Sura 28: History
(Al-Qasas)
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

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طسم

T.S.M.*

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تلك ايات الكتاب المبين

These (letters) constitute proofs of this profound book.

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نتلو عليك من نبا موسى وفرعون بالحق لقوم يؤمنون

We recite to you herein some history of Moses and Pharaoh, truthfully, for the benefit of people who believe.

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ان فرعون علا في الارض وجعل اهلها شيعا يستضعف طائفة منهم يذبح ابناءهم ويستحيي نساءهم انه كان من المفسدين

Pharaoh turned into a tyrant on earth, and discriminated against some people. He persecuted a helpless group of them, slaughtering their sons, while sparing their daughters. He was indeed wicked.

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God Compensates the Oppressed

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ونريد ان نمن على الذين استضعفوا في الارض ونجعلهم ائمة ونجعلهم الوارثين

We willed to compensate those who were oppressed on earth, and to turn them into leaders, and make them the inheritors.

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ونمكن لهم في الارض ونري فرعون وهامان وجنودهما منهم ما كانوا يحذرون

And to establish them on earth, and to give Pharaoh, Hamaan, and their troops a taste of their own medicine.

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Confidence in God

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واوحينا الى ام موسى ان ارضعيه فاذا خفت عليه فالقيه في اليم ولا تخافي ولا تحزني انا رادوه اليك وجاعلوه من المرسلين

We inspired Moses’ mother: “Nurse him, and when you fear for his life, throw him into the river without fear or grief. We will return him to you, and will make him one of the messengers.”

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فالتقطه ال فرعون ليكون لهم عدوا وحزنا ان فرعون وهامان وجنودهما كانوا خاطئين

Pharaoh’s family picked him up, only to have him lead the opposition and to be a source of grief for them. That is because Pharaoh, Hamaan, and their troops were transgressors.

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Inside the Lion’s Den

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وقالت امرات فرعون قرت عين لي ولك لا تقتلوه عسى ان ينفعنا او نتخذه ولدا وهم لا يشعرون

Pharaoh’s wife said, “This can be a joyous find for me and you. Do not kill him, for he may be of some benefit for us, or we may adopt him to be our son.” They had no idea.

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واصبح فؤاد ام موسى فارغا ان كادت لتبدي به لولا ان ربطنا على قلبها لتكون من المؤمنين

The mind of Moses’ mother was growing so anxious that she almost gave away his identity. But we strengthened her heart, to make her a believer.

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وقالت لاخته قصيه فبصرت به عن جنب وهم لا يشعرون

She said to his sister, “Trace his path.” She watched him from afar, while they did not perceive.

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The Infant Returned to His Mother

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وحرمنا عليه المراضع من قبل فقالت هل ادلكم على اهل بيت يكفلونه لكم وهم له ناصحون

We forbade him from accepting all the nursing mothers. (His sister) then said, “I can show you a family that can raise him for you, and take good care of him.”

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فرددناه الى امه كي تقر عينها ولا تحزن ولتعلم ان وعد الله حق ولكن اكثرهم لا يعلمون

Thus, we restored him to his mother, in order to please her, remove her worries, and to let her know that GOD’s promise is the truth. However, most of them do not know.

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ولما بلغ اشده واستوى اتيناه حكما وعلما وكذلك نجزي المحسنين

When he reached maturity and strength, we endowed him with wisdom and knowledge. We thus reward the righteous.

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Moses Commits Manslaughter

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ودخل المدينة على حين غفلة من اهلها فوجد فيها رجلين يقتتلان هذا من شيعته وهذا من عدوه فاستغاثه الذي من شيعته على الذي من عدوه فوكزه موسى فقضى عليه قال هذا من عمل الشيطان انه عدو مضل مبين

Once he entered the city unexpectedly, without being recognized by the people. He found two men fighting; one was (a Hebrew) from his people, and the other was (an Egyptian) from his enemies. The one from his people called on him for help against his enemy. Moses punched him, killing him. He said, “This is the work of the devil; he is a real enemy, and a profound misleader.”

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قال رب اني ظلمت نفسي فاغفر لي فغفر له انه هو الغفور الرحيم

He said, “My Lord, I have wronged my soul. Please forgive me,” and He forgave him. He is the Forgiver, Most Merciful.

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قال رب بما انعمت علي فلن اكون ظهيرا للمجرمين

He said, “My Lord, in return for Your blessings upon me, I will never be a supporter of the guilty ones.”

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فاصبح في المدينة خائفا يترقب فاذا الذي استنصره بالامس يستصرخه قال له موسى انك لغوي مبين

In the morning, he was in the city, afraid and watchful. The one who sought his help yesterday, asked for his help again. Moses said to him, “You are really a troublemaker.”

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Moses’ Crime Exposed

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فلما ان اراد ان يبطش بالذي هو عدو لهما قال يا موسى اتريد ان تقتلني كما قتلت نفسا بالامس ان تريد الا ان تكون جبارا في الارض وما تريد ان تكون من المصلحين

Before he attempted to strike their common enemy, he said, “O Moses, do you want to kill me, as you killed the other man yesterday? Obviously, you wish to be a tyrant on earth; you do not wish to be righteous.”

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وجاء رجل من اقصى المدينة يسعى قال يا موسى ان الملا ياتمرون بك ليقتلوك فاخرج اني لك من الناصحين

A man came running from the other side of the city, saying, “O Moses, the people are plotting to kill you. You better leave immediately. I am giving you good advice.”

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فخرج منها خائفا يترقب قال رب نجني من القوم الظالمين

He fled the city, afraid and watchful. He said, “My Lord, save me from the oppressive people.”

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In Midyan

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ولما توجه تلقاء مدين قال عسى ربي ان يهديني سواء السبيل

As he traveled towards Midyan, he said, “May my Lord guide me in the right path.”

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ولما ورد ماء مدين وجد عليه امة من الناس يسقون ووجد من دونهم امراتين تذودان قال ما خطبكما قالتا لا نسقي حتى يصدر الرعاء وابونا شيخ كبير

When he reached Midyan’s water, he found a crowd of people watering, and noticed two women waiting on the side. He said, “What is it that you need?” They said, “We are not able to water, until the crowd disperses, and our father is an old man.”

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فسقى لهما ثم تولى الى الظل فقال رب اني لما انزلت الي من خير فقير

He watered for them, then turned to the shade, saying, “My Lord, whatever provision you send to me, I am in dire need for it.”

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فجاءته احداهما تمشي على استحياء قالت ان ابي يدعوك ليجزيك اجر ما سقيت لنا فلما جاءه وقص عليه القصص قال لا تخف نجوت من القوم الظالمين

Soon, one of the two women approached him, shyly, and said, “My father invites you to pay you for watering for us.” When he met him, and told him his story, he said, “Have no fear. You have been saved from the oppressive people.”

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Moses Marries

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قالت احداهما يا ابت استاجره ان خير من استاجرت القوي الامين

One of the two women said, “O my father, hire him. He is the best one to hire, for he is strong and honest.”

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قال اني اريد ان انكحك احدى ابنتي هاتين على ان تاجرني ثماني حجج فان اتممت عشرا فمن عندك وما اريد ان اشق عليك ستجدني ان شاء الله من الصالحين

He said, “I wish to offer one of my two daughters for you to marry, in return for working for me for eight pilgrimages; if you make them ten, it will be voluntary on your part. I do not wish to make this matter too difficult for you. You will find me, GOD willing, righteous.”

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قال ذلك بيني وبينك ايما الاجلين قضيت فلا عدوان علي والله على ما نقول وكيل

He said, “It is an agreement between me and you. Whichever period I fulfill, you will not be averse to either one. GOD is the guarantor of what we said.”

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Back to Egypt

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فلما قضى موسى الاجل وسار باهله انس من جانب الطور نارا قال لاهله امكثوا اني انست نارا لعلي اتيكم منها بخبر او جذوة من النار لعلكم تصطلون

When he had fulfilled his obligation, he traveled with his family (towards Egypt), He saw from the slope of Mount Sinai a fire. He said to his family, “Stay here. I have seen a fire. Maybe I can bring to you news, or a portion of the fire to warm you.”

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Moses Appointed

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فلما اتاها نودي من شاطئ الواد الايمن في البقعة المباركة من الشجرة ان يا موسى اني انا الله رب العالمين

When he reached it, he was called from the edge of the right side of the valley, in the blessed spot where the burning bush was located: “O Moses, this is Me. GOD; Lord of the universe.”

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وان الق عصاك فلما راها تهتز كانها جان ولى مدبرا ولم يعقب يا موسى اقبل ولا تخف انك من الامنين

“Throw down your staff.” When he saw it moving like a demon, he turned around and fled. “O Moses, come back; do not be afraid. You are perfectly safe.

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اسلك يدك في جيبك تخرج بيضاء من غير سوء واضمم اليك جناحك من الرهب فذانك برهانان من ربك الى فرعون وملئه انهم كانوا قوما فاسقين

“Put your hand into your pocket; it will come out white without a blemish. Fold your wings and settle down from your fear. These are two proofs from your Lord, to be shown to Pharaoh and his elders; they have been wicked people.”

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قال رب اني قتلت منهم نفسا فاخاف ان يقتلون

He said, “My Lord, I killed one of them, and I fear lest they kill me.

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واخي هارون هو افصح مني لسانا فارسله معي ردءا يصدقني اني اخاف ان يكذبون

“Also, my brother Aaron is more eloquent than I. Send him with me as a helper to confirm and strengthen me. I fear lest they disbelieve me.”

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قال سنشد عضدك باخيك ونجعل لكما سلطانا فلا يصلون اليكما باياتنا انتما ومن اتبعكما الغالبون

He said, “We will strengthen you with your brother, and we will provide you both with manifest authority. Thus, they will not be able to touch either one of you. With our miracles, the two of you, together with those who follow you, will be the victors.”

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Pharaoh’s Arrogance

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فلما جاءهم موسى باياتنا بينات قالوا ما هذا الا سحر مفترى وما سمعنا بهذا في ابائنا الاولين

When Moses went to them with our proofs, clear and profound, they said, “This is fabricated magic. We have never heard of this from our ancient ancestors.”

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وقال موسى ربي اعلم بمن جاء بالهدى من عنده ومن تكون له عاقبة الدار انه لا يفلح الظالمون

Moses said, “My Lord knows best who brought the guidance from Him, and who will be the ultimate victors. Surely, the transgressors never succeed.”

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وقال فرعون يا ايها الملا ما علمت لكم من اله غيري فاوقد لي يا هامان على الطين فاجعل لي صرحا لعلي اطلع الى اله موسى واني لاظنه من الكاذبين

Pharaoh said, “O you elders, I have not known of any god for you other than me. Therefore, fire the adobe, O Hamaan, in order to build a tower, that I may take a look at the god of Moses. I am sure that he is a liar.”

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واستكبر هو وجنوده في الارض بغير الحق وظنوا انهم الينا لا يرجعون

Thus, he and his troops continued to commit arrogance on earth, without any right, and thought that they would not be returned to us.

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فاخذناه وجنوده فنبذناهم في اليم فانظر كيف كان عاقبة الظالمين

Consequently, we punished him and his troops, by throwing them into the sea. Note the consequences for the transgressors.

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وجعلناهم ائمة يدعون الى النار ويوم القيامة لا ينصرون

We made them imams who led their people to Hell. Furthermore, on the Day of Resurrection, they will have no help.

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واتبعناهم في هذه الدنيا لعنة ويوم القيامة هم من المقبوحين

They incurred in this life condemnation, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be despised.

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The Book of Moses*

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ولقد اتينا موسى الكتاب من بعد ما اهلكنا القرون الاولى بصائر للناس وهدى ورحمة لعلهم يتذكرون

We gave Moses the scripture— after having annihilated the previous generations, and after setting the examples through them—to provide enlightenment for the people, and guidance, and mercy, that they may take heed.

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Addressing God’s Messenger of the Covenant

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وما كنت بجانب الغربي اذ قضينا الى موسى الامر وما كنت من الشاهدين

You were not present on the slope of the western mount, when we issued the command to Moses; you were not a witness.*

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ولكنا انشانا قرونا فتطاول عليهم العمر وما كنت ثاويا في اهل مدين تتلو عليهم اياتنا ولكنا كنا مرسلين

But we established many generations, and, because of the length of time, (they deviated). Nor were you among the people of Midyan, reciting our revelations to them. But we did send messengers.

