Sura 39: The Throngs
(Al-Zumar)
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

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تنزيل الكتاب من الله العزيز الحكيم

This is a revelation of the scripture, from GOD, the Almighty, the Wise.

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انا انزلنا اليك الكتاب بالحق فاعبد الله مخلصا له الدين

We sent down to you this scripture, truthfully; you shall worship GOD, devoting your religion to Him alone.

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Idols as Mediators:<br>A Common Myth

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الا لله الدين الخالص والذين اتخذوا من دونه اولياء ما نعبدهم الا ليقربونا الى الله زلفى ان الله يحكم بينهم في ما هم فيه يختلفون ان الله لا يهدي من هو كاذب كفار

Absolutely, the religion shall be devoted to GOD alone. Those who set up idols beside Him say, “We idolize them only to bring us closer to GOD; for they are in a better position!” GOD will judge them regarding their disputes. GOD does not guide such liars, disbelievers.

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لو اراد الله ان يتخذ ولدا لاصطفى مما يخلق ما يشاء سبحانه هو الله الواحد القهار

If GOD wanted to have a son, He could have chosen whomever He willed from among His creations. Be He glorified; He is GOD, the One, the Supreme.

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The Shape of the Earth*

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خلق السماوات والارض بالحق يكور الليل على النهار ويكور النهار على الليل وسخر الشمس والقمر كل يجري لاجل مسمى الا هو العزيز الغفار

He created the heavens and the earth truthfully. He rolls the night over the day, and rolls the day over the night.* He committed the sun and the moon, each running for a finite period. Absolutely, He is the Almighty, the Forgiving.

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خلقكم من نفس واحدة ثم جعل منها زوجها وانزل لكم من الانعام ثمانية ازواج يخلقكم في بطون امهاتكم خلقا من بعد خلق في ظلمات ثلاث ذلكم الله ربكم له الملك لا اله الا هو فانى تصرفون

He created you from one person, then created from him his mate. He sent down to you eight kinds of livestock. He creates you in your mothers’ bellies, creation after creation, in trimesters of darkness. Such is GOD your Lord. To Him belongs all sovereignty. There is no other god beside Him. How could you deviate?

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Believe For Your Own Good

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ان تكفروا فان الله غني عنكم ولا يرضى لعباده الكفر وان تشكروا يرضه لكم ولا تزر وازرة وزر اخرى ثم الى ربكم مرجعكم فينبئكم بما كنتم تعملون انه عليم بذات الصدور

If you disbelieve, GOD does not need anyone. But He dislikes to see His servants make the wrong decision. If you decide to be appreciative, He is pleased for you. No soul bears the sins of any other soul. Ultimately, to your Lord is your return, then He will inform you of everything you had done. He is fully aware of the innermost thoughts.

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واذا مس الانسان ضر دعا ربه منيبا اليه ثم اذا خوله نعمة منه نسي ما كان يدعو اليه من قبل وجعل لله اندادا ليضل عن سبيله قل تمتع بكفرك قليلا انك من اصحاب النار

When the human being is afflicted, he implores his Lord, sincerely devoted to Him. But as soon as He blesses him, he forgets his previous imploring, sets up idols to rank with GOD and to divert others from His path. Say, “Enjoy your disbelief temporarily; you have incurred the hellfire.”

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امن هو قانت اناء الليل ساجدا وقائما يحذر الاخرة ويرجو رحمة ربه قل هل يستوي الذين يعلمون والذين لا يعلمون انما يتذكر اولو الالباب

Is it not better to be one of those who meditate in the night, prostrating and staying up, being aware of the Hereafter, and seeking the mercy of their Lord? Say, “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” Only those who possess intelligence will take heed.

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قل يا عباد الذين امنوا اتقوا ربكم للذين احسنوا في هذه الدنيا حسنة وارض الله واسعة انما يوفى الصابرون اجرهم بغير حساب

Say, “O My servants who believed, you shall reverence your Lord.” For those who worked righteousness in this world, a good reward. GOD’s earth is spacious, and those who steadfastly persevere will receive their recompense generously, without limits.

