an evil behavior.

[17:33]   You shall not kill any person - for GOD has made life sacred - except in the course of justice. If one is killed unjustly, then we give his heir authority to enforce justice. Thus, he shall not exceed the limits in avenging the murder; he will be helped.

[17:34]   You shall not touch the orphans' money except for their own good, until they reach maturity. You shall fulfill your covenants, for a covenant is a great responsibility.

[17:35]   You shall give full measure when you trade, and weigh equitably. This is better and more righteous.

[17:36]   You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them.

[17:37]   You shall not walk proudly on earth - you cannot bore through the earth, nor can you be as tall as the mountains.

[17:38]   All bad behavior is condemned by your Lord.

[17:39]   This is some of the wisdom inspired to you by your Lord.  You shall not set up another god beside GOD, lest you end up in Gehenna, blamed and defeated.

[17:40]   Has your Lord given you boys, while giving Himself the angels as daughters?! How could you utter such a blasphemy?

[17:41]   We have cited in this Quran (all kinds of examples), that they may take heed. But it only augments their aversion.

[17:42]   Say, "If there were any other gods beside Him, as they claim, they would have tried to overthrow the Possessor of the throne."

[17:43]   Be He glorified, He is much too exalted, far above their utterances.

[17:44]   Glorifying Him are the seven universes, the earth, and everyone in them. There is nothing that does not glorify Him, but you do not understand their glorification. He is Clement, Forgiver.

[17:45]   When you read the Quran, we place between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter an invisible barrier.

[17:46]   We place shields around their minds, to prevent them from understanding it, and deafness in their ears. And when you preach your Lord, using the Quran alone, they run away in aversion.

[17:47]   We are fully aware of what they hear, when they listen to you, and when they conspire secretly - the disbelievers say, "You are following a crazy man."

[17:48]   Note how they describe you, and how this causes them to stray off the path.

[17:49]   They said, "After we turn into bones and fragments, we get resurrected anew?!"

[17:50]   Say, "Even if you turn into rocks or iron.

[17:51]   "Even if you turn into any kind of creation that you deem impossible." They will then say, "Who will bring us back?" Say, "The One who created you in the first place." They will then shake their heads and say, "When will that be?" Say, "It may be closer than you think."

[17:52]   The day He summons you, you will respond by praising Him, and you will then realize that you had lasted in this life but a short while.

[17:53]   Tell My servants to treat each other in the best possible manner, for the devil will always try to drive a wedge among them. Surely, the devil is man's most ardent enemy.

[17:54]   Your Lord knows you best. According to His knowledge, He may shower you with mercy, or He may requite you. We did not send you to be their advocate.

[17:55]   Your Lord is the best knower of everyone in the heavens and the earth. In accordance with this knowledge, we preferred some prophets over others. For example, we gave David the Psalms.

[17:56]   Say, "Implore whatever idols you have set up beside Him." They have no power to relieve your afflictions, nor can they prevent them.

[17:57]   Even the idols that they implore are seeking the ways and means towards their Lord. They pray for His mercy, and fear His retribution. Surely, the retribution of your Lord is dreadful.

[17:58]   There is not a community that we will not annihilate before the Day of Resurrection, or inflict severe retribution upon them. This is already written down in the book.

[17:59]   What stopped us from sending the miracles is that the previous generations have rejected them. For example, we showed Thamoud the camel, a profound (miracle), but they transgressed against it. We sent the miracles only to instill reverence.

[17:60]   We informed you that your Lord fully controls the people, and we rendered the vision that we showed you a test for the people, and the tree that is accursed in the Quran.  We showed them solid proofs to instill reverence in them, but this only augmented their defiance.

[17:61]   When we said to the angels, "Fall prostrate before Adam," they fell prostrate, except Satan. He said, "Shall I prostrate to one You created from mud?"

[17:62]   He said, "Since You have honored him over me, if You respite me till the Day of Resurrection, I will possess all his descendants, except a few."

[17:63]   He said, "Then go; you and those who follow you will end up in Hell as your requital; an equitable requital.

[17:64]   "You may entice them with your voice, and mobilize all your forces and all your men against them, and share in their money and children, and promise them. Anything the devil promises is no more than an illusion.

[17:65]   "As for My servants, you have no power over them." Your Lord suffices as an advocate.

[17:66]   Your Lord is the One who causes the ships to float on the ocean, that you may seek His bounties. He is Most Merciful towards you.

[17:67]   If you are afflicted in the middle of the sea, you forget your idols and sincerely implore Him alone. But as soon as He saves you to the shore, you revert. Indeed, the human being is unappreciative.

[17:68]   Have you guaranteed that He will not cause the land, on shore, to swallow you? Or, that He will not send upon you a tempest, then you find no protector?

[17:69]   Have you guaranteed that He will not return you to the sea another time, then send upon you a storm that drowns you because of your disbelief? Once this happens, we will not give you another chance.

[17:70]   We have honored the children of Adam, and provided them with rides on land and in the sea. We provided for them good provisions, and we gave them greater advantages than many of our creatures.

[17:71]   The day will come when we summon every people, together with their record. As for those who are given a record of righteousness, they will read their record and will not suffer the least injustice.

[17:72]   As for those who are blind in this life, they will be blind in the Hereafter; even a lot worse.

[17:73]   They almost diverted you from the revelations we have given you. They wanted you to fabricate something else, in order to consider you a friend.

[17:74]   If it were not that we strengthened you, you almost leaned towards them just a little bit.

[17:75]   Had you done that, we would have doubled the retribution for you in this life, and after death, and you would have found no one to help you against us.

[17:76]   They almost banished you from the land to get rid of you, so they could revert as soon as you left.

[17:77]   This has been consistently the case with all the messengers that we sent before you, and you will find that our system never changes.

[17:78]   You shall observe the Contact Prayer (Salat) when the sun declines from its highest point at noon, as it moves towards sunset. You shall also observe (the recitation of) the Quran at dawn. (Reciting) the Quran at dawn is witnessed.

