The Holy Qur'an (Maulana Muhammad Ali)/37. Those Ranging in Ranks

37. Those Ranging in Ranks (Al-Saffat)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

By those ranging in ranks, 

And those who restrain holding in restraint, 

And those who recite the Reminder, 

Surely your God is One. 

The Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them, and the Lord of the eastern lands. 

Surely We have adorned the lower heaven with an adornment, the stars, 

And (there is) a safeguard against every rebellious devil. 

They cannot listen to the exalted assembly and they are reproached from every side, 

<section begin="37:9"/>Driven off; and for them is a perpetual chastisement, <section end="37:9"/>

<section begin="37:10"/>Except him who snatches away but once, then there follows him a brightly shining flame. <section end="37:10"/>

<section begin="37:11"/>So ask them whether they are stronger in creation or those (others) whom We have created. Surely We created them of firm clay. <section end="37:11"/>

<section begin="37:12"/>Nay, thou wonderest, while they mock, <section end="37:12"/>

<section begin="37:13"/>And when they are reminded, they mind not, <section end="37:13"/>

<section begin="37:14"/>And when they see a sign, they seek to scoff, <section end="37:14"/>

<section begin="37:15"/>And say: This is nothing but clear enchantment. <section end="37:15"/>

<section begin="37:16"/>When we are dead and have become dust and bones; shall we then be raised, <section end="37:16"/>

<section begin="37:17"/>Or our fathers of yore? <section end="37:17"/>

<section begin="37:18"/>Say: Yea, and you will be humiliated. <section end="37:18"/>

<section begin="37:19"/>So it will be but one cry, when lo! they will see. <section end="37:19"/>

<section begin="37:20"/>And they will say: O woe to us! This is the day of Requital. <section end="37:20"/>

<section begin="37:21"/>This is the day of Judgment, which you called a lie. <section end="37:21"/>

<section begin="37:22"/>Gather together those who did wrong and their associates, and what they worshipped <section end="37:22"/>

<section begin="37:23"/>Besides Allah, then lead them to the way to hell. <section end="37:23"/>

<section begin="37:24"/>And stop them, for they shall be questioned: <section end="37:24"/>

<section begin="37:25"/>What is the matter with you that you help not one another? <section end="37:25"/>

<section begin="37:26"/>Nay, on that day they will be submissive. <section end="37:26"/>

<section begin="37:27"/>And some of them will turn to others mutually questioning -- <section end="37:27"/>

<section begin="37:28"/>Saying: Surely you used to come to us from the right side. <section end="37:28"/>

<section begin="37:29"/>They will say: Nay, you (yourselves) were not believers. <section end="37:29"/>

<section begin="37:30"/>And we had no authority over you, but you were an inordinate people. <section end="37:30"/>

<section begin="37:31"/>So the word of our Lord has proved true against us: we shall surely taste. <section end="37:31"/>

<section begin="37:32"/>We led you astray, for we ourselves were erring. <section end="37:32"/>

<section begin="37:33"/>So, that day they will be sharers in the chastisement. <section end="37:33"/>

<section begin="37:34"/>Thus do We deal with the guilty. <section end="37:34"/>

<section begin="37:35"/>They indeed were arrogant, when it was said to them: There is no god but Allah; <section end="37:35"/>

<section begin="37:36"/>And said: Shall we give up our gods for a mad poet? <section end="37:36"/>

<section begin="37:37"/>Nay, he has brought the Truth and verifies the messengers. <section end="37:37"/>

<section begin="37:38"/>Surely you will taste the painful chastisement. <section end="37:38"/>

<section begin="37:39"/>And you are requited naught but for what you did -- <section end="37:39"/>

<section begin="37:40"/>Save the servants of Allah, the purified ones. <section end="37:40"/>

<section begin="37:41"/>For them is a known sustenance: <section end="37:41"/>

<section begin="37:42"/>Fruits. And they are honoured, <section end="37:42"/>

<section begin="37:43"/>In Gardens of delight, <section end="37:43"/>

<section begin="37:44"/>On thrones, facing each other. <section end="37:44"/>

<section begin="37:45"/>A bowl of running water will be made to go round them, <section end="37:45"/>

<section begin="37:46"/>White, delicious to those who drink. <section end="37:46"/>

<section begin="37:47"/>It deprives not of reason, nor are they exhausted therewith. <section end="37:47"/>

<section begin="37:48"/>And with them are those modest in gaze, having beautiful eyes, <section end="37:48"/>

<section begin="37:49"/>As if they were eggs, carefully protected. <section end="37:49"/>

<section begin="37:50"/>Then some of them will turn to others, questioning mutually. <section end="37:50"/>

<section begin="37:51"/>A speaker of them will say: Surely I had a comrade, <section end="37:51"/>

<section begin="37:52"/>Who said: Art thou indeed of those who accept? <section end="37:52"/>

<section begin="37:53"/>When we are dead and have become dust and bones, shall we then be requited? <section end="37:53"/>

<section begin="37:54"/>He will say: Will you look? <section end="37:54"/>

<section begin="37:55"/>Then he looked down and saw him in the midst of hell. <section end="37:55"/>

<section begin="37:56"/>He will say: By Allah! thou hadst almost caused me to perish <section end="37:56"/>

<section begin="37:57"/>And had it not been for favour of my Lord, I should have been among those brought up. <section end="37:57"/>

<section begin="37:58"/>Are we not to die, <section end="37:58"/>

<section begin="37:59"/>Except our previous death? And are we not to be chastised? <section end="37:59"/>

<section begin="37:60"/>Surely this is the mighty achievement. <section end="37:60"/>

<section begin="37:61"/>For the like of this, then, let the workers work. <section end="37:61"/>

<section begin="37:62"/>Is this the better entertainment or the tree of Zaqqum? <section end="37:62"/>

<section begin="37:63"/>Surely We have made it a trial for the wrongdoers. <section end="37:63"/>

<section begin="37:64"/>It is a tree that grows in the bottom of hell -- <section end="37:64"/>

<section begin="37:65"/>Its produce is as it were the heads of serpents. <section end="37:65"/>

<section begin="37:66"/>Then truly they will eat of it and fill (their) bellies with it. <section end="37:66"/>

<section begin="37:67"/>Then surely they shall have after it a drink of boiling water. <section end="37:67"/>

<section begin="37:68"/>Then their return is surety to the flaming Fire. <section end="37:68"/>

<section begin="37:69"/>They indeed found their fathers astray, <section end="37:69"/>

<section begin="37:70"/>So in their footsteps they are hastening on. <section end="37:70"/>

<section begin="37:71"/>And most of the ancients surely went astray before them, <section end="37:71"/>

<section begin="37:72"/>And indeed We sent among them warners. <section end="37:72"/>

<section begin="37:73"/>Then see what was the end of those warned -- <section end="37:73"/>

<section begin="37:74"/>Except the servants of Allah, the purified ones. <section end="37:74"/>

<section begin="37:75"/>And Noah certainly called upon Us, and excellent Answerer of prayers are We! <section end="37:75"/>

<section begin="37:76"/>And We delivered him and his people from the great distress; <section end="37:76"/>

<section begin="37:77"/>And made his offspring the survivors, <section end="37:77"/>

<section begin="37:78"/>And left for him (praise) among the later generations, <section end="37:78"/>

<section begin="37:79"/>Peace be to Noah among the nations! <section end="37:79"/>

<section begin="37:80"/>Thus indeed do We reward the doers of good. <section end="37:80"/>

<section begin="37:81"/>Surely he was of Our believing servants. <section end="37:81"/>

<section begin="37:82"/>Then We drowned the others. <section end="37:82"/>

<section begin="37:83"/>And surely of his party was Abraham. <section end="37:83"/>

<section begin="37:84"/>When he came to his Lord with a secure heart. <section end="37:84"/>

<section begin="37:85"/>When he said to his sire and his people: What is it that you worship? <section end="37:85"/>

<section begin="37:86"/>A lie -- gods besides Allah do you desire? <section end="37:86"/>

<section begin="37:87"/>What is then your idea about the Lord of the worlds? <section end="37:87"/>

<section begin="37:88"/>Then he glanced a glance at the stars, <section end="37:88"/>

<section begin="37:89"/>And said: Surely I am sick (of your deities). <section end="37:89"/>

<section begin="37:90"/>So they turned their backs on him, going away. <section end="37:90"/>

<section begin="37:91"/>Then he turned to their gods and said: Do you not eat? <section end="37:91"/>

<section begin="37:92"/>What is the matter with you that you speak not? <section end="37:92"/>

<section begin="37:93"/>So he turned upon them, smiting with the right hand. <section end="37:93"/>

<section begin="37:94"/>Then they came to him, hastening. <section end="37:94"/>

<section begin="37:95"/>He said: Do you worship that which you hew out? <section end="37:95"/>

<section begin="37:96"/>And Allah has created you and what you make. <section end="37:96"/>

<section begin="37:97"/>They said: Build for him a building, then cast him into the flaming fire. <section end="37:97"/>

<section begin="37:98"/>And they designed a plan against him, but We brought them low. <section end="37:98"/>

<section begin="37:99"/>And he said: Surely I flee to my Lord -- He will guide me. <section end="37:99"/>

<section begin="37:100"/>My Lord, grant me a doer of good deeds. <section end="37:100"/>

<section begin="37:101"/>So We gave him the good news of a forbearing son. <section end="37:101"/>

<section begin="37:102"/>But when he became of (age to) work with him, he said: O my son, I have seen in a dream that I should sacrifice thee: so consider what thou seest. He said: O my father, do as thou art commanded; if Allah please, thou wilt find me patient. <section end="37:102"/>

<section begin="37:103"/>So when they both submitted and he had thrown him down upon his forehead, <section end="37:103"/>

<section begin="37:104"/>And We called out to him saying, O Abraham, <section end="37:104"/>

<section begin="37:105"/>Thou hast indeed fulfilled the vision. Thus do We reward the doers of good. <section end="37:105"/>

<section begin="37:106"/>Surely this is a manifest trial. <section end="37:106"/>

<section begin="37:107"/>And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice. <section end="37:107"/>

<section begin="37:108"/>And We granted him among the later generations (the salutation), <section end="37:108"/>

<section begin="37:109"/>Peace be to Abraham! <section end="37:109"/>

<section begin="37:110"/>Thus do We reward the doers of good. <section end="37:110"/>

<section begin="37:111"/>Surely he was one of Our believing servants. <section end="37:111"/>

<section begin="37:112"/>And We gave him the good news of Isaac, a prophet, a righteous one. <section end="37:112"/>

<section begin="37:113"/>And We blessed him and Isaac. And of their offspring some are doers of good, but some are clearly unjust to themselves. <section end="37:113"/>

<section begin="37:114"/>And certainly We conferred a favour on Moses and Aaron. <section end="37:114"/>

<section begin="37:115"/>And We delivered them, and their people from the mighty distress. <section end="37:115"/>

<section begin="37:116"/>And We helped them, so they were the vanquishers. <section end="37:116"/>

<section begin="37:117"/>And We gave them both the clear Book. <section end="37:117"/>

<section begin="37:118"/>And We guided them on the right way. <section end="37:118"/>

<section begin="37:119"/>And We granted them among the later generations (the salutation), <section end="37:119"/>

<section begin="37:120"/>Peace be to Moses and Aaron! <section end="37:120"/>

<section begin="37:121"/>Thus do We reward the doers of good. <section end="37:121"/>

<section begin="37:122"/>Surely they were both of Our believing servants. <section end="37:122"/>

<section begin="37:123"/>And Elias was surely of those sent. <section end="37:123"/>

<section begin="37:124"/>When he said to his people: Will you not guard against evil? <section end="37:124"/>

<section begin="37:125"/>Do you call upon Ba'l and forsake the Best of the creators, <section end="37:125"/>

<section begin="37:126"/>Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your fathers of yore? <section end="37:126"/>

<section begin="37:127"/>But they rejected him, so they shall be brought up, <section end="37:127"/>

<section begin="37:128"/>But not the servants of Allah, the purified ones. <section end="37:128"/>

<section begin="37:129"/>And We granted him among the later generations (the salutation), <section end="37:129"/>

<section begin="37:130"/>Peace be to Elias! <section end="37:130"/>

<section begin="37:131"/>Even thus We reward the doers of good. <section end="37:131"/>

<section begin="37:132"/>Surely he was one of Our believing servants. <section end="37:132"/>

<section begin="37:133"/>And Lot was surely of those sent. <section end="37:133"/>

<section begin="37:134"/>When We delivered him and his people, all -- <section end="37:134"/>

<section begin="37:135"/>Except an old woman among those who remained behind. <section end="37:135"/>

<section begin="37:136"/>Then We destroyed the others. <section end="37:136"/>

<section begin="37:137"/>And surely you pass by them in the morning, <section end="37:137"/>

<section begin="37:138"/>And at night. Do you not then understand? <section end="37:138"/>

<section begin="37:139"/>And Jonah was surely of those sent. <section end="37:139"/>

<section begin="37:140"/>When he fled to the laden ship, <section end="37:140"/>

<section begin="37:141"/>So he shared with others but was of those cast away. <section end="37:141"/>

<section begin="37:142"/>So the fish took him into its mouth while he was blamable. <section end="37:142"/>

<section begin="37:143"/>But had he not been of those who glorify (Us), <section end="37:143"/>

<section begin="37:144"/>He would have tarried in its belly till the day when they are raised. <section end="37:144"/>

<section begin="37:145"/>Then We cast him on the naked shore, while he was sick. <section end="37:145"/>

<section begin="37:146"/>And We caused a gourd to grow up for him. <section end="37:146"/>

<section begin="37:147"/>And We sent him to a hundred thousand or more. <section end="37:147"/>

<section begin="37:148"/>And they believed, so We gave them provision till a time. <section end="37:148"/>

<section begin="37:149"/>Now ask them whether thy Lord has daughters and they have sons? <section end="37:149"/>

<section begin="37:150"/>Or did We create the angels females, while they witnessed? <section end="37:150"/>

<section begin="37:151"/>Now surely it is of their own lie that they say: <section end="37:151"/>

<section begin="37:152"/>Allah has begotten. And truly they are liars. <section end="37:152"/>

<section begin="37:153"/>Has He preferred daughters to sons? <section end="37:153"/>

<section begin="37:154"/>What is the matter with you? How you judge! <section end="37:154"/>

<section begin="37:155"/>Will you not then mind? <section end="37:155"/>

<section begin="37:156"/>Or have you a clear authority? <section end="37:156"/>

<section begin="37:157"/>Then bring your Book, if you are truthful. <section end="37:157"/>

<section begin="37:158"/>And they assert a relationship between Him and the jinn. And certainly the jinn know that they will be brought up (for judgment) -- <section end="37:158"/>

<section begin="37:159"/>Glory be to Allah from what they describe! -- <section end="37:159"/>

<section begin="37:160"/>But not so the servants of Allah, the purified ones. <section end="37:160"/>

<section begin="37:161"/>So surely you and that which you serve, <section end="37:161"/>

<section begin="37:162"/>Not against Him can you cause (any) to fall into trial, <section end="37:162"/>

<section begin="37:163"/>Save him who will burn in the flaming Fire. <section end="37:163"/>

<section begin="37:164"/>And there is none of us but has an assigned place, <section end="37:164"/>

<section begin="37:165"/>And verily we are ranged in ranks, <section end="37:165"/>

<section begin="37:166"/>And we truly glorify (Him). <section end="37:166"/>

<section begin="37:167"/>And surely they used to say: <section end="37:167"/>

<section begin="37:168"/>Had we a reminder from those of yore, <section end="37:168"/>

<section begin="37:169"/>We would have been sincere servants of Allah. <section end="37:169"/>

<section begin="37:170"/>But (now) they disbelieve in it, so they will come to know. <section end="37:170"/>

<section begin="37:171"/>And certainly Our word has already gone forth to Our servants, to those sent, <section end="37:171"/>

<section begin="37:172"/>That they, surely they, will be helped, <section end="37:172"/>

<section begin="37:173"/>And Our hosts, surely they, will be triumphant. <section end="37:173"/>

<section begin="37:174"/>So turn away from them till a time, <section end="37:174"/>

<section begin="37:175"/>And watch them, they too will see. <section end="37:175"/>

<section begin="37:176"/>Would they hasten on Our chastisement? <section end="37:176"/>

<section begin="37:177"/>So when it descends in their court, evil will be the morning of the warned ones. <section end="37:177"/>

<section begin="37:178"/>And turn away from them till a time, <section end="37:178"/>

<section begin="37:179"/>And watch, for they too will see. <section end="37:179"/>

<section begin="37:180"/>Glory be to thy Lord, the Lord of Might, above what they describe <section end="37:180"/>

<section begin="37:181"/>And peace be to those sent <section end="37:181"/>

<section begin="37:182"/>And praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds! <section end="37:182"/>