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God ALONE

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قل اني امرت ان اعبد الله مخلصا له الدين

Say, “I have been commanded to worship GOD, devoting the religion absolutely to Him alone.

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وامرت لان اكون اول المسلمين

“And I was commanded to be the utmost submitter.”

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قل اني اخاف ان عصيت ربي عذاب يوم عظيم

Say, “I fear, if I disobeyed my Lord, the retribution of a great day.”

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قل الله اعبد مخلصا له ديني

Say, “GOD is the only One I worship, devoting my religion absolutely to Him alone.

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فاعبدوا ما شئتم من دونه قل ان الخاسرين الذين خسروا انفسهم واهليهم يوم القيامة الا ذلك هو الخسران المبين

“Therefore, worship whatever you wish besides Him.” Say, “The real losers are those who lose their souls, and their families, on the Day of Resurrection.” Most certainly, this is the real loss.

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لهم من فوقهم ظلل من النار ومن تحتهم ظلل ذلك يخوف الله به عباده يا عباد فاتقون

They will have masses of fire on top of them, and under them. GOD thus alerts His servants: O My servants, you shall reverence Me.

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والذين اجتنبوا الطاغوت ان يعبدوها وانابوا الى الله لهم البشرى فبشر عباد

As for those who discard the worship of all idols, and devote themselves totally to GOD alone, they have deserved happiness. Give good news to My servants.

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Follow the Word of God

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الذين يستمعون القول فيتبعون احسنه اولئك الذين هداهم الله واولئك هم اولو الالباب

They are the ones who examine all words, then follow the best. These are the ones whom GOD has guided; these are the ones who possess intelligence.

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افمن حق عليه كلمة العذاب افانت تنقذ من في النار

With regard to those who have deserved the retribution, can you save those who are already in Hell?

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The Righteous

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لكن الذين اتقوا ربهم لهم غرف من فوقها غرف مبنية تجري من تحتها الانهار وعد الله لا يخلف الله الميعاد

As for those who reverence their Lord, they will have mansions upon mansions constructed for them, with flowing streams. This is GOD’s promise, and GOD never breaks His promise.

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الم تر ان الله انزل من السماء ماء فسلكه ينابيع في الارض ثم يخرج به زرعا مختلفا الوانه ثم يهيج فتراه مصفرا ثم يجعله حطاما ان في ذلك لذكرى لاولي الالباب

Do you not see that GOD sends down from the sky water, then places it into underground wells, then produces with it plants of various colors, then they grow until they turn yellow, then He turns them into hay? This should be a reminder for those who possess intelligence.

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افمن شرح الله صدره للاسلام فهو على نور من ربه فويل للقاسية قلوبهم من ذكر الله اولئك في ضلال مبين

If GOD renders one’s heart content with Submission, he will be following a light from his Lord. Therefore, woe to those whose hearts are hardened against GOD’s message; they have gone far astray.

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The Best Hadith

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الله نزل احسن الحديث كتابا متشابها مثاني تقشعر منه جلود الذين يخشون ربهم ثم تلين جلودهم وقلوبهم الى ذكر الله ذلك هدى الله يهدي به من يشاء ومن يضلل الله فما له من هاد

GOD has revealed herein the best Hadith; a book that is consistent, and points out both ways (to Heaven and Hell). The skins of those who reverence their Lord cringe therefrom, then their skins and their hearts soften up for GOD’s message. Such is GOD’s guidance; He bestows it upon whomever He wills. As for those sent astray by GOD, nothing can guide them.

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افمن يتقي بوجهه سوء العذاب يوم القيامة وقيل للظالمين ذوقوا ما كنتم تكسبون

What is better than saving one’s face from the terrible retribution on the Day of Resurrection? The transgressors will be told, “Taste the consequences of what you earned.”

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كذب الذين من قبلهم فاتاهم العذاب من حيث لا يشعرون

Others before them have disbelieved and, consequently, the retribution afflicted them whence they never expected.

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فاذاقهم الله الخزي في الحياة الدنيا ولعذاب الاخرة اكبر لو كانوا يعلمون

GOD has condemned them to humiliation in this life, and the retribution in the Hereafter will be far worse, if they only knew.

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Quran: No Ambiguity

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ولقد ضربنا للناس في هذا القران من كل مثل لعلهم يتذكرون

We have cited for the people every kind of example in this Quran, that they may take heed.

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قرانا عربيا غير ذي عوج لعلهم يتقون

An Arabic Quran, without any ambiguity, that they may be righteous.

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ضرب الله مثلا رجلا فيه شركاء متشاكسون ورجلا سلما لرجل هل يستويان مثلا الحمد لله بل اكثرهم لا يعلمون

GOD cites the example of a man who deals with disputing partners (Hadith), compared to a man who deals with only one consistent source (Quran). Are they the same? Praise be to GOD; most of them do not know.

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Hadith: A Gross Blasphemy

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انك ميت وانهم ميتون

You (Muhammad) will surely die, just like they will die.

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ثم انكم يوم القيامة عند ربكم تختصمون

On the Day of Resurrection, before your Lord, you people will feud with one another.

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فمن اظلم ممن كذب على الله وكذب بالصدق اذ جاءه اليس في جهنم مثوى للكافرين

Who is more evil than one who attributes lies to GOD, while disbelieving in the truth that has come to him? Is Hell not a just requital for the disbelievers?

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Quran: Absolute Truth

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والذي جاء بالصدق وصدق به اولئك هم المتقون

As for those who promote the truth, and believe therein, they are the righteous.

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لهم ما يشاءون عند ربهم ذلك جزاء المحسنين

They will get everything they wish, at their Lord. Such is the reward for the righteous.

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ليكفر الله عنهم اسوا الذي عملوا ويجزيهم اجرهم باحسن الذي كانوا يعملون

GOD remits their sinful works, and rewards them generously for their good works.

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Profound Question

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اليس الله بكاف عبده ويخوفونك بالذين من دونه ومن يضلل الله فما له من هاد

Is GOD not sufficient for His servant? They frighten you with the idols they set up beside Him. Whomever GOD sends astray, nothing can guide him.

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ومن يهد الله فما له من مضل اليس الله بعزيز ذي انتقام

And whomever GOD guides, nothing can send him astray. Is GOD not Almighty, Avenger?

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They Believe in God Yet,<br>They Are Going to Hell

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ولئن سالتهم من خلق السماوات والارض ليقولن الله قل افرايتم ما تدعون من دون الله ان ارادني الله بضر هل هن كاشفات ضره او ارادني برحمة هل هن ممسكات رحمته قل حسبي الله عليه يتوكل المتوكلون

If you ask them, “Who created the heavens and the earth?” they will say, “GOD.” Say, “Why then do you set up idols beside GOD? If GOD willed any adversity for me, can they relieve such an adversity? And if He willed a blessing for me, can they prevent such a blessing?” Say, “GOD is sufficient for me.” In Him the trusters shall trust.

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قل يا قوم اعملوا على مكانتكم اني عامل فسوف تعلمون

Say, “O my people, do your best and I will do my best; you will surely find out.

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من ياتيه عذاب يخزيه ويحل عليه عذاب مقيم

“(You will find out) who has incurred shameful punishment, and has deserved an eternal retribution.”

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انا انزلنا عليك الكتاب للناس بالحق فمن اهتدى فلنفسه ومن ضل فانما يضل عليها وما انت عليهم بوكيل

We have revealed the scripture through you for the people, truthfully. Then, whoever is guided is guided for his own good, and whoever goes astray goes astray to his own detriment. You are not their advocate.

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الله يتوفى الانفس حين موتها والتي لم تمت في منامها فيمسك التي قضى عليها الموت ويرسل الاخرى الى اجل مسمى ان في ذلك لايات لقوم يتفكرون

GOD puts the souls to death when the end of their life comes, and also at the time of sleep. Thus, He takes some back during their sleep, while others are allowed to continue living until the end of their predetermined interim. This should provide lessons for people who reflect.

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The Myth of Intercession

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ام اتخذوا من دون الله شفعاء قل اولو كانوا لا يملكون شيئا ولا يعقلون

Have they invented intercessors to mediate between them and GOD? Say, “What if they do not possess any power, nor understanding?”

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قل لله الشفاعة جميعا له ملك السماوات والارض ثم اليه ترجعون

Say, “All intercession belongs to GOD.” To Him belongs all sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, then to Him you will be returned.

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The Greatest Criterion*

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واذا ذكر الله وحده اشمازت قلوب الذين لا يؤمنون بالاخرة واذا ذكر الذين من دونه اذا هم يستبشرون

When GOD ALONE is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter shrink with aversion. But when others are mentioned beside Him, they become satisfied.*

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قل اللهم فاطر السماوات والارض عالم الغيب والشهادة انت تحكم بين عبادك في ما كانوا فيه يختلفون

Proclaim: “Our god, Initiator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of all secrets and declarations, You are the only One who judges among Your servants regarding their disputes.”

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ولو ان للذين ظلموا ما في الارض جميعا ومثله معه لافتدوا به من سوء العذاب يوم القيامة وبدا لهم من الله ما لم يكونوا يحتسبون

If those who transgressed owned everything on earth, even twice as much, they would readily give it up to avoid the terrible retribution on the Day of Resurrection. They will be shown by GOD what they never expected.

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وبدا لهم سيئات ما كسبوا وحاق بهم ما كانوا به يستهزئون

The sinful works they had earned will be shown to them, and the very things they used to mock will come back to haunt them.

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Human Fickleness

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فاذا مس الانسان ضر دعانا ثم اذا خولناه نعمة منا قال انما اوتيته على علم بل هي فتنة ولكن اكثرهم لا يعلمون

If the human is touched by adversity, he implores us, but as soon as we bestow a blessing upon him, he says, “I attained this because of my cleverness!” Indeed, this is only a test, but most of them do not know.

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قد قالها الذين من قبلهم فما اغنى عنهم ما كانوا يكسبون

Those before them have uttered the same thing, and their earnings did not help them in the least.

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فاصابهم سيئات ما كسبوا والذين ظلموا من هؤلاء سيصيبهم سيئات ما كسبوا وما هم بمعجزين

They suffered the consequences of their evil works. Similarly, the transgressors among the present generation will suffer the consequences of their evil works; they cannot escape.

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اولم يعلموا ان الله يبسط الرزق لمن يشاء ويقدر ان في ذلك لايات لقوم يؤمنون

Do they not realize that GOD is the One who increases the provision for whomever He chooses, and withholds? These are lessons for people who believe.

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God’s Infinite Mercy

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قل يا عبادي الذين اسرفوا على انفسهم لا تقنطوا من رحمة الله ان الله يغفر الذنوب جميعا انه هو الغفور الرحيم

Proclaim: “O My servants who exceeded the limits, never despair of GOD’s mercy. For GOD forgives all sins. He is the Forgiver, Most Merciful.”

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وانيبوا الى ربكم واسلموا له من قبل ان ياتيكم العذاب ثم لا تنصرون

You shall obey your Lord, and submit to Him totally, before the retribution overtakes you, then you cannot be helped.

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واتبعوا احسن ما انزل اليكم من ربكم من قبل ان ياتيكم العذاب بغتة وانتم لا تشعرون

And follow the best path that is pointed out for you by your Lord, before the retribution overtakes you suddenly when you least expect it.

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ان تقول نفس يا حسرتا على ما فرطت في جنب الله وان كنت لمن الساخرين

Lest a soul may say, “How sorry I am for disregarding GOD’s commandments; I was certainly one of the mockers.”

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او تقول لو ان الله هداني لكنت من المتقين

Or say, “Had GOD guided me, I would have been with the righteous.”

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او تقول حين ترى العذاب لو ان لي كرة فاكون من المحسنين

Or say, when it sees the retribution, “If I get another chance, I will work righteousness.”

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بلى قد جاءتك اياتي فكذبت بها واستكبرت وكنت من الكافرين

Yes indeed (you did get enough chances). My proofs came to you, but you rejected them, turned arrogant, and became a disbeliever.

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ويوم القيامة ترى الذين كذبوا على الله وجوههم مسودة اليس في جهنم مثوى للمتكبرين

On the Day of Resurrection you will see the faces of those who lied about GOD covered with misery. Is Hell not the right retribution for the arrogant ones?

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وينجي الله الذين اتقوا بمفازتهم لا يمسهم السوء ولا هم يحزنون

And GOD will save those who have maintained righteousness; He will reward them. No harm will touch them, nor will they have any grief.

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الله خالق كل شيء وهو على كل شيء وكيل

GOD is the Creator of all things, and He is in full control of all things.

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له مقاليد السماوات والارض والذين كفروا بايات الله اولئك هم الخاسرون

To Him belongs all decisions in the heavens and the earth, and those who disbelieve in GOD’s revelations are the real losers.

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قل افغير الله تامروني اعبد ايها الجاهلون

Say, “Is it other than GOD you exhort me to worship, O you ignorant ones?”

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Idol Worship Nullifies All Work

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ولقد اوحي اليك والى الذين من قبلك لئن اشركت ليحبطن عملك ولتكونن من الخاسرين

It has been revealed to you, and to those before you that if you ever commit idol worship, all your works will be nullified, and you will be with the losers.

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بل الله فاعبد وكن من الشاكرين

Therefore, you shall worship GOD alone, and be appreciative.

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Greatness of God*

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وما قدروا الله حق قدره والارض جميعا قبضته يوم القيامة والسماوات مطويات بيمينه سبحانه وتعالى عما يشركون

They can never fathom the greatness of GOD. The whole earth is within His fist on the Day of Resurrection. In fact, the universes are folded within His right hand.* Be He glorified; He is much too high above needing any partners.

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The Day of Judgment

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ونفخ في الصور فصعق من في السماوات ومن في الارض الا من شاء الله ثم نفخ فيه اخرى فاذا هم قيام ينظرون

The horn will be blown, whereupon everyone in the heavens and the earth will be struck unconscious, except those who will be spared by GOD. Then it will be blown another time, whereupon they will all rise up, looking.*

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واشرقت الارض بنور ربها ووضع الكتاب وجيء بالنبيين والشهداء وقضي بينهم بالحق وهم لا يظلمون

Then the earth will shine with the light of its Lord. The record will be proclaimed, and the prophets and the witnesses will be brought forth. Everyone will then be judged equitably, without the least injustice.

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ووفيت كل نفس ما عملت وهو اعلم بما يفعلون

Every soul will be paid for whatever it did, for He is fully aware of everything they have done.

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The Disbelievers

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وسيق الذين كفروا الى جهنم زمرا حتى اذا جاءوها فتحت ابوابها وقال لهم خزنتها الم ياتكم رسل منكم يتلون عليكم ايات ربكم وينذرونكم لقاء يومكم هذا قالوا بلى ولكن حقت كلمة العذاب على الكافرين

Those who disbelieved will be led to Hell in throngs. When they get to it, and its gates are opened, its guards will say, “Did you not receive messengers from among you, who recited to you the revelations of your Lord, and warned you about meeting this day?” They will answer, “Yes indeed. But the word ‘retribution’ was already stamped upon the disbelievers.”

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قيل ادخلوا ابواب جهنم خالدين فيها فبئس مثوى المتكبرين

It will be said, “Enter the gates of Hell, wherein you abide forever.” What a miserable destiny for the arrogant.

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The Believers

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وسيق الذين اتقوا ربهم الى الجنة زمرا حتى اذا جاءوها وفتحت ابوابها وقال لهم خزنتها سلام عليكم طبتم فادخلوها خالدين

Those who reverenced their Lord will be led to Paradise in throngs. When they get to it, and its gates are opened, its guards will say, “Peace be upon you; you have won. Therefore, you abide herein forever.”

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وقالوا الحمد لله الذي صدقنا وعده واورثنا الارض نتبوا من الجنