Surah 11: Hûd (Hud)

الر كِتٰبٌ أُحكِمَت ءايٰتُهُ ثُمَّ فُصِّلَت مِن لَدُن حَكيمٍ خَبيرٍ

A.L.R. This is a scripture whose verses have been perfected, then elucidated.* It comes from a Most Wise, Most Cognizant.

*11:1 Our generation is fortunate to witness two awesome phenomena in the Quran: (1) an extraordinary mathematical code (Appendix 1), and (2) a literary miracle of incredible dimensions. If humans attempt to write a mathematically structured work, the numerical manipulations will adversely affect the literary quality. The Quran sets the standard for literary excellence.

أَلّا تَعبُدوا إِلَّا اللَّهَ إِنَّنى لَكُم مِنهُ نَذيرٌ وَبَشيرٌ

Proclaiming: "You shall not worship except God. I come to you from Him as a warner, as well as a bearer of good news.

وَأَنِ استَغفِروا رَبَّكُم ثُمَّ توبوا إِلَيهِ يُمَتِّعكُم مَتٰعًا حَسَنًا إِلىٰ أَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى وَيُؤتِ كُلَّ ذى فَضلٍ فَضلَهُ وَإِن تَوَلَّوا فَإِنّى أَخافُ عَلَيكُم عَذابَ يَومٍ كَبيرٍ

"You shall seek your Lord's forgiveness, then repent to Him. He will then bless you generously for a predetermined period, and bestow His grace upon those who deserve it. If you turn away, then I fear for you the retribution of an awesome day."

إِلَى اللَّهِ مَرجِعُكُم وَهُوَ عَلىٰ كُلِّ شَىءٍ قَديرٌ

To God is your ultimate return, and He is Omnipotent.

أَلا إِنَّهُم يَثنونَ صُدورَهُم لِيَستَخفوا مِنهُ أَلا حينَ يَستَغشونَ ثِيابَهُم يَعلَمُ ما يُسِرّونَ وَما يُعلِنونَ إِنَّهُ عَليمٌ بِذاتِ الصُّدورِ

Indeed, they hide their innermost thoughts, as if to keep Him from knowing them. In fact, as they cover themselves with their clothes, He knows all their secrets and declarations. He knows the innermost thoughts.

وَما مِن دابَّةٍ فِى الأَرضِ إِلّا عَلَى اللَّهِ رِزقُها وَيَعلَمُ مُستَقَرَّها وَمُستَودَعَها كُلٌّ فى كِتٰبٍ مُبينٍ

There is not a creature on earth whose provision is not guaranteed by God. And He knows its course and its final destiny. All are recorded in a profound record.

وَهُوَ الَّذى خَلَقَ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالأَرضَ فى سِتَّةِ أَيّامٍ وَكانَ عَرشُهُ عَلَى الماءِ لِيَبلُوَكُم أَيُّكُم أَحسَنُ عَمَلًا وَلَئِن قُلتَ إِنَّكُم مَبعوثونَ مِن بَعدِ المَوتِ لَيَقولَنَّ الَّذينَ كَفَروا إِن هٰذا إِلّا سِحرٌ مُبينٌ

He is the One who created the heavens and the earth in six days -* and His (earthly) domain was completely covered with water -** in order to test you, to distinguish those among you who work righteousness. Yet, when you say, "You will be resurrected after death," those who disbelieve would say, "This is clearly witchcraft."

*11:7 The six days are simply a yardstick providing us with a lot of information. Thus, we learn that the vast lifeless physical universe was created in two days, while the tiny mote called ``Earth'' was created in four days (41:10-12). The provision of food, water, and oxygen for the earth's inhabitants had to be precisely calculated and arranged. **11:7 The earth was initially covered with water. Subsequently, the land mass emerged, and the continents drifted apart.

وَلَئِن أَخَّرنا عَنهُمُ العَذابَ إِلىٰ أُمَّةٍ مَعدودَةٍ لَيَقولُنَّ ما يَحبِسُهُ أَلا يَومَ يَأتيهِم لَيسَ مَصروفًا عَنهُم وَحاقَ بِهِم ما كانوا بِهِ يَستَهزِءونَ

And if we delay the retribution they have incurred - for we reserve it for a specific community - they say, "What is keeping Him?" In fact, once it comes to them, nothing can stop it, and their mocking will come back to haunt them.

وَلَئِن أَذَقنَا الإِنسٰنَ مِنّا رَحمَةً ثُمَّ نَزَعنٰها مِنهُ إِنَّهُ لَيَـٔوسٌ كَفورٌ

Whenever we bless the human being with mercy from us, then remove it, he turns despondent, unappreciative.

وَلَئِن أَذَقنٰهُ نَعماءَ بَعدَ ضَرّاءَ مَسَّتهُ لَيَقولَنَّ ذَهَبَ السَّيِّـٔاتُ عَنّى إِنَّهُ لَفَرِحٌ فَخورٌ

Whenever we bless him, after adversity had afflicted him, he says, "All adversity has gone away from me;" he becomes excited, proud.

إِلَّا الَّذينَ صَبَروا وَعَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ أُولٰئِكَ لَهُم مَغفِرَةٌ وَأَجرٌ كَبيرٌ

As for those who steadfastly persevere, and lead a righteous life, they deserve forgiveness and a generous recompense.

فَلَعَلَّكَ تارِكٌ بَعضَ ما يوحىٰ إِلَيكَ وَضائِقٌ بِهِ صَدرُكَ أَن يَقولوا لَولا أُنزِلَ عَلَيهِ كَنزٌ أَو جاءَ مَعَهُ مَلَكٌ إِنَّما أَنتَ نَذيرٌ وَاللَّهُ عَلىٰ كُلِّ شَىءٍ وَكيلٌ

You may wish to disregard some of that which is revealed to you, and you may be annoyed by it. Also, they may say, "How come no treasure comes down to him, or an angel?" You are only a warner; God controls all things.

أَم يَقولونَ افتَرىٰهُ قُل فَأتوا بِعَشرِ سُوَرٍ مِثلِهِ مُفتَرَيٰتٍ وَادعوا مَنِ استَطَعتُم مِن دونِ اللَّهِ إِن كُنتُم صٰدِقينَ

If they say, "He fabricated (the Quran)," tell them, "Then produce ten suras like these, fabricated, and invite whomever you can, other than God, if you are truthful."*

*11:13 The Quran's mathematical miracle is inimitable (See Appendix 1).

فَإِلَّم يَستَجيبوا لَكُم فَاعلَموا أَنَّما أُنزِلَ بِعِلمِ اللَّهِ وَأَن لا إِلٰهَ إِلّا هُوَ فَهَل أَنتُم مُسلِمونَ

If they fail to meet your challenge, then know that this is revealed with God's knowledge, and that there is no god except He. Will you then submit?

مَن كانَ يُريدُ الحَيوٰةَ الدُّنيا وَزينَتَها نُوَفِّ إِلَيهِم أَعمٰلَهُم فيها وَهُم فيها لا يُبخَسونَ

Those who pursue this worldly life and its material vanities, we will pay them for their works in this life, without the least reduction.

أُولٰئِكَ الَّذينَ لَيسَ لَهُم فِى الـٔاخِرَةِ إِلَّا النّارُ وَحَبِطَ ما صَنَعوا فيها وَبٰطِلٌ ما كانوا يَعمَلونَ

It is they who gave up their share in the Hereafter, and, consequently, Hell is their lot. All their works are in vain; everything they have done is nullified.

أَفَمَن كانَ عَلىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِن رَبِّهِ وَيَتلوهُ شاهِدٌ مِنهُ وَمِن قَبلِهِ كِتٰبُ موسىٰ إِمامًا وَرَحمَةً أُولٰئِكَ يُؤمِنونَ بِهِ وَمَن يَكفُر بِهِ مِنَ الأَحزابِ فَالنّارُ مَوعِدُهُ فَلا تَكُ فى مِريَةٍ مِنهُ إِنَّهُ الحَقُّ مِن رَبِّكَ وَلٰكِنَّ أَكثَرَ النّاسِ لا يُؤمِنونَ

As for those who are given solid proof* from their Lord, reported by a witness from Him, and before it, the book of Moses has set a precedent and a mercy,** they will surely believe. As for those who disbelieve among the various groups, Hell is awaiting them. Do not harbor any doubt; this is the truth from your Lord, but most people disbelieve.

*11:17 The Quran's 19-based mathematical code is a built-in proof of divine authorship. It is noteworthy that the word ``Bayyinah'' (proof) is mentioned in the Quran 19 times. **11:17 As it turns out, Moses' book was also mathematically composed, with ``19'' as the common denominator. See Footnote 46:10 and Appendix 1.

وَمَن أَظلَمُ مِمَّنِ افتَرىٰ عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِبًا أُولٰئِكَ يُعرَضونَ عَلىٰ رَبِّهِم وَيَقولُ الأَشهٰدُ هٰؤُلاءِ الَّذينَ كَذَبوا عَلىٰ رَبِّهِم أَلا لَعنَةُ اللَّهِ عَلَى الظّٰلِمينَ

Who are more evil than those who fabricate lies about God? They will be presented before their Lord, and the witnesses will say, "These are the ones who lied about their Lord. God's condemnation has befallen the transgressors."

الَّذينَ يَصُدّونَ عَن سَبيلِ اللَّهِ وَيَبغونَها عِوَجًا وَهُم بِالـٔاخِرَةِ هُم كٰفِرونَ

They repel from the way of God and seek to make it crooked, and they are disbelievers in the Hereafter.

أُولٰئِكَ لَم يَكونوا مُعجِزينَ فِى الأَرضِ وَما كانَ لَهُم مِن دونِ اللَّهِ مِن أَولِياءَ يُضٰعَفُ لَهُمُ العَذابُ ما كانوا يَستَطيعونَ السَّمعَ وَما كانوا يُبصِرونَ

These will never escape on the earth, nor will they find any lords or masters to help them against God. Retribution will be doubled for them. They have failed to hear, and they have failed to see.

أُولٰئِكَ الَّذينَ خَسِروا أَنفُسَهُم وَضَلَّ عَنهُم ما كانوا يَفتَرونَ

These are the ones who lose their souls, and the idols they had fabricated will disown them.

لا جَرَمَ أَنَّهُم فِى الـٔاخِرَةِ هُمُ الأَخسَرونَ

There is no doubt that, in the Hereafter, they will be the worst losers.

إِنَّ الَّذينَ ءامَنوا وَعَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ وَأَخبَتوا إِلىٰ رَبِّهِم أُولٰئِكَ أَصحٰبُ الجَنَّةِ هُم فيها خٰلِدونَ

As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, and devote themselves to their Lord, they are the dwellers of Paradise; they abide therein forever.

مَثَلُ الفَريقَينِ كَالأَعمىٰ وَالأَصَمِّ وَالبَصيرِ وَالسَّميعِ هَل يَستَوِيانِ مَثَلًا أَفَلا تَذَكَّرونَ

The example of these two groups is like the blind and deaf, compared to the seer and hearer. Are they equal? Would you not take heed?

وَلَقَد أَرسَلنا نوحًا إِلىٰ قَومِهِ إِنّى لَكُم نَذيرٌ مُبينٌ

We sent Noah to his people, saying, "I come to you as a clear warner.

أَن لا تَعبُدوا إِلَّا اللَّهَ إِنّى أَخافُ عَلَيكُم عَذابَ يَومٍ أَليمٍ

"You shall not worship except God. I fear for you the retribution of a painful day."

فَقالَ المَلَأُ الَّذينَ كَفَروا مِن قَومِهِ ما نَرىٰكَ إِلّا بَشَرًا مِثلَنا وَما نَرىٰكَ اتَّبَعَكَ إِلَّا الَّذينَ هُم أَراذِلُنا بادِىَ الرَّأىِ وَما نَرىٰ لَكُم عَلَينا مِن فَضلٍ بَل نَظُنُّكُم كٰذِبينَ

The leaders who disbelieved among his people said, "We see that you are no more than a human being like us, and we see that the first people to follow you are the worst among us. We see that you do not possess any advantage over us. Indeed, we think you are liars."

قالَ يٰقَومِ أَرَءَيتُم إِن كُنتُ عَلىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِن رَبّى وَءاتىٰنى رَحمَةً مِن عِندِهِ فَعُمِّيَت عَلَيكُم أَنُلزِمُكُموها وَأَنتُم لَها كٰرِهونَ

He said, "O my people, what if I have a solid proof from my Lord? What if He has blessed me out of His mercy, though you cannot see it? Are we going to force you to believe therein, while you are unwilling to it?

وَيٰقَومِ لا أَسـَٔلُكُم عَلَيهِ مالًا إِن أَجرِىَ إِلّا عَلَى اللَّهِ وَما أَنا۠ بِطارِدِ الَّذينَ ءامَنوا إِنَّهُم مُلٰقوا رَبِّهِم وَلٰكِنّى أَرىٰكُم قَومًا تَجهَلونَ

"O my people, I do not ask you for any money; my wage comes only from God. I am not dismissing those who believed; they will meet their Lord (and He alone will judge them). I see that you are ignorant people.

وَيٰقَومِ مَن يَنصُرُنى مِنَ اللَّهِ إِن طَرَدتُهُم أَفَلا تَذَكَّرونَ

"O my people, who can support me against God, if I dismiss them? Would you not take heed?

وَلا أَقولُ لَكُم عِندى خَزائِنُ اللَّهِ وَلا أَعلَمُ الغَيبَ وَلا أَقولُ إِنّى مَلَكٌ وَلا أَقولُ لِلَّذينَ تَزدَرى أَعيُنُكُم لَن يُؤتِيَهُمُ اللَّهُ خَيرًا اللَّهُ أَعلَمُ بِما فى أَنفُسِهِم إِنّى إِذًا لَمِنَ الظّٰلِمينَ

"I do not claim that I possess the treasures of God, nor do I know the future, nor do I claim to be an angel. Nor do I say to those despised by your eyes that God will not bestow any blessings upon them. God knows best what is in their innermost thoughts. (If I did this,) I would be a transgressor."

قالوا يٰنوحُ قَد جٰدَلتَنا فَأَكثَرتَ جِدٰلَنا فَأتِنا بِما تَعِدُنا إِن كُنتَ مِنَ الصّٰدِقينَ

They said, "O Noah, you have argued with us, and kept on arguing. We challenge you to bring the doom you threaten us with, if you are truthful."

قالَ إِنَّما يَأتيكُم بِهِ اللَّهُ إِن شاءَ وَما أَنتُم بِمُعجِزينَ

He said, "God is the One who brings it to you, if He so wills, then you cannot escape.

وَلا يَنفَعُكُم نُصحى إِن أَرَدتُ أَن أَنصَحَ لَكُم إِن كانَ اللَّهُ يُريدُ أَن يُغوِيَكُم هُوَ رَبُّكُم وَإِلَيهِ تُرجَعونَ

"Even if I advised you, my advice cannot benefit you if it is God's will to send you astray. He is your Lord, and to Him you will be returned."

أَم يَقولونَ افتَرىٰهُ قُل إِنِ افتَرَيتُهُ فَعَلَىَّ إِجرامى وَأَنا۠ بَرىءٌ مِمّا تُجرِمونَ

If they say, "He made up this story," then say, "If I made it up, then I am responsible for my crime, and I am innocent of any crime you commit."

وَأوحِىَ إِلىٰ نوحٍ أَنَّهُ لَن يُؤمِنَ مِن قَومِكَ إِلّا مَن قَد ءامَنَ فَلا تَبتَئِس بِما كانوا يَفعَلونَ

Noah was inspired: "No more of your people are going to believe, beyond those who already believe. Do not be saddened by their actions.

وَاصنَعِ الفُلكَ بِأَعيُنِنا وَوَحيِنا وَلا تُخٰطِبنى فِى الَّذينَ ظَلَموا إِنَّهُم مُغرَقونَ

"Build the ark under our watchful eyes, and with our inspiration, and do not implore Me on behalf of those who have transgressed; they are destined to drown."

وَيَصنَعُ الفُلكَ وَكُلَّما مَرَّ عَلَيهِ مَلَأٌ مِن قَومِهِ سَخِروا مِنهُ قالَ إِن تَسخَروا مِنّا فَإِنّا نَسخَرُ مِنكُم كَما تَسخَرونَ

While he was building the ark, whenever some of his people passed by him they laughed at him. He said, "You may be laughing at us, but we are laughing at you, just as you are laughing.

فَسَوفَ تَعلَمونَ مَن يَأتيهِ عَذابٌ يُخزيهِ وَيَحِلُّ عَلَيهِ عَذابٌ مُقيمٌ

"You will surely find out who will suffer a shameful retribution, and incur an everlasting punishment."

حَتّىٰ إِذا جاءَ أَمرُنا وَفارَ التَّنّورُ قُلنَا احمِل فيها مِن كُلٍّ زَوجَينِ اثنَينِ وَأَهلَكَ إِلّا مَن سَبَقَ عَلَيهِ القَولُ وَمَن ءامَنَ وَما ءامَنَ مَعَهُ إِلّا قَليلٌ

When our judgment came, and the atmosphere boiled over, we said, "Carry on it a pair of each kind,* together with your family, except those who are condemned. Carry with you those who have believed," and only a few have believed with him.

*11:40 & 44 This is God's proven truth: Noah's ark was made of logs, tied together with primitive ropes (54:13). Contrary to common belief, the flood was limited to the area around today's Dead Sea, and the animals were Noah's livestock only; not every animal that lived on earth.

وَقالَ اركَبوا فيها بِسمِ اللَّهِ مَجر۪ىٰها وَمُرسىٰها إِنَّ رَبّى لَغَفورٌ رَحيمٌ

He said, "Come on board. In the name of God shall be its sailing, and its mooring. My Lord is Forgiver, Most Merciful."

وَهِىَ تَجرى بِهِم فى مَوجٍ كَالجِبالِ وَنادىٰ نوحٌ ابنَهُ وَكانَ فى مَعزِلٍ يٰبُنَىَّ اركَب مَعَنا وَلا تَكُن مَعَ الكٰفِرينَ

As it sailed with them in waves like hills, Noah called his son, who was isolated: "O my son, come ride with us; do not be with the disbelievers."

قالَ سَـٔاوى إِلىٰ جَبَلٍ يَعصِمُنى مِنَ الماءِ قالَ لا عاصِمَ اليَومَ مِن أَمرِ اللَّهِ إِلّا مَن رَحِمَ وَحالَ بَينَهُمَا المَوجُ فَكانَ مِنَ المُغرَقينَ

He said, "I will take refuge on top of a hill, to protect me from the water." He said, "Nothing can protect anyone today from God's judgment; only those worthy of His mercy (will be saved)." The waves separated them, and he was among those who drowned.

وَقيلَ يٰأَرضُ ابلَعى ماءَكِ وَيٰسَماءُ أَقلِعى وَغيضَ الماءُ وَقُضِىَ الأَمرُ وَاستَوَت عَلَى الجودِىِّ وَقيلَ بُعدًا لِلقَومِ الظّٰلِمينَ

It was proclaimed: "O earth, swallow your water," and "O sky, cease." The water then subsided; the judgment was fulfilled. The ark finally rested on the hills of Judea. It was then proclaimed: "The transgressors have perished."

*11:40 & 44 This is God's proven truth: Noah's ark was made of logs, tied together with primitive ropes (54:13). Contrary to common belief, the flood was limited to the area around today's Dead Sea, and the animals were Noah's livestock only; not every animal that lived on earth.

وَنادىٰ نوحٌ رَبَّهُ فَقالَ رَبِّ إِنَّ ابنى مِن أَهلى وَإِنَّ وَعدَكَ الحَقُّ وَأَنتَ أَحكَمُ الحٰكِمينَ

Noah implored his Lord: "My Lord, my son is a member of my family, and Your promise is the truth. You are the wisest of the wise."

قالَ يٰنوحُ إِنَّهُ لَيسَ مِن أَهلِكَ إِنَّهُ عَمَلٌ غَيرُ صٰلِحٍ فَلا تَسـَٔلنِ ما لَيسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلمٌ إِنّى أَعِظُكَ أَن تَكونَ مِنَ الجٰهِلينَ

He said, "O Noah, he is not of your family. It is unrighteous to ask Me for something you do not know.* I enlighten you, lest you be like the ignorant."

*11:46 Intercession is Satan's most effective bait to entice people into idol worship. However, Abraham could not help his father, nor could Noah help his son, nor could Muhammad help his own relatives (2:254, 9:80 & 114).

قالَ رَبِّ إِنّى أَعوذُ بِكَ أَن أَسـَٔلَكَ ما لَيسَ لى بِهِ عِلمٌ وَإِلّا تَغفِر لى وَتَرحَمنى أَكُن مِنَ الخٰسِرينَ

He said, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You, lest I implore You again for something I do not know. Unless You forgive me, and have mercy on me, I will be with the losers."

قيلَ يٰنوحُ اهبِط بِسَلٰمٍ مِنّا وَبَرَكٰتٍ عَلَيكَ وَعَلىٰ أُمَمٍ مِمَّن مَعَكَ وَأُمَمٌ سَنُمَتِّعُهُم ثُمَّ يَمَسُّهُم مِنّا عَذابٌ أَليمٌ

It was proclaimed: "O Noah, disembark, with peace and blessings upon you, and upon nations who will descend from your companions. As for the other nations descending from you, we will bless them for awhile, then commit them to painful retribution."

تِلكَ مِن أَنباءِ الغَيبِ نوحيها إِلَيكَ ما كُنتَ تَعلَمُها أَنتَ وَلا قَومُكَ مِن قَبلِ هٰذا فَاصبِر إِنَّ العٰقِبَةَ لِلمُتَّقينَ

This is news from the past that we reveal to you. You had no knowledge about them - neither you, nor your people - before this. Therefore, be patient. The ultimate victory belongs to the righteous.

وَإِلىٰ عادٍ أَخاهُم هودًا قالَ يٰقَومِ اعبُدُوا اللَّهَ ما لَكُم مِن إِلٰهٍ غَيرُهُ إِن أَنتُم إِلّا مُفتَرونَ

To `Ãd we sent their brother Hûd. He said, "O my people, worship God; you have no other god besides Him. You are inventing.

يٰقَومِ لا أَسـَٔلُكُم عَلَيهِ أَجرًا إِن أَجرِىَ إِلّا عَلَى الَّذى فَطَرَنى أَفَلا تَعقِلونَ

O my people, I do not ask you for any wage. My wage comes only from the One who initiated me. Do you not understand?

وَيٰقَومِ استَغفِروا رَبَّكُم ثُمَّ توبوا إِلَيهِ يُرسِلِ السَّماءَ عَلَيكُم مِدرارًا وَيَزِدكُم قُوَّةً إِلىٰ قُوَّتِكُم وَلا تَتَوَلَّوا مُجرِمينَ

"O my people, seek forgiveness from your Lord, then repent to Him. He will then shower you with provisions from the sky, and augment your strength. Do not turn back into transgressors."

قالوا يٰهودُ ما جِئتَنا بِبَيِّنَةٍ وَما نَحنُ بِتارِكى ءالِهَتِنا عَن قَولِكَ وَما نَحنُ لَكَ بِمُؤمِنينَ

They said, "O Hûd, you did not show us any proof, and we are not abandoning our gods on account of what you say. We will never be believers with you.

إِن نَقولُ إِلَّا اعتَرىٰكَ بَعضُ ءالِهَتِنا بِسوءٍ قالَ إِنّى أُشهِدُ اللَّهَ وَاشهَدوا أَنّى بَرىءٌ مِمّا تُشرِكونَ

"We believe that some of our gods have afflicted you with a curse". He said, "I bear witness before God, and you bear witness as well, that I disown the idols you have set up -

مِن دونِهِ فَكيدونى جَميعًا ثُمَّ لا تُنظِرونِ

"beside Him. So, give me your collective decision, without delay.

إِنِّى تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رَبِّى وَرَبِّكُم ۚ مَّا مِن دَآبَّةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ ءَاخِذٌۢ بِنَاصِيَتِهَآ ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى عَلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

"I have put my trust in God, my Lord and your Lord. There is not a creature that He does not control. My Lord is on the right path.

فَإِن تَوَلَّوا فَقَد أَبلَغتُكُم ما أُرسِلتُ بِهِ إِلَيكُم وَيَستَخلِفُ رَبّى قَومًا غَيرَكُم وَلا تَضُرّونَهُ شَيـًٔا إِنَّ رَبّى عَلىٰ كُلِّ شَىءٍ حَفيظٌ

"If you turn away, I have delivered to you what I was sent with. My Lord will substitute other people in your place; you cannot harm Him in the least. My Lord is in control of all things.

وَلَمّا جاءَ أَمرُنا نَجَّينا هودًا وَالَّذينَ ءامَنوا مَعَهُ بِرَحمَةٍ مِنّا وَنَجَّينٰهُم مِن عَذابٍ غَليظٍ

When our judgment came, we saved Hûd and those who believed with him, by mercy from us. We saved them from a terrible retribution.

وَتِلكَ عادٌ جَحَدوا بِـٔايٰتِ رَبِّهِم وَعَصَوا رُسُلَهُ وَاتَّبَعوا أَمرَ كُلِّ جَبّارٍ عَنيدٍ

Such was `Ãd - they disregarded the revelations of their Lord, disobeyed His messengers, and followed the ways of every stubborn tyrant.

وَأُتبِعوا فى هٰذِهِ الدُّنيا لَعنَةً وَيَومَ القِيٰمَةِ أَلا إِنَّ عادًا كَفَروا رَبَّهُم أَلا بُعدًا لِعادٍ قَومِ هودٍ

Consequently, they incurred condemnation in this world, and on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, `Ãd rejected their Lord. Indeed, `Ãd, the people of Hûd, have perished.

وَإِلىٰ ثَمودَ أَخاهُم صٰلِحًا قالَ يٰقَومِ اعبُدُوا اللَّهَ ما لَكُم مِن إِلٰهٍ غَيرُهُ هُوَ أَنشَأَكُم مِنَ الأَرضِ وَاستَعمَرَكُم فيها فَاستَغفِروهُ ثُمَّ توبوا إِلَيهِ إِنَّ رَبّى قَريبٌ مُجيبٌ

To Thamoud we sent their brother Sãleh. He said, "O my people, worship God; you have no other god beside Him. He initiated you from the earth, then settled you in it. You shall seek His forgiveness, then repent to Him. My Lord is always near, responsive."

قالوا يٰصٰلِحُ قَد كُنتَ فينا مَرجُوًّا قَبلَ هٰذا أَتَنهىٰنا أَن نَعبُدَ ما يَعبُدُ ءاباؤُنا وَإِنَّنا لَفى شَكٍّ مِمّا تَدعونا إِلَيهِ مُريبٍ

They said, "O Sãleh, you used to be popular among us before this. Are you enjoining us from worshiping what our parents are worshiping? We are full of doubt concerning everything you have told us."

قالَ يٰقَومِ أَرَءَيتُم إِن كُنتُ عَلىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِن رَبّى وَءاتىٰنى مِنهُ رَحمَةً فَمَن يَنصُرُنى مِنَ اللَّهِ إِن عَصَيتُهُ فَما تَزيدونَنى غَيرَ تَخسيرٍ

He said, "O my people, what if I have solid proof from my Lord, and mercy from Him? Who would support me against God, if I disobeyed Him? You can only augment my loss.

وَيٰقَومِ هٰذِهِ ناقَةُ اللَّهِ لَكُم ءايَةً فَذَروها تَأكُل فى أَرضِ اللَّهِ وَلا تَمَسّوها بِسوءٍ فَيَأخُذَكُم عَذابٌ قَريبٌ

"O my people, this is God's camel to serve as a proof for you. You shall let her eat from God's earth, and do not touch her with any harm, lest you incur an immediate retribution."

فَعَقَروها فَقالَ تَمَتَّعوا فى دارِكُم ثَلٰثَةَ أَيّامٍ ذٰلِكَ وَعدٌ غَيرُ مَكذوبٍ

They slaughtered her. He then said, "You have only three days to live. This is a prophecy that is inevitable."

فَلَمّا جاءَ أَمرُنا نَجَّينا صٰلِحًا وَالَّذينَ ءامَنوا مَعَهُ بِرَحمَةٍ مِنّا وَمِن خِزىِ يَومِئِذٍ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ القَوِىُّ العَزيزُ

When our judgment came, we saved Sãleh and those who believed with him by mercy from us, from the humiliation of that day. Your Lord is the Most Powerful, the Almighty.

وَأَخَذَ الَّذينَ ظَلَمُوا الصَّيحَةُ فَأَصبَحوا فى دِيٰرِهِم جٰثِمينَ

When our judgment came, we saved Sãleh and those who believed with him by mercy from us, from the humiliation of that day. Your Lord is the Most Powerful, the Almighty.

كَأَن لَم يَغنَوا فيها أَلا إِنَّ ثَمودَا۟ كَفَروا رَبَّهُم أَلا بُعدًا لِثَمودَ

It was as if they never lived there. Indeed, Thamoud have rejected their Lord. Absolutely, Thamoud have incurred their annihilation.

وَلَقَد جاءَت رُسُلُنا إِبرٰهيمَ بِالبُشرىٰ قالوا سَلٰمًا قالَ سَلٰمٌ فَما لَبِثَ أَن جاءَ بِعِجلٍ حَنيذٍ

When our messengers went to Abraham with good news, they said, "Peace." He said, "Peace," and soon brought a roasted calf.

فَلَمّا رَءا أَيدِيَهُم لا تَصِلُ إِلَيهِ نَكِرَهُم وَأَوجَسَ مِنهُم خيفَةً قالوا لا تَخَف إِنّا أُرسِلنا إِلىٰ قَومِ لوطٍ

When he saw that their hands did not touch it, he became suspicious and fearful of them. They said, "Do not be afraid, we are being dispatched to the people of Lot."

وَامرَأَتُهُ قائِمَةٌ فَضَحِكَت فَبَشَّرنٰها بِإِسحٰقَ وَمِن وَراءِ إِسحٰقَ يَعقوبَ

His wife was standing, and she laughed when we gave her the good news about Isaac, and after Isaac, Jacob.

قالَت يٰوَيلَتىٰ ءَأَلِدُ وَأَنا۠ عَجوزٌ وَهٰذا بَعلى شَيخًا إِنَّ هٰذا لَشَىءٌ عَجيبٌ

She said, "Woe to me, how could I bear a child at my age, and here is my husband, an old man? This is really strange!"

قالوا أَتَعجَبينَ مِن أَمرِ اللَّهِ رَحمَتُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكٰتُهُ عَلَيكُم أَهلَ البَيتِ إِنَّهُ حَميدٌ مَجيدٌ

They said,"Do you find it strange for God? God has bestowed His mercy and blessings upon you, O inhabitants of the shrine. He is Praiseworthy, Glorious."

فَلَمّا ذَهَبَ عَن إِبرٰهيمَ الرَّوعُ وَجاءَتهُ البُشرىٰ يُجٰدِلُنا فى قَومِ لوطٍ

When Abraham's fear subsided, and the good news was delivered to him, he proceeded to argue with us on behalf of Lot's people.

إِنَّ إِبرٰهيمَ لَحَليمٌ أَوّٰهٌ مُنيبٌ

Indeed, Abraham was clement, extremely kind, and obedient.

يٰإِبرٰهيمُ أَعرِض عَن هٰذا إِنَّهُ قَد جاءَ أَمرُ رَبِّكَ وَإِنَّهُم ءاتيهِم عَذابٌ غَيرُ مَردودٍ

"O Abraham, refrain from this. Your Lord's judgment has been issued; they have incurred unavoidable retribution."

وَلَمّا جاءَت رُسُلُنا لوطًا سىءَ بِهِم وَضاقَ بِهِم ذَرعًا وَقالَ هٰذا يَومٌ عَصيبٌ

When our messengers went to Lot, they were mistreated, and he was embarrassed by their presence. He said, "This is a difficult day."

وَجاءَهُ قَومُهُ يُهرَعونَ إِلَيهِ وَمِن قَبلُ كانوا يَعمَلونَ السَّيِّـٔاتِ قالَ يٰقَومِ هٰؤُلاءِ بَناتى هُنَّ أَطهَرُ لَكُم فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَلا تُخزونِ فى ضَيفى أَلَيسَ مِنكُم رَجُلٌ رَشيدٌ

His people came rushing; they had grown accustomed to their sinful acts. He said, "O my people, it would be purer for you, if you take my daughters instead. You shall reverence God; do not embarrass me with my guests. Have you not one reasonable man among you?"

قالوا لَقَد عَلِمتَ ما لَنا فى بَناتِكَ مِن حَقٍّ وَإِنَّكَ لَتَعلَمُ ما نُريدُ

They said, "You know well that we have no need for your daughters; you know exactly what we want."

قالَ لَو أَنَّ لى بِكُم قُوَّةً أَو ءاوى إِلىٰ رُكنٍ شَديدٍ

He said, "I wish I were strong enough, or had a powerful ally!"

قالوا يٰلوطُ إِنّا رُسُلُ رَبِّكَ لَن يَصِلوا إِلَيكَ فَأَسرِ بِأَهلِكَ بِقِطعٍ مِنَ الَّيلِ وَلا يَلتَفِت مِنكُم أَحَدٌ إِلَّا امرَأَتَكَ إِنَّهُ مُصيبُها ما أَصابَهُم إِنَّ مَوعِدَهُمُ الصُّبحُ أَلَيسَ الصُّبحُ بِقَريبٍ

(The angels) said, "O Lot, we are your Lord's messengers, and these people cannot touch you. You shall leave with your family during the night, and let not anyone of you look back, except your wife; she is condemned along with those who are condemned. Their appointed time is the morning. Is not the morning soon enough?"

فَلَمّا جاءَ أَمرُنا جَعَلنا عٰلِيَها سافِلَها وَأَمطَرنا عَلَيها حِجارَةً مِن سِجّيلٍ مَنضودٍ

When our judgment came, we turned it upside down, and we showered it with hard, devastating rocks.

مُسَوَّمَةً عِندَ رَبِّكَ وَما هِىَ مِنَ الظّٰلِمينَ بِبَعيدٍ

Such rocks were designated by your Lord to strike the transgressors.

وَإِلىٰ مَديَنَ أَخاهُم شُعَيبًا قالَ يٰقَومِ اعبُدُوا اللَّهَ ما لَكُم مِن إِلٰهٍ غَيرُهُ وَلا تَنقُصُوا المِكيالَ وَالميزانَ إِنّى أَرىٰكُم بِخَيرٍ وَإِنّى أَخافُ عَلَيكُم عَذابَ يَومٍ مُحيطٍ

To Midyan we sent their brother Shu`aib. He said, "O my people, worship God; you have no other god beside Him. Do not cheat when you measure or weigh. I see that you are prosperous, and I fear for you the retribution of an overwhelming day.

وَيٰقَومِ أَوفُوا المِكيالَ وَالميزانَ بِالقِسطِ وَلا تَبخَسُوا النّاسَ أَشياءَهُم وَلا تَعثَوا فِى الأَرضِ مُفسِدينَ

"O my people, you shall give full measure and full weight, equitably. Do not cheat the people out of their rights, and do not roam the earth corruptingly.

بَقِيَّتُ اللَّهِ خَيرٌ لَكُم إِن كُنتُم مُؤمِنينَ وَما أَنا۠ عَلَيكُم بِحَفيظٍ

"Whatever God provides for you, no matter how small, is far better for you, if you are really believers. I am not a guardian over you."

قالوا يٰشُعَيبُ أَصَلوٰتُكَ تَأمُرُكَ أَن نَترُكَ ما يَعبُدُ ءاباؤُنا أَو أَن نَفعَلَ فى أَموٰلِنا ما نَشٰؤُا۟ إِنَّكَ لَأَنتَ الحَليمُ الرَّشيدُ

They said, "O Shu`aib, does your religion dictate upon you that we must abandon our parents' religion, or running our businesses in any manner we choose? Surely, you are known for being clement, wise."

قالَ يٰقَومِ أَرَءَيتُم إِن كُنتُ عَلىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِن رَبّى وَرَزَقَنى مِنهُ رِزقًا حَسَنًا وَما أُريدُ أَن أُخالِفَكُم إِلىٰ ما أَنهىٰكُم عَنهُ إِن أُريدُ إِلَّا الإِصلٰحَ مَا استَطَعتُ وَما تَوفيقى إِلّا بِاللَّهِ عَلَيهِ تَوَكَّلتُ وَإِلَيهِ أُنيبُ

He said, "O my people, what if I have solid proof from my Lord; what if He has provided me with a great blessing? It is not my wish to commit what I enjoin you from. I only wish to correct as many wrongs as I can. My guidance depends totally on God; I have put my trust in Him. To Him I have totally submitted.

وَيٰقَومِ لا يَجرِمَنَّكُم شِقاقى أَن يُصيبَكُم مِثلُ ما أَصابَ قَومَ نوحٍ أَو قَومَ هودٍ أَو قَومَ صٰلِحٍ وَما قَومُ لوطٍ مِنكُم بِبَعيدٍ

"And, O my people, do not be provoked by your opposition to me into incurring the same disasters as the people of Noah, or the people of Hûd, or the people of Sãleh; and the people of Lot are not too far from you.

وَاستَغفِروا رَبَّكُم ثُمَّ توبوا إِلَيهِ إِنَّ رَبّى رَحيمٌ وَدودٌ

"You shall implore your Lord for forgiveness, then repent to Him. My Lord is Most Merciful, Kind."

قالوا يٰشُعَيبُ ما نَفقَهُ كَثيرًا مِمّا تَقولُ وَإِنّا لَنَرىٰكَ فينا ضَعيفًا وَلَولا رَهطُكَ لَرَجَمنٰكَ وَما أَنتَ عَلَينا بِعَزيزٍ

They said, "O Shu`aib, we do not comprehend many of the things you are telling us, and we see that you are powerless among us. If it were not for your tribe, we would have stoned you. You have no value for us."

قالَ يٰقَومِ أَرَهطى أَعَزُّ عَلَيكُم مِنَ اللَّهِ وَاتَّخَذتُموهُ وَراءَكُم ظِهرِيًّا إِنَّ رَبّى بِما تَعمَلونَ مُحيطٌ

He said, "O my people, does my tribe command a greater respect than God? Is this why you have been heedless of Him? My Lord is fully aware of everything you do.

وَيٰقَومِ اعمَلوا عَلىٰ مَكانَتِكُم إِنّى عٰمِلٌ سَوفَ تَعلَمونَ مَن يَأتيهِ عَذابٌ يُخزيهِ وَمَن هُوَ كٰذِبٌ وَارتَقِبوا إِنّى مَعَكُم رَقيبٌ

"O my people, go on doing what you wish, and so will I. You will certainly find out which of us will incur shameful retribution; you will find out who the liar is. Just wait in anticipation, and I will wait in anticipation along with you."

وَلَمّا جاءَ أَمرُنا نَجَّينا شُعَيبًا وَالَّذينَ ءامَنوا مَعَهُ بِرَحمَةٍ مِنّا وَأَخَذَتِ الَّذينَ ظَلَمُوا الصَّيحَةُ فَأَصبَحوا فى دِيٰرِهِم جٰثِمينَ

When our judgment came, we saved Shu`aib and those who believed with him, by mercy from us. As for the evil ones, they were struck by a disaster that left them dead in their homes.

كَأَن لَم يَغنَوا فيها أَلا بُعدًا لِمَديَنَ كَما بَعِدَت ثَمودُ

It was as though they never existed. Thus, Midyan perished, just like Thamoud had perished before that.

وَلَقَد أَرسَلنا موسىٰ بِـٔايٰتِنا وَسُلطٰنٍ مُبينٍ

We sent Moses with our signs and a profound authority.

إِلىٰ فِرعَونَ وَمَلَإِي۟هِ فَاتَّبَعوا أَمرَ فِرعَونَ وَما أَمرُ فِرعَونَ بِرَشيدٍ

To Pharaoh and his elders. But they followed the command of Pharaoh, and Pharaoh's command was not wise.

يَقدُمُ قَومَهُ يَومَ القِيٰمَةِ فَأَورَدَهُمُ النّارَ وَبِئسَ الوِردُ المَورودُ

He will lead his people on the Day of Resurrection, all the way to Hell; what a miserable abode to live in!

وَأُتبِعوا فى هٰذِهِ لَعنَةً وَيَومَ القِيٰمَةِ بِئسَ الرِّفدُ المَرفودُ

They have incurred condemnation in this life, as well as on the Day of Resurrection; what a miserable path to follow!

ذٰلِكَ مِن أَنباءِ القُرىٰ نَقُصُّهُ عَلَيكَ مِنها قائِمٌ وَحَصيدٌ

This is news from the past communities that we narrate to you. Some are still standing, and some have vanished.

وَما ظَلَمنٰهُم وَلٰكِن ظَلَموا أَنفُسَهُم فَما أَغنَت عَنهُم ءالِهَتُهُمُ الَّتى يَدعونَ مِن دونِ اللَّهِ مِن شَىءٍ لَمّا جاءَ أَمرُ رَبِّكَ وَما زادوهُم غَيرَ تَتبيبٍ

We never wronged them; they wronged their own souls. Their gods, whom they invoked beside God, could not help them in the least when the judgment of your Lord came. In fact, they only ensured their doom.

وَكَذٰلِكَ أَخذُ رَبِّكَ إِذا أَخَذَ القُرىٰ وَهِىَ ظٰلِمَةٌ إِنَّ أَخذَهُ أَليمٌ شَديدٌ

Such was the retribution enforced by your Lord when the communities transgressed. Indeed, His retribution is painful, devastating.

إِنَّ فى ذٰلِكَ لَـٔايَةً لِمَن خافَ عَذابَ الـٔاخِرَةِ ذٰلِكَ يَومٌ مَجموعٌ لَهُ النّاسُ وَذٰلِكَ يَومٌ مَشهودٌ

This should be a lesson for those who fear the retribution of the Hereafter. That is a day when all the people will be summoned - a day to be witnessed.

وَما نُؤَخِّرُهُ إِلّا لِأَجَلٍ مَعدودٍ

We have appointed a specific time for it to take place.

يَومَ يَأتِ لا تَكَلَّمُ نَفسٌ إِلّا بِإِذنِهِ فَمِنهُم شَقِىٌّ وَسَعيدٌ

The day it comes to pass, no soul will utter a single word, except in accordance with His will. Some will be miserable, and some will be happy.

فَأَمَّا الَّذينَ شَقوا فَفِى النّارِ لَهُم فيها زَفيرٌ وَشَهيقٌ

As for the miserable ones, they will be in Hell, wherein they sigh and wail.

خٰلِدينَ فيها ما دامَتِ السَّمٰوٰتُ وَالأَرضُ إِلّا ما شاءَ رَبُّكَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ فَعّالٌ لِما يُريدُ

Eternally they abide therein, for as long as the heavens and the earth endure, in accordance with the will of your Lord. Your Lord is doer of whatever He wills.

وَأَمَّا الَّذينَ سُعِدوا فَفِى الجَنَّةِ خٰلِدينَ فيها ما دامَتِ السَّمٰوٰتُ وَالأَرضُ إِلّا ما شاءَ رَبُّكَ عَطاءً غَيرَ مَجذوذٍ

As for the fortunate ones, they will be in Paradise. Eternally they abide therein, for as long as the heavens and the earth endure, in accordance with the will of your Lord - an everlasting reward.

فَلا تَكُ فى مِريَةٍ مِمّا يَعبُدُ هٰؤُلاءِ ما يَعبُدونَ إِلّا كَما يَعبُدُ ءاباؤُهُم مِن قَبلُ وَإِنّا لَمُوَفّوهُم نَصيبَهُم غَيرَ مَنقوصٍ

Do not have any doubt regarding what these people worship; they worship exactly as they found their parents worshiping. We will requite them their due share fully, without reduction.

وَلَقَد ءاتَينا موسَى الكِتٰبَ فَاختُلِفَ فيهِ وَلَولا كَلِمَةٌ سَبَقَت مِن رَبِّكَ لَقُضِىَ بَينَهُم وَإِنَّهُم لَفى شَكٍّ مِنهُ مُريبٍ

We have given Moses the scripture, but it was disputed, and if it were not for a predetermined word decreed by your Lord, they would have been judged immediately. They are full of doubt about this, suspicious.

وَإِنَّ كُلًّا لَمّا لَيُوَفِّيَنَّهُم رَبُّكَ أَعمٰلَهُم إِنَّهُ بِما يَعمَلونَ خَبيرٌ

Your Lord will surely recompense everyone for their works. He is fully Cognizant of everything they do.

فَاستَقِم كَما أُمِرتَ وَمَن تابَ مَعَكَ وَلا تَطغَوا إِنَّهُ بِما تَعمَلونَ بَصيرٌ

Therefore, continue on the path you have been enjoined to follow, together with those who repented with you, and do not transgress. He is Seer of everything you do.

وَلا تَركَنوا إِلَى الَّذينَ ظَلَموا فَتَمَسَّكُمُ النّارُ وَما لَكُم مِن دونِ اللَّهِ مِن أَولِياءَ ثُمَّ لا تُنصَرونَ

Do not lean towards those who have transgressed, lest you incur Hell, and find no allies to help you against God, then end up losers.

وَأَقِمِ الصَّلوٰةَ طَرَفَىِ النَّهارِ وَزُلَفًا مِنَ الَّيلِ إِنَّ الحَسَنٰتِ يُذهِبنَ السَّيِّـٔاتِ ذٰلِكَ ذِكرىٰ لِلذّٰكِرينَ

You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) at both ends of the day, and during the night. The righteous works wipe out the evil works. This is a reminder for those who would take heed.

وَاصبِر فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لا يُضيعُ أَجرَ المُحسِنينَ

You shall steadfastly persevere, for God never fails to recompense the righteous.

فَلَولا كانَ مِنَ القُرونِ مِن قَبلِكُم أُولوا بَقِيَّةٍ يَنهَونَ عَنِ الفَسادِ فِى الأَرضِ إِلّا قَليلًا مِمَّن أَنجَينا مِنهُم وَاتَّبَعَ الَّذينَ ظَلَموا ما أُترِفوا فيهِ وَكانوا مُجرِمينَ

If only some of those among the previous generations possessed enough intelligence to forbid evil! Only a few of them deserved to be saved by us. As for the transgressors, they were preoccupied with their material luxuries; they were guilty.

وَما كانَ رَبُّكَ لِيُهلِكَ القُرىٰ بِظُلمٍ وَأَهلُها مُصلِحونَ

Your Lord never annihilates any community unjustly, while its people are righteous.

وَلَو شاءَ رَبُّكَ لَجَعَلَ النّاسَ أُمَّةً وٰحِدَةً وَلا يَزالونَ مُختَلِفينَ

Had your Lord willed, all the people would have been one congregation (of believers). But they will always dispute (the truth).

إِلّا مَن رَحِمَ رَبُّكَ وَلِذٰلِكَ خَلَقَهُم وَتَمَّت كَلِمَةُ رَبِّكَ لَأَملَأَنَّ جَهَنَّمَ مِنَ الجِنَّةِ وَالنّاسِ أَجمَعينَ

Only those blessed with mercy from your Lord (will not dispute the truth). This is why He created them.* The judgment of your Lord has already been issued: "I will fill Hell with jinns and humans, all together."**

*11:119 The Most Merciful has created us on this earth to give us yet another chance to denounce our original crime and to be redeemed (see the Introduction and Appendix 7). **11:119 God does not put a single person in Hell; they choose and insist upon going to Hell.

وَكُلًّا نَقُصُّ عَلَيكَ مِن أَنباءِ الرُّسُلِ ما نُثَبِّتُ بِهِ فُؤادَكَ وَجاءَكَ فى هٰذِهِ الحَقُّ وَمَوعِظَةٌ وَذِكرىٰ لِلمُؤمِنينَ

We narrate to you enough history of the messengers to strengthen your heart. The truth has come to you herein, as well as enlightenments and reminders for the believers.

وَقُل لِلَّذينَ لا يُؤمِنونَ اعمَلوا عَلىٰ مَكانَتِكُم إِنّا عٰمِلونَ

Say to those who disbelieve, "Do whatever you can, and so will we

وَانتَظِروا إِنّا مُنتَظِرونَ

"Then wait; we too will wait."

وَلِلَّهِ غَيبُ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالأَرضِ وَإِلَيهِ يُرجَعُ الأَمرُ كُلُّهُ فَاعبُدهُ وَتَوَكَّل عَلَيهِ وَما رَبُّكَ بِغٰفِلٍ عَمّا تَعمَلونَ

To God belongs the future of the heavens and the earth, and all matters are controlled by Him. You shall worship Him and trust in Him. Your Lord is never unaware of anything you do.