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وما كنت بجانب الطور اذ نادينا ولكن رحمة من ربك لتنذر قوما ما اتاهم من نذير من قبلك لعلهم يتذكرون

Nor were you on the slope of Mount Sinai when we called (Moses). But it is mercy from your Lord, (towards the people,) in order to warn people who received no warner before you, that they may take heed.

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No Excuse

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ولولا ان تصيبهم مصيبة بما قدمت ايديهم فيقولوا ربنا لولا ارسلت الينا رسولا فنتبع اياتك ونكون من المؤمنين

Thus, they cannot say, when a disaster strikes them as a consequence of their own deeds, “Our Lord, had You sent a messenger to us, we would have followed Your revelations, and would have been believers.”

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The Torah and The Quran

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فلما جاءهم الحق من عندنا قالوا لولا اوتي مثل ما اوتي موسى اولم يكفروا بما اوتي موسى من قبل قالوا سحران تظاهرا وقالوا انا بكل كافرون

Now that the truth has come to them from us, they said, “If only we could be given what was given to Moses!” Did they not disbelieve in what was given to Moses in the past? They said, “Both (scriptures) are works of magic that copied one another.” They also said, “We are disbelievers in both of them.”

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قل فاتوا بكتاب من عند الله هو اهدى منهما اتبعه ان كنتم صادقين

Say, “Then produce a scripture from GOD with better guidance than the two, so I can follow it, if you are truthful.”

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God Sends His Teachings to us<br>Through His Messengers

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فان لم يستجيبوا لك فاعلم انما يتبعون اهواءهم ومن اضل ممن اتبع هواه بغير هدى من الله ان الله لا يهدي القوم الظالمين

If they fail to respond to you, then know that they follow only their own opinions. Who is farther astray than those who follow their own opinions, without guidance from GOD? GOD does not guide such wicked people.

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All True Believers Accept the Quran

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ولقد وصلنا لهم القول لعلهم يتذكرون

We have delivered the message to them, that they may take heed.

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الذين اتيناهم الكتاب من قبله هم به يؤمنون

Those whom we blessed with the previous scriptures will believe in this.

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واذا يتلى عليهم قالوا امنا به انه الحق من ربنا انا كنا من قبله مسلمين

When it is recited to them, they will say, “We believe in it. This is the truth from our Lord. Even before we heard of it, we were submitters.”

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Twice the Reward for Christians &<br>Jews Who Recognize the Truth

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اولئك يؤتون اجرهم مرتين بما صبروا ويدرءون بالحسنة السيئة ومما رزقناهم ينفقون

To these we grant twice the reward, because they steadfastly persevere. They counter evil works with good works, and from our provisions to them, they give.

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واذا سمعوا اللغو اعرضوا عنه وقالوا لنا اعمالنا ولكم اعمالكم سلام عليكم لا نبتغي الجاهلين

When they come across vain talk, they disregard it and say, “We are responsible for our deeds, and you are responsible for your deeds. Peace be upon you. We do not wish to behave like the ignorant ones.”

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Only God Guides

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انك لا تهدي من احببت ولكن الله يهدي من يشاء وهو اعلم بالمهتدين

You cannot guide the ones you love GOD is the only One who guides in accordance with His will, and in accordance with His knowledge of those who deserve the guidance.

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وقالوا ان نتبع الهدى معك نتخطف من ارضنا اولم نمكن لهم حرما امنا يجبى اليه ثمرات كل شيء رزقا من لدنا ولكن اكثرهم لا يعلمون

They said, “If we follow your guidance, we will suffer persecution.” Did we not establish for them a Sacred Sanctuary, to which all kinds of fruits are offered, as a provision from us? Indeed, most of them do not know.

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وكم اهلكنا من قرية بطرت معيشتها فتلك مساكنهم لم تسكن من بعدهم الا قليلا وكنا نحن الوارثين

Many a community we annihilated for turning unappreciative of their lives. Consequently, here are their homes, nothing but uninhabited ruins after them, except a few. We were the inheritors.