[17:79]   During the night, you shall meditate for extra credit, that your Lord may raise you to an honorable rank.

[17:80]   And say, "My Lord, admit me an honorable admittance, and let me depart an honorable departure, and grant me from You a powerful support."

[17:81]   Proclaim, "The truth has prevailed, and falsehood has vanished; falsehood will inevitably vanish."

[17:82]   We send down in the Quran healing and mercy for the believers. At the same time, it only increases the wickedness of the transgressors.

[17:83]   When we bless the human being, he becomes preoccupied and heedless. But when adversity strikes him, he turns despondent.

[17:84]   Say, "Everyone works in accordance with his belief, and your Lord knows best which ones are guided in the right path."

[17:85]   They ask you about the revelation. Say, "The revelation comes from my Lord. The knowledge given to you is minute."

[17:86]   If we will, we can take back what we revealed to you, then you will find no protector against us.

[17:87]   This is but mercy from your Lord. His blessings upon you have been great.

[17:88]   Say, "If all the humans and all the jinns banded together in order to produce a Quran like this, they could never produce anything like it, no matter how much assistance they lent one another."

[17:89]   We have cited for the people in this Quran all kinds of examples, but most people insist upon disbelieving.

[17:90]   They said, "We will not believe you unless you cause a spring to gush out of the ground.

[17:91]   "Or unless you own a garden of date palms and grapes, with rivers running through it.

[17:92]   "Or unless you cause masses from the sky, as you claimed, to fall on us. Or unless you bring GOD and the angels before our eyes.

[17:93]   "Or unless you own a luxurious mansion, or unless you climb into the sky. Even if you do climb, we will not believe unless you bring a book that we can read." Say, "Glory be to my Lord. Am I any more than a human messenger?"

[17:94]   What prevented the people from believing when the guidance came to them is their saying, "Did GOD send a human being as a messenger?"

[17:95]   Say, "If the earth were inhabited by angels, we would have sent down to them from the sky an angel messenger."

[17:96]   Say, "GOD suffices as a witness between me and you. He is fully Cognizant of His worshipers, Seer."

[17:97]   Whomever GOD guides is the truly guided one. And whomever He sends astray, you will never find for them any lords and masters beside Him. We will summon them on the Day of Resurrection forcibly; blind, dumb, and deaf. Their destination is Hell; whenever it cools down, we will increase their fire.

[17:98]   Such is their just retribution, since they rejected our revelations. They said, "After we turn into bones and fragments, do we get resurrected into a new creation?"

[17:99]   Could they not see that the GOD who created the heavens and the earth is able to create the same creations? (That) He has predetermined for them an irrevocable life span? Yet, the disbelievers insist upon disbelieving.

[17:100]   Proclaim, "If you possessed my Lord's treasures of mercy, you would have withheld them, fearing that you might exhaust them. The human being is stingy."

[17:101]   We supported Moses with nine profound miracles - ask the Children of Israel. When he went to them, Pharaoh said to him, "I think that you, Moses, are bewitched."

[17:102]   He said, "You know full well that no one can manifest these except, obviously, the Lord of the heavens and the earth. I think that you, Pharaoh, are doomed."

[17:103]   When he pursued them, as he chased them out of the land, we drowned him, together with those who sided with him, all of them.

[17:104]   And we said to the Children of Israel afterwards, "Go live into this land. When the final prophecy comes to pass, we will summon you all in one group."

[17:105]   Truthfully, we sent it down, and with the truth it came down. We did not send you except as a bearer of good news, as well as a warner.

[17:106]   A Quran that we have released slowly, in order for you to read it to the people over a long period, although we sent it down all at once.

[17:107]   Proclaim, "Believe in it, or do not believe in it." Those who possess knowledge from the previous scriptures, when it is recited to them, they fall down to their chins, prostrating.

[17:108]   They say, "Glory be to our Lord. This fulfills our Lord's prophecy."

[17:109]   They fall down on their chins, prostrating and weeping,  for it augments their reverence.

[17:110]   Say, "Call Him GOD, or call Him the Most Gracious; whichever name you use, to Him belongs the best names." You shall not utter your Contact Prayers (Salat) too loudly, nor secretly; use a moderate tone.

[17:111]   And proclaim: "Praise be to GOD, who has never begotten a son, nor does He have a partner in His kingship, nor does He need any ally out of weakness," and magnify Him constantly.

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18-   The Cave (Al-Kahf)

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In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[18:1]   Praise GOD, who revealed to His servant this scripture, and made it flawless.

[18:2]   A perfect (scripture) to warn of severe retribution from Him, and to deliver good news to the believers who lead a righteous life, that they have earned a generous recompense.

[18:3]   Wherein they abide forever.

[18:4]   And to warn those who said, "GOD has begotten a son!"

[18:5]   They possess no knowledge about this, nor did their parents. What a blasphemy coming out of their mouths! What they utter is a gross lie.

[18:6]   You may blame yourself on account of their response to this narration, and their disbelieving in it; you may be saddened.

[18:7]   We have adorned everything on earth, in order to test them, and thus distinguish those among them who work righteousness.

[18:8]   Inevitably, we will wipe out everything on it, leaving it completely barren.

[18:9]   Why else do you think we are telling you about the people of the cave, and the numbers connected with them? They are among our wondrous signs.

[18:10]   When the youths took refuge in the cave, they said, "Our Lord, shower us with Your mercy, and bless our affairs with Your guidance."

[18:11]   We then sealed their ears in the cave for a predetermined number of years.

[18:12]   Then we resurrected them to see which of the two parties could count the duration of their stay therein.

[18:13]   We narrate to you their history, truthfully. They were youths who believed in their Lord, and we increased their guidance.

[18:14]   We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and proclaimed: "Our only Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. We will never worship any other god beside Him. Otherwise, we would be far astray.

[18:15]   "Here are our people setting up gods beside Him. If only they could provide any proof to support their stand! Who is more evil than the one who fabricates lies and attributes them to GOD?

[18:16]   "Since you wish to avoid them, and their worshipping of other than GOD, let us take refuge in the cave. May your Lord shower you with His mercy and direct you to the right decision."

[18:17]   You could see the sun when it rose coming from the right side of their cave, and when it set, it shone on them from the left, as they slept in the hollow thereof. This is one of GOD's portents. Whomever GOD guides is the truly guided one, and whomever He sends astray, you will not find for him a guiding teacher.

[18:18]   You would think that they were awake, when they were in fact asleep. We turned them to the right side and the left side, while their dog stretched his arms in their midst. Had you looked at them, you would have fled from them, stricken with terror.

[18:19]   When we resurrected them, they asked each other, "How long have you been here?" "We have been here one day or part of the day," they answered. "Your Lord knows best how long we stayed here, so let us send one of us with this money to the city. Let him fetch the cleanest food, and buy some for us. Let him keep a low profile, and attract no attention.

[18:20]   "If they discover you, they will stone you, or force you to revert to their religion, then you can never succeed."

[18:21]   We caused them to be discovered, to let everyone know that GOD's promise is true, and to remove all doubt concerning the end of the world. The people then disputed among themselves regarding them. Some said, "Let us build a building around them." Their Lord is the best knower about them. Those who prevailed said, "We will build a place of worship around them."

[18:22]   Some would say, "They were three; their dog being the fourth," while others would say, "Five; the sixth being their dog," as they guessed. Others said, "Seven," and the eighth was their dog. Say, "My Lord is the best knower of their number." Only a few knew the correct number. Therefore, do not argue with them; just go along with them. You need not consult anyone about this.

[18:23]   You shall not say that you will do anything in the future,

[18:24]   without saying, "GOD willing." If you forget to do this, you must immediately remember your Lord and say, "May my Lord guide me to do better next time."

[18:25]   They stayed in their cave three hundred years, increased by nine.

[18:26]   Say, "GOD is the best knower of how long they stayed there." He knows all secrets in the heavens and the earth. By His grace you can see; by His grace you can hear. There is none beside Him as Lord and Master, and He never permits any partners to share in His kingship.

[18:27]   You shall recite what is revealed to you of your Lord's scripture. Nothing shall abrogate His words, and you shall not find any other source beside it.

[18:28]   You shall force yourself to be with those who worship their Lord day and night, seeking Him alone. Do not turn your eyes away from them, seeking the vanities of this world. Nor shall you obey one whose heart we rendered oblivious to our message; one who pursues his own desires, and whose priorities are confused.

[18:29]   Proclaim: "This is the truth from your Lord," then whoever wills let him believe, and whoever wills let him disbelieve. We have prepared for the transgressors a fire that will completely surround them. When they scream for help, they will be given a liquid like concentrated acid that scalds the faces. What a miserable drink! What a miserable destiny!

[18:30]   As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, we never fail to recompense those who work righteousness.

[18:31]    They have deserved gardens of Eden wherein rivers flow.  They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold, and will wear clothes of green silk and velvet, and will rest on comfortable furnishings. What a wonderful reward; what a wonderful abode!

[18:32]   Cite for them the example of two men: we gave one of them two gardens of grapes, surrounded by date palms, and placed other crops between them.

[18:33]   Both gardens produced their crops on time, and generously, for we caused a river to run through them.

[18:34]   Once, after harvesting, he boastfully told his friend: "I am far more prosperous than you, and I command more respect from the people."

[18:35]   When he entered his garden, he wronged his soul by saying, "I do not think that this will ever end.

[18:36]   "Moreover, I think this is it; I do not think that the Hour (the Hereafter) will ever come to pass. Even if I am returned to my Lord, I will (be clever enough to) possess an even better one over there."

[18:37]   His friend said to him, as he debated with him, "Have you disbelieved in the One who created you from dust, then from a tiny drop, then perfected you into a man?

[18:38]   "As for me, GOD is my Lord, and I will never set up any other god besides my Lord.

[18:39]   "When you entered your garden, you should have said, `This is what GOD has given me (Maa Shaa Allah). No one possesses power except GOD (La Quwwata Ellaa Bellaah).'  You may see that I possess less money and less children than you.

[18:40]   "My Lord may grant me better than your garden. He may send a violent storm from the sky that wipes out your garden, leaving it completely barren.

[18:41]   "Or, its water may sink deeper, out of your reach."

[18:42]   Indeed, his crops were wiped out, and he ended up sorrowful, lamenting what he had spent on it in vain, as his property lay barren. He finally said, "I wish I never set up my property as a god beside my Lord."

[18:43]   No force on earth could have helped him against GOD, nor was it possible for him to receive any help.

[18:44]   That is because the only true Lord and master is GOD; He provides the best recompense, and with Him is the best destiny.

[18:45]   Cite for them the example of this life as water that we send down from the sky to produce plants of the earth, then they turn into hay that is blown away by the wind.  GOD is able to do all things.

[18:46]   Money and children are the joys of this life, but the righteous works provide an eternal recompense from your Lord, and a far better hope.

[18:47]   The day will come when we wipe out the mountains, and you will see the earth barren. We will summon them all, not leaving out a single one of them.

[18:48]   They will be presented before your Lord in a row. You have come to us as individuals, just as we created you initially. Indeed, this is what you claimed will never happen.

[18:49]   The record will be shown, and you will see the guilty fearful of its contents. They will say, "Woe to us. How come this book leaves nothing, small or large, without counting it?" They will find everything they had done brought forth. Your Lord is never unjust towards anyone.

[18:50]   We said to the angels, "Fall prostrate before Adam." They fell prostrate, except Satan. He became a jinn, for he disobeyed the order of His Lord. Will you choose him and his descendants as lords instead of Me, even though they are your enemies? What a miserable substitute!

[18:51]   I never permitted them to witness the creation of the heavens and the earth, nor the creation of themselves.  Nor do I permit the wicked to work in My kingdom.

[18:52]   The day will come when He says, "Call upon My partners, whom you claimed to be gods beside Me," they will call on them, but they will not respond to them. An insurmountable barrier will separate them from each other.

[18:53]   The guilty will see Hell, and will realize that they will fall into it. They will have no escape therefrom.

[18:54]   We have cited in this Quran every kind of example, but the human being is the most argumentative creature.

[18:55]   Nothing prevented the people from believing, when the guidance came to them, and from seeking the forgiveness of their Lord, except that they demanded to see the same (kind of miracles) as the previous generations, or challenged to see the retribution beforehand.

[18:56]   We only send the messengers as simply deliverers of good news, as well as warners. Those who disbelieve argue with falsehood to defeat the truth, and they take My proofs and warnings in vain.

[18:57]   Who are more evil than those who are reminded of their Lord's proofs, then disregard them, without realizing what they are doing. Consequently, we place shields on their hearts to prevent them from understanding it (the Quran), and deafness in their ears. Thus, no matter what you do to guide them, they can never ever be guided.

[18:58]   Yet, your Lord is the Forgiver, full of mercy. If He called them to account for their deeds, He would annihilate them right there and then. Instead, He gives them a respite until a specific, predetermined time; then they can never escape.

[18:59]   Many a community we annihilated because of their transgressions; we designated a specific time for their annihilation.

[18:60]   Moses said to his servant, "I will not rest until I reach the point where the two rivers meet, no matter how long it takes."

[18:61]   When they reached the point where they met, they forgot their fish, and it found its way back to the river, sneakily.

[18:62]   After they passed that point, he said to his servant, "Let us have lunch. All this traveling has thoroughly exhausted us."

[18:63]   He said, "Remember when we sat by the rock back there? I paid no attention to the fish. It was the devil who made me forget it, and it found its way back to the river, strangely."

[18:64]   (Moses) said, "That was the place we were looking for." They traced their steps back.

[18:65]   They found one of our servants, whom we blessed with mercy, and bestowed upon him from our own knowledge.

[18:66]   Moses said to him, "Can I follow you, that you may teach me some of the knowledge and the guidance bestowed upon you?"

[18:67]   He said, "You cannot stand to be with me.

[18:68]   "How can you stand that which you do not comprehend?"

[18:69]   He said, "You will find me, GOD willing, patient. I will not disobey any command you give me."

[18:70]   He said, "If you follow me, then you shall not ask me about anything, unless I choose to tell you about it."

[18:71]   So they went. When they boarded a ship, he bore a hole in it. He said, "Did you bore a hole in it to drown its people? You have committed something terrible."

[18:72]   He said, "Did I not say that you cannot stand to be with me?"

[18:73]   He said, "I am sorry. Do not punish me for my forgetfulness; do not be too harsh with me."

[18:74]   So they went. When they met a young boy, he killed him.  He said, "Why did you kill such an innocent person, who did not kill another person? You have committed something horrendous."

[18:75]   He said, "Did I not tell you that you cannot stand to be with me?"

[18:76]   He said, "If I ask you about anything else, then do not keep me with you. You have seen enough apologies from me."

[18:77]   So they went. When they reached a certain community, they asked the people for food, but they refused to host them.  Soon, they found a wall about to collapse, and he fixed it. He said, "You could have demanded a wage for that!"

[18:78]   He said, "Now we have to part company. But I will explain to you everything you could not stand.

[18:79]   "As for the ship, it belonged to poor fishermen, and I wanted to render it defective. There was a king coming after them, who was confiscating every ship, forcibly.

[18:80]   "As for the boy, his parents were good believers, and we saw that he was going to burden them with his transgression and disbelief.

[18:81]   "We willed that your Lord substitute in his place another son; one who is better in righteousness and kindness.

[18:82]   "As for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the city. Under it, there was a treasure that belonged to them. Because their father was a righteous man, your Lord wanted them to grow up and attain full strength, then extract their treasure. Such is mercy from your Lord. I did none of that of my own volition. This is the explanation of the things you could not stand."

[18:83]   They ask you about Zul-Qarnain. Say, "I will narrate to you some of his history."

[18:84]   We granted him authority on earth, and provided him with all kinds of means.

[18:85]   Then, he pursued one way.

[18:86]   When he reached the far west, he found the sun setting in a vast ocean, and found people there. We said, "O Zul-Qarnain, you can rule as you wish; either punish, or be kind to them."

[18:87]   He said, "As for those who transgress, we will punish them; then, when they return to their Lord, He will commit them to more retribution.

[18:88]   "As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, they receive a good reward; we will treat them kindly."

[18:89]   Then he pursued another way.

[18:90]   When he reached the far east, he found the sun rising on people who had nothing to shelter them from it.

[18:91]   Naturally, we were fully aware of everything he found out.

[18:92]   He then pursued another way.

[18:93]   When he reached the valley between two palisades, he found people whose language was barely understandable.

[18:94]   They said, "O Zul-Qarnain, Gog and Magog are corruptors of the earth. Can we pay you to create a barrier between us and them?"

[18:95]   He said, "My Lord has given me great bounties. If you cooperate with me, I will build a dam between you and them.

[18:96]   "Bring to me masses of iron." Once he filled the gap between the two palisades, he said, "Blow." Once it was red hot, he said, "Help me pour tar on top of it."

[18:97]   Thus, they could not climb it, nor could they bore holes in it.

[18:98]   He said, "This is mercy from my Lord. When the prophecy of my Lord comes to pass, He will cause the dam to crumble. The prophecy of my Lord is truth."

[18:99]   At that time, we will let them invade with one another, then the horn will be blown, and we will summon them all together.

[18:100]   We will present Hell, on that day, to the disbelievers.

[18:101]   They are the ones whose eyes were too veiled to see My message. Nor could they hear.

[18:102]   Do those who disbelieve think that they can get away with setting up My servants as gods beside Me? We have prepared for the disbelievers Hell as an eternal abode.

[18:103]   Say, "Shall I tell you who the worst losers are?

[18:104]   "They are the ones whose works in this life are totally astray, but they think that they are doing good."

[18:105]   Such are the ones who disbelieved in the revelations of their Lord and in meeting Him. Therefore, their works are in vain; on the Day of Resurrection, they have no weight.

[18:106]   Their just requital is Hell, in return for their disbelief, and for mocking My revelations and My messengers.

[18:107]   As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, they have deserved a blissful Paradise as their abode.

[18:108]   Forever they abide therein; they will never want any other substitute.

[18:109]   Say, "If the ocean were ink for the words of my Lord, the ocean would run out, before the words of my Lord run out, even if we double the ink supply."

[18:110]   Say, "I am no more than a human like you, being inspired that your god is one god. Those who hope to meet their Lord shall work righteousness, and never worship any other god beside his Lord."

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19-   Mary (Maryam)

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In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[19:1]   K. H. Y. `A. S. (Kaaf Haa Yaa `Ayn Saad)

[19:2]   A narration about your Lord's mercy towards His servant Zachariah.

[19:3]   He called his Lord, a secret call.

[19:4]   He said, "My Lord, the bones have turned brittle in my body, and my hair is aflame with gray. As I implore You, my Lord, I never despair.

[19:5]   "I worry about my dependants after me, and my wife has been sterile. Grant me, from You, an heir.

[19:6]   "Let him be my heir and the heir of Jacob's clan, and make him, my Lord, acceptable."

[19:7]   "O Zachariah, we give you good news; a boy whose name shall be John (Yahya). We never created anyone like him before."

[19:8]   He said, "My Lord, will I have a son despite my wife's sterility, and despite my old age?"

[19:9]   He said, "Thus said your Lord: `It is easy for Me to do.  I created you before that, and you were nothing.' "

[19:10]   He said, "My Lord, give me a sign." He said, "Your sign is that you will not speak to the people for three consecutive nights."

[19:11]   He came out to his family, from the sanctuary, and signaled to them: "Meditate (on God) day and night."

[19:12]   "O John, you shall uphold the scripture, strongly." We endowed him with wisdom, even in his youth.

[19:13]   And (we endowed him with) kindness from us and purity, for he was righteous.

[19:14]   He honored his parents, and was never a disobedient tyrant.

[19:15]   Peace be upon him the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he is resurrected back to life.

[19:16]   Mention in the scripture Mary. She isolated herself from her family, into an eastern location.

[19:17]   While a barrier separated her from them, we sent to her our Spirit. He went to her in the form of a human being.

[19:18]   She said, "I seek refuge in the Most Gracious, that you may be righteous."

[19:19]   He said, "I am the messenger of your Lord, to grant you a pure son."

[19:20]   She said, "How can I have a son, when no man has touched me; I have never been unchaste."

[19:21]   He said, "Thus said your Lord, `It is easy for Me. We will render him a sign for the people, and mercy from us.  This is a predestined matter.' "

[19:22]   When she bore him, she isolated herself to a faraway place.

[19:23]   The birth process came to her by the trunk of a palm tree. She said, "(I am so ashamed;) I wish I were dead before this happened, and completely forgotten."

[19:24]   (The infant) called her from beneath her, saying, "Do not grieve. Your Lord has provided you with a stream.

[19:25]   "If you shake the trunk of this palm tree, it will drop ripe dates for you.

[19:26]   "Eat and drink, and be happy. When you see anyone, say, `I have made a vow of silence; I am not talking today to anyone.' "

[19:27]   She came to her family, carrying him. They said, "O Mary, you have committed something that is totally unexpected.

[19:28]   "O descendant of Aaron, your father was not a bad man, nor was your mother unchaste."

[19:29]   She pointed to him. They said, "How can we talk with an infant in the crib?"

[19:30]   (The infant spoke and) said, "I am a servant of GOD. He has given me the scripture, and has appointed me a prophet.

[19:31]   "He made me blessed wherever I go, and enjoined me to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat) for as long as I live.

[19:32]   "I am to honor my mother; He did not make me a disobedient rebel.

[19:33]   And peace be upon me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I get resurrected."

[19:34]   That was Jesus, the son of Mary, and this is the truth of this matter, about which they continue to doubt.

[19:35]   It does not befit GOD that He begets a son, be He glorified. To have anything done, He simply says to it, "Be," and it is.

[19:36]   He also proclaimed, "GOD is my Lord and your Lord; you shall worship Him alone. This is the right path."

[19:37]   The various parties disputed among themselves (regarding the identity of Jesus). Therefore, woe to those who disbelieve from the sight of a terrible day.

[19:38]   Wait till you hear them and see them when they come to face us. The transgressors on that day will be totally lost.

[19:39]   Warn them about the day of remorse, when judgment will be issued. They are totally oblivious; they do not believe.

[19:40]   We are the ones who inherit the earth and everyone on it; to us everyone will be returned.

[19:41]   Mention in the scripture Abraham; he was a saint, a prophet.

[19:42]   He said to his father, "O my father, why do you worship what can neither hear, nor see, nor help you in any way?

[19:43]   "O my father, I have received certain knowledge that you did not receive. Follow me, and I will guide you in a straight path.

[19:44]   "O my father, do not worship the devil. The devil has rebelled against the Most Gracious.

[19:45]   "O my father, I fear lest you incur retribution from the Most Gracious, then become an ally of the devil."

[19:46]   He said, "Have you forsaken my gods, O Abraham? Unless you stop, I will stone you. Leave me alone."

[19:47]   He said, "Peace be upon you. I will implore my Lord to forgive you; He has been Most Kind to me.

[19:48]   "I will abandon you and the gods you worship beside GOD.  I will worship only my Lord. By imploring my Lord alone, I cannot go wrong."

[19:49]   Because he abandoned them and the gods they worshipped beside GOD, we granted him Isaac and Jacob, and we made each of them a prophet.

[19:50]   We showered them with our mercy, and we granted them an honorable position in history.

[19:51]   Mention in the scripture Moses. He was devoted, and he was a messenger prophet.

[19:52]   We called him from the right side of Mount Sinai. We brought him close, to confer with him.

[19:53]   And we granted him, out of our mercy, his brother Aaron as a prophet.

[19:54]   And mention in the scripture Ismail. He was truthful when he made a promise, and he was a messenger prophet.

[19:55]   He used to enjoin his family to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat); he was acceptable to his Lord.

[19:56]   And mention in the scripture Idris. He was a saint, a prophet.

[19:57]   We raised him to an honorable rank.

[19:58]   These are some of the prophets whom GOD blessed. They were chosen from among the descendants of Adam, and the descendants of those whom we carried with Noah, and the descendants of Abraham and Israel, and from among those whom we guided and selected. When the revelations of the Most Gracious are recited to them, they fall prostrate, weeping.

[19:59]   After them, He substituted generations who lost the Contact Prayers (Salat), and pursued their lusts. They will suffer the consequences.

[19:60]   Only those who repent, believe, and lead a righteous life will enter Paradise, without the least injustice.

[19:61]   The gardens of Eden await them, as promised by the Most Gracious for those who worship Him, even in privacy.  Certainly, His promise must come to pass.

[19:62]   They will not hear any nonsense therein; only peace. They receive their provisions therein, day and night.

[19:63]   Such is Paradise; we grant it to those among our servants who are righteous.

[19:64]   We do not come down except by the command of your Lord.  To Him belongs our past, our future, and everything between them. Your Lord is never forgetful.

[19:65]   The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them; you shall worship Him and steadfastly persevere in worshipping Him. Do you know of anyone who equals Him?

[19:66]   The human being asks, "After I die, do I come back to life?"

[19:67]   Did the human being forget that we created him already, and he was nothing?

[19:68]   By your Lord, we will certainly summon them, together with the devils, and will gather them around Hell, humiliated.

[19:69]   Then we will pick out from each group the most ardent opponent of the Most Gracious.

[19:70]   We know full well those who are most deserving of burning therein.

[19:71]   Every single one of you must see it; this is an irrevocable decision of your Lord.

[19:72]   Then we rescue the righteous, and leave the transgressors in it, humiliated.

[19:73]   When our revelations are recited to them, clearly, those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Which of us is more prosperous? Which of us is in the majority?"

[19:74]   Many a generation have we annihilated before them; they were more powerful, and more prosperous.

[19:75]   Say, "Those who choose to go astray, the Most Gracious will lead them on, until they see what is promised for them - either the retribution or the Hour. That is when they find out who really is worse off, and weaker in power."

[19:76]   GOD augments the guidance of those who choose to be guided. For the good deeds are eternally rewarded by your Lord, and bring far better returns.

[19:77]   Have you noted the one who rejected our revelations then said, "I will be given wealth and children"?!

[19:78]   Has he seen the future? Has he taken such a pledge from the Most Gracious?

[19:79]   Indeed, we will record what he utters, then commit him to ever-increasing retribution.

[19:80]   Then we inherit everything he possessed, and he comes back to us all alone.

[19:81]   They worship beside GOD other gods that (they think) may be of help to them.

[19:82]   On the contrary, they will reject their idolatry, and will be their enemies.

[19:83]   Do you not see how we unleash the devils upon the disbelievers to stir them up?

[19:84]   Do not be impatient; we are preparing for them some preparation.

[19:85]   The day will come when we summon the righteous before the Most Gracious in a group.

[19:86]   And we will herd the guilty to Hell, to be their eternal abode.

[19:87]   No one will possess the power to intercede, except those who conform to the laws of the Most Gracious.

[19:88]   They said, "The Most Gracious has begotten a son"!

[19:89]   You have uttered a gross blasphemy.

[19:90]   The heavens are about to shatter, the earth is about to tear asunder, and the mountains are about to crumble.

[19:91]   Because they claim that the Most Gracious has begotten a son.

[19:92]   It is not befitting the Most Gracious that He should beget a son.

[19:93]   Every single one in the heavens and the earth is a servant of the Most Gracious.

[19:94]   He has encompassed them, and has counted them one by one.

[19:95]   All of them will come before Him on the Day of Resurrection as individuals.

[19:96]   Surely, those who believe and lead a righteous life, the Most Gracious will shower them with love.

[19:97]    We thus made this (Quran) elucidated in your tongue, in order to deliver good news to the righteous, and to warn with it the opponents.

[19:98]   Many a generation before them we annihilated; can you perceive any of them, or hear from them any sound?

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20-   T.H. (Ta Ha)

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In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[20:1]   T. H.

[20:2]   We did not reveal the Quran to you, to cause you any hardship.

[20:3]   Only to remind the reverent.

[20:4]   A revelation from the Creator of the earth and the high heavens.

[20:5]   The Most Gracious; He has assumed all authority.

[20:6]   To Him belongs everything in the heavens, and the earth, and everything between them, and everything beneath the ground.

[20:7]   Whether you declare your convictions (or not) He knows the secret, and what is even more hidden.

[20:8]   GOD: there is no other god besides Him. To Him belong the most beautiful names.

[20:9]   Have you noted the history of Moses?

[20:10]   When he saw a fire, he said to his family, "Stay here. I have seen a fire. Maybe I can bring you some of it, or find some guidance at the fire."

[20:11]   When he came to it, he was called, "O, Moses.

[20:12]   "I am your Lord; remove your sandals. You are in the sacred valley, Tuwaa.

[20:13]   "I have chosen you, so listen to what is being revealed.

[20:14]   "I am GOD; there is no other god beside Me. You shall worship Me alone, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) to remember Me.

[20:15]   "The Hour (end of the world) is surely coming; I will keep it almost hidden, for each soul must be paid for its works.

[20:16]   "Do not be diverted therefrom by those who do not believe in it - those who pursue their own opinions - lest you fall.

[20:17]   "What is this in your right hand, Moses?"

[20:18]   He said, "This is my staff. I lean on it, herd my sheep with it, and I use it for other purposes."

[20:19]   He said, "Throw it down, Moses."

[20:20]   He threw it down, whereupon it turned into a moving serpent.

[20:21]   He said, "Pick it up; do not be afraid. We will return it to its original state.

[20:22]   "And hold your hand under your wing; it will come out white without a blemish; another proof.

[20:23]   "We thus show you some of our great portents.

[20:24]   "Go to Pharaoh, for he has transgressed."

[20:25]   He said, "My Lord, cool my temper.

[20:26]   "And make this matter easy for me.

[20:27]   "And untie a knot from my tongue.

[20:28]   "So they can understand my speech.

[20:29]   "And appoint an assistant for me from my family.

[20:30]   "My brother Aaron.

[20:31]   "Strengthen me with him.

[20:32]   "Let him be my partner in this matter.

[20:33]   "That we may glorify You frequently.

[20:34]   "And commemorate You frequently.

[20:35]   "You are Seer of us."

[20:36]   He said, "Your request is granted, O Moses.

[20:37]   "We have blessed you another time.

[20:38]   "When we revealed to your mother what we revealed.

[20:39]   "Saying: `Throw him into the box, then throw him into the river. The river will throw him onto the shore, to be picked up by an enemy of Mine and an enemy of his.' I showered you with love from Me, and I had you made before My watchful eye.

[20:40]   "Your sister walked to them and said, `I can tell you about a nursing mother who can take good care of him.' We thus returned you to your mother, that she may be happy and stop worrying. And when you killed a person, we saved you from the grievous consequences; indeed we tested you thoroughly. You stayed years with the people of Midyan, and now you have come back in accordance with a precise plan.

[20:41]   "I have made you just for Me.

[20:42]   "Go with your brother, supported by My signs, and do not waver in remembering Me.

[20:43]   "Go to Pharaoh, for he transgressed.

[20:44]   "Speak to him nicely; he may take heed, or become reverent."

[20:45]   They said, "Our Lord, we fear lest he may attack us, or transgress."

[20:46]   He said, "Do not be afraid, for I will be with you, listening and watching.

[20:47]   "Go to him and say, `We are two messengers from your Lord. Let the Children of Israel go. You must refrain from persecuting them. We bring a sign from your Lord, and peace is the lot of those who heed the guidance.

[20:48]   "`We have been inspired that the retribution will inevitably afflict those who disbelieve and turn away.'"

[20:49]   He said, "Who is your Lord, O Moses."

[20:50]   He said, "Our Lord is the One who granted everything its existence, and its guidance."

[20:51]   He said, "What about the past generations?"

[20:52]   He said, "The knowledge thereof is with my Lord in a record. My Lord never errs, nor does He forget."

[20:53]   He is the One who made the earth habitable for you, and paved in it roads for you. And He sends down from the sky water with which we produce many different kinds of plants.

[20:54]   Eat and raise your livestock. These are sufficient proofs for those who possess intelligence.

[20:55]   From it we created you, into it we return you, and from it we bring you out once more.

[20:56]   We showed him all our proofs, but he disbelieved and refused.

[20:57]   He said, "Did you come here to take us out of our land with your magic, O Moses?

[20:58]   "We will surely show you similar magic. Therefore, set an appointment that neither we, nor you will violate; in a neutral place."

[20:59]   He said, "Your appointed time shall be the day of festivities. Let us all meet in the forenoon."

[20:60]   Pharaoh summoned his forces, then came.

[20:61]   Moses said to them, "Woe to you. Do you fabricate lies to fight GOD and thus incur His retribution? Such fabricators will surely fail."

[20:62]   They disputed among themselves, as they conferred privately.

[20:63]   They said, "These two are no more than magicians who wish to take you out of your land with their magic, and to destroy your ideal way of life.

[20:64]   "Let us agree upon one scheme and face them as a united front. The winner today will have the upper hand."

[20:65]   They said, "O Moses, either you throw, or we will be the first to throw."

[20:66]   He said, "You throw." Whereupon, their ropes and sticks appeared to him, because of their magic, as if they were moving.

[20:67]   Moses harbored some fear.

[20:68]   We said, "Have no fear. You will prevail.

[20:69]   "Throw what you hold in your right hand, and it will swallow what they fabricated. What they fabricated is no more than the scheming of a magician. The magician's work will not succeed."

[20:70]   The magicians fell prostrate, saying, "We believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses."

[20:71]   He said, "Did you believe in him without my permission? He must be your chief; the one who taught you magic. I will surely sever your hands and feet on alternate sides.  I will crucify you on the palm trunks. You will find out which of us can inflict the worst retribution, and who outlasts whom."

[20:72]   They said, "We will not prefer you over the clear proofs that came to us, and over the One who created us.  Therefore, issue whatever judgment you wish to issue. You can only rule in this lowly life.

[20:73]   "We have believed in our Lord, that He may forgive us our sins, and the magic that you forced us to perform. GOD is far better and Everlasting."

[20:74]   Anyone who comes to his Lord guilty will incur Hell, wherein he never dies, nor stays alive.

[20:75]   As for those who come to Him as believers who had led a righteous life, they attain the high ranks.

[20:76]   The gardens of Eden, beneath which rivers flow, will be their abode forever. Such is the reward for those who purify themselves.

[20:77]   We inspired Moses: "Lead My servants out, and strike for them a dry road across the sea. You shall not fear that you may get caught, nor shall you worry."

[20:78]   Pharaoh pursued them with his troops, but the sea overwhelmed them, as it was destined to overwhelm them.

[20:79]   Thus, Pharaoh misled his people; he did not guide them.

[20:80]   O Children of Israel, we delivered you from your enemy, summoned you to the right side of Mount Sinai, and we sent down to you manna and quails.

[20:81]   Eat from the good things we provided for you, and do not transgress, lest you incur My wrath. Whoever incurs My wrath has fallen.

[20:82]   I am surely Forgiving for those who repent, believe, lead a righteous life, and steadfastly remain guided.

[20:83]   "Why did you rush away from your people, O Moses?"

[20:84]   He said, "They are close behind me. I have rushed to You my Lord, that You may be pleased."

[20:85]   He said, "We have put your people to the test after you left, but the Samarian misled them."

[20:86]   Moses returned to his people, angry and disappointed, saying, "O my people, did your Lord not promise you a good promise? Could you not wait? Did you want to incur wrath from your Lord? Is this why you broke your agreement with me?"

[20:87]   They said, "We did not break our agreement with you on purpose. But we were loaded down with jewelry, and decided to throw our loads in. This is what the Samarian suggested."

[20:88]   He produced for them a sculpted calf, complete with a calf's sound. They said, "This is your god, and the god of Moses." Thus, he forgot.

[20:89]   Could they not see that it neither responded to them, nor possessed any power to harm them, or benefit them?

[20:90]   And Aaron had told them, "O my people, this is a test for you. Your only Lord is the Most Gracious, so follow me, and obey my commands."

[20:91]   They said, "We will continue to worship it, until Moses comes back."

[20:92]   (Moses) said, "O Aaron, what is it that prevented you, when you saw them go astray,

[20:93]   "from following my orders? Have you rebelled against me?"

[20:94]   He said, "O son of my mother; do not pull me by my beard and my head. I was afraid that you might say, `You have divided the Children of Israel, and disobeyed my orders.'"

[20:95]   He said, "What is the matter with you, O Samarian?"

[20:96]   He said, "I saw what they could not see. I grabbed a fistful (of dust) from the place where the messenger stood, and used it (to mix into the golden calf). This is what my mind inspired me to do."

[20:97]   He said, "Then go, and, throughout your life, do not even come close. You have an appointed time (for your final judgment) that you can never evade. Look at your god that you used to worship; we will burn it and throw it into the sea, to stay down there forever."

[20:98]   Your only god is GOD; the One beside whom there is no other god. His knowledge encompasses all things.

[20:99]   We thus narrate to you some news from the past generations. We have revealed to you a message from us.

[20:100]   Those who disregard it will bear a load (of sins) on the Day of Resurrection.

[20:101]   Eternally they abide therein; what a miserable load on the Day of Resurrection!

[20:102]   That is the day when the horn is blown, and we summon the guilty on that day blue.

[20:103]   Whispering among themselves, they will say, "You have stayed (in the first life) no more than ten days!"

[20:104]   We are fully aware of their utterances. The most accurate among them will say, "You stayed no more than a day."

[20:105]   They ask you about the mountains. Say, "My Lord will wipe them out.

[20:106]   "He will leave them like a barren, flat land.

[20:107]   "Not even the slightest hill will you see therein, nor a dip."

[20:108]   On that day, everyone will follow the caller, without the slightest deviation. All sounds will be hushed before the Most Gracious; you will hear nothing but whispers.

[20:109]   On that day, intercession will be useless, except for those permitted by the Most Gracious, and whose utterances conform to His will.

[20:110]   He knows their past and their future, while none encompasses His knowledge.

[20:111]   All faces will submit to the Living, the Eternal, and those who are burdened by their transgressions will fail.

[20:112]   As for those who worked righteousness, while believing, they will have no fear of injustice or adversity.

[20:113]   We thus revealed it, an Arabic Quran, and we cited in it all kinds of prophecies, that they may be saved, or it may cause them to take heed.

[20:114]   Most Exalted is GOD, the only true King. Do not rush into uttering the Quran before it is revealed to you, and say, "My Lord, increase my knowledge."

[20:115]   We tested Adam in the past, but he forgot, and we found him indecisive.

[20:116]   Recall that we said to the angels, "Fall prostrate before Adam." They fell prostrate, except Satan; he refused.

[20:117]   We then said, "O Adam, this is an enemy of you and your wife. Do not let him evict you from Paradise, lest you become miserable.

[20:118]   "You are guaranteed never to hunger therein, nor go unsheltered.

[20:119]   "Nor will you thirst therein, nor suffer from any heat."

[20:120]   But the devil whispered to him, saying, "O Adam, let me show you the tree of eternity and unending kingship."

[20:121]   They ate from it, whereupon their bodies became visible to them, and they tried to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise. Adam thus disobeyed his Lord, and fell.

[20:122]   Subsequently, his Lord chose him, redeemed him, and guided him.

[20:123]   He said, "Go down therefrom, all of you. You are enemies of one another. When guidance comes to you from Me, anyone who follows My guidance will not go astray, nor suffer any misery.

[20:124]   "As for the one who disregards My message, he will have amiserable life, and we resurrect him, on the Day of Resurrection, blind."

[20:125]   He will say, "My Lord, why did you summon me blind, when I used to be a seer?"

[20:126]   He will say, "Because you forgot our revelations when they came to you, you are now forgotten."

[20:127]   We thus requite those who transgress and refuse to believe in the revelations of their Lord. The retribution in the Hereafter is far worse and everlasting.

[20:128]   Does it ever occur to them how many previous generations we have annihilated? They are now walking in the homes of those before them. These are signs for those who possess intelligence.

[20:129]   If it were not for your Lord's predetermined plan, they would have been judged immediately.

[20:130]   Therefore, be patient in the face of their utterances, and praise and glorify your Lord before sunrise and before sunset. And during the night glorify Him, as well as at both ends of the day, that you may be happy.

[20:131]   And do not covet what we bestowed upon any other people.  Such are temporary ornaments of this life, whereby we put them to the test. What your Lord provides for you is far better, and everlasting.

[20:132]   You shall enjoin your family to observe the contact prayers (Salat), and steadfastly persevere in doing so.  We do not ask you for any provisions; we are the ones who provide for you. The ultimate triumph belongs to the righteous.

[20:133]   They said, "If he could only show us a miracle from his Lord!" Did they not receive sufficient miracles with the previous messages?

[20:134]   Had we annihilated them before this, they would have said, "Our Lord, had You sent a messenger to us, we would have followed Your revelations, and would have avoided this shame and humiliation."

[20:135]   Say, "All of us are waiting, so wait; you will surely find out who are on the correct path, and who are truly guided."