The Holy Qur'an (Maulana Muhammad Ali)/78. The Announcement

78. The Announcement (Al-Naba)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

Of what do they ask one another? 

Of the tremendous announcement 

About which they differ. 

Nay, they will soon know; 

Nay, again, they will soon know. 

Have We not made the earth an expanse 

And the mountains as pegs? 

And We have created you in pairs, 

<section begin="78:9"/>And made your sleep for rest, <section end="78:9"/>

<section begin="78:10"/>And made the night a covering, <section end="78:10"/>

<section begin="78:11"/>And made the day for seeking livelihood. <section end="78:11"/>

<section begin="78:12"/>And We have made above you seven strong (bodies), <section end="78:12"/>

<section begin="78:13"/>And made a shining lamp, <section end="78:13"/>

<section begin="78:14"/>And We send down from the clouds water pouring forth in abundance, <section end="78:14"/>

<section begin="78:15"/>That We may bring forth thereby grain and herbs, <section end="78:15"/>

<section begin="78:16"/>And luxuriant gardens. <section end="78:16"/>

<section begin="78:17"/>Surely the day of Decision is appointed -- <section end="78:17"/>

<section begin="78:18"/>The day when the trumpet is blown, so you come forth in hosts, <section end="78:18"/>

<section begin="78:19"/>And the heaven is opened so it becomes as doors, <section end="78:19"/>

<section begin="78:20"/>And the mountains are moved off, so they remain a semblance. <section end="78:20"/>

<section begin="78:21"/>Surely hell lies in wait, <section end="78:21"/>

<section begin="78:22"/>A resort for the inordinate, <section end="78:22"/>

<section begin="78:23"/>Living therein for long years. <section end="78:23"/>

<section begin="78:24"/>They taste not therein coolness nor drink, <section end="78:24"/>

<section begin="78:25"/>But boiling and intensely cold water, <section end="78:25"/>

<section begin="78:26"/>Requital corresponding. <section end="78:26"/>

<section begin="78:27"/>Surely they feared not the reckoning, <section end="78:27"/>

<section begin="78:28"/>And rejected Our messages, giving the lie (thereto). <section end="78:28"/>

<section begin="78:29"/>And We have recorded every thing in a book, <section end="78:29"/>

<section begin="78:30"/>So taste, for We shall add to you naught but chastisement. <section end="78:30"/>

<section begin="78:31"/>Surely for those who keep their duty is achievement, <section end="78:31"/>

<section begin="78:32"/>Gardens and vineyards, <section end="78:32"/>

<section begin="78:33"/>And youthful (companions), equals in age, <section end="78:33"/>

<section begin="78:34"/>And a pure cup. <section end="78:34"/>

<section begin="78:35"/>They hear not therein vain words, nor lying -- <section end="78:35"/>

<section begin="78:36"/>A reward from thy Lord, a gift sufficient; <section end="78:36"/>

<section begin="78:37"/>The Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them~ the Beneficent, they are not able to address Him. <section end="78:37"/>

<section begin="78:38"/>The day when the spirit and the angels stand in ranks; none shall speak except he whom the Beneficent permits and he speaks aright. <section end="78:38"/>

<section begin="78:39"/>That is the True Day, so whoever desires may take refuge with his Lord. <section end="78:39"/>

<section begin="78:40"/>Truly We warn you of a chastisement near at hand -- the day when man will see what his hands have sent before, and the disbeliever will say O would that I were dust! <section end="78:40"/>