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وما كان ربك مهلك القرى حتى يبعث في امها رسولا يتلو عليهم اياتنا وما كنا مهلكي القرى الا واهلها ظالمون

For your Lord never annihilates any community without sending a messenger in the midst thereof, to recite our revelations to them. We never annihilate any community, unless its people are wicked.

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وما اوتيتم من شيء فمتاع الحياة الدنيا وزينتها وما عند الله خير وابقى افلا تعقلون

Everything that is given to you is only the material of this life, and its vanity. What is with GOD is far better, and everlasting. Do you not understand?

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افمن وعدناه وعدا حسنا فهو لاقيه كمن متعناه متاع الحياة الدنيا ثم هو يوم القيامة من المحضرين

Is one whom we promised a good promise that will surely come to pass, equal to one whom we provide with the temporary materials of this life, then suffers eternal doom on the Day of Resurrection?

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The Idols Disown Their Idolizers

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ويوم يناديهم فيقول اين شركائي الذين كنتم تزعمون

The day will come when He calls upon them, saying, “Where are those idols you had set up beside Me?”

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قال الذين حق عليهم القول ربنا هؤلاء الذين اغوينا اغويناهم كما غوينا تبرانا اليك ما كانوا ايانا يعبدون

Those who incurred the judgment will say, “Our Lord, these are the ones we misled; we misled them only because we ourselves had gone astray. We now devote ourselves totally to You. They were not really worshiping us.”

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وقيل ادعوا شركاءكم فدعوهم فلم يستجيبوا لهم وراوا العذاب لو انهم كانوا يهتدون

It will be said, “Call upon your idols (to help you).” They will call upon them, but they will not respond. They will suffer the retribution, and wish that they were guided!

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Our Response to the Messengers

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ويوم يناديهم فيقول ماذا اجبتم المرسلين

On that day, He will ask everyone, “How did you respond to the messengers?”

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فعميت عليهم الانباء يومئذ فهم لا يتساءلون

They will be so stunned by the facts on that day, they will be speechless.

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فاما من تاب وامن وعمل صالحا فعسى ان يكون من المفلحين

As for those who repent, believe, and lead a righteous life, they will end up with the winners.

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وربك يخلق ما يشاء ويختار ما كان لهم الخيرة سبحان الله وتعالى عما يشركون

Your Lord is the One who creates whatever He wills, and chooses; no one else does any choosing. Glory be to GOD, the Most Exalted. He is far above needing partners.

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وربك يعلم ما تكن صدورهم وما يعلنون

Your Lord knows the innermost thoughts hidden in their chests, as well as everything they declare.

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وهو الله لا اله الا هو له الحمد في الاولى والاخرة وله الحكم واليه ترجعون

He is the one GOD; there is no other god beside Him. To Him belongs all praise in this first life, and in the Hereafter. All judgment belongs with Him, and to Him you will be returned.

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God’s Blessings

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قل ارايتم ان جعل الله عليكم الليل سرمدا الى يوم القيامة من اله غير الله ياتيكم بضياء افلا تسمعون

Say, “What if GOD made the night perpetual, until the Day of Resurrection? Which god, other than GOD, can provide you with light? Do you not hear?”

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قل ارايتم ان جعل الله عليكم النهار سرمدا الى يوم القيامة من اله غير الله ياتيكم بليل تسكنون فيه افلا تبصرون

Say, “What if GOD made the daylight perpetual, until the Day of Resurrection? Which god, other than GOD, can provide you with a night for your rest? Do you not see?”

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ومن رحمته جعل لكم الليل والنهار لتسكنوا فيه ولتبتغوا من فضله ولعلكم تشكرون

It is mercy from Him that He created for you the night and the day in order to rest (during the night), then seek His provisions (during the day), that you may be appreciative.

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Idols Possess No Power

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ويوم يناديهم فيقول اين شركائي الذين كنتم تزعمون

The day will come when He asks them, “Where are the idols you had fabricated to rank with Me?”

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ونزعنا من كل امة شهيدا فقلنا هاتوا برهانكم فعلموا ان الحق لله وضل عنهم ما كانوا يفترون

We will select from every community a witness, then say, “Present your proof.” They will realize then that all truth belongs with GOD, while the idols they had fabricated will abandon them.

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Qãroon

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ان قارون كان من قوم موسى فبغى عليهم واتيناه من الكنوز ما ان مفاتحه لتنوء بالعصبة اولي القوة اذ قال له قومه لا تفرح ان الله لا يحب الفرحين

Qãroon (the slave driver) was one of Moses’ people who betrayed them and oppressed them. We gave him so many treasures that the keys thereof were almost too heavy for the strongest band. His people said to him, “Do not be so arrogant; GOD does not love those who are arrogant.

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وابتغ فيما اتاك الله الدار الاخرة ولا تنس نصيبك من الدنيا واحسن كما احسن الله اليك ولا تبغ الفساد في الارض ان الله لا يحب المفسدين

“Use the provisions bestowed upon you by GOD to seek the abode of the Hereafter, without neglecting your share in this world. Be charitable, as GOD has been charitable towards you. Do not keep on corrupting the earth. GOD does not love the corruptors.”

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قال انما اوتيته على علم عندي اولم يعلم ان الله قد اهلك من قبله من القرون من هو اشد منه قوة واكثر جمعا ولا يسال عن ذنوبهم المجرمون

He said, “I attained all this because of my own cleverness.” Did he not realize that GOD had annihilated before him generations that were much stronger than he, and greater in number? The (annihilated) transgressors were not asked about their crimes.

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فخرج على قومه في زينته قال الذين يريدون الحياة الدنيا يا ليت لنا مثل ما اوتي قارون انه لذو حظ عظيم

One day, he came out to his people in full splendor. Those who preferred this worldly life said, “Oh, we wish that we possess what Qãroon has attained. Indeed, he is very fortunate.”

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The Real Wealth

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وقال الذين اوتوا العلم ويلكم ثواب الله خير لمن امن وعمل صالحا ولا يلقاها الا الصابرون

As for those who were blessed with knowledge, they said, “Woe to you, GOD’s recompense is far better for those who believe and lead a righteous life.” None attains this except the steadfast.

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The Tyrants’ Inevitable Fate

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فخسفنا به وبداره الارض فما كان له من فئة ينصرونه من دون الله وما كان من المنتصرين

We then caused the earth to swallow him and his mansion. No army could have helped him against GOD; he was not destined to be a winner.

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واصبح الذين تمنوا مكانه بالامس يقولون ويكان الله يبسط الرزق لمن يشاء من عباده ويقدر لولا ان من الله علينا لخسف بنا ويكانه لا يفلح الكافرون

Those who were envious of him the day before said, “Now we realize that GOD is the One who provides for whomever He chooses from among His servants, and withholds. If it were not for GOD’s grace towards us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us too. We now realize that the disbelievers never succeed.”

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The Ultimate Winners

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تلك الدار الاخرة نجعلها للذين لا يريدون علوا في الارض ولا فسادا والعاقبة للمتقين

We reserve the abode of the Hereafter for those who do not seek exaltation on earth, nor corruption. The ultimate victory belongs to the righteous.

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من جاء بالحسنة فله خير منها ومن جاء بالسيئة فلا يجزى الذين عملوا السيئات الا ما كانوا يعملون

Whoever works righteousness receives a far better reward. As for those who commit sins, the retribution for their sins is precisely equivalent to their works.

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ان الذي فرض عليك القران لرادك الى معاد قل ربي اعلم من جاء بالهدى ومن هو في ضلال مبين

Surely, the One who decreed the Quran for you will summon you to a predetermined appointment. Say, “My Lord is fully aware of those who uphold the guidance, and those who have gone astray.”

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وما كنت ترجو ان يلقى اليك الكتاب الا رحمة من ربك فلا تكونن ظهيرا للكافرين

You never expected this scripture to come your way; but this is a mercy from your Lord. Therefore, you shall not side with the disbelievers.

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ولا يصدنك عن ايات الله بعد اذ انزلت اليك وادع الى ربك ولا تكونن من المشركين

Nor shall you be diverted from GOD’s revelations, after they have come to you, and invite the others to your Lord. And do not ever fall into idol worship.

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ولا تدع مع الله الها اخر لا اله الا هو كل شيء هالك الا وجهه له الحكم واليه ترجعون

You shall not worship beside GOD any other god. There is no other god beside Him. Everything perishes except His presence. To Him belongs all sovereignty, and to Him you will be returned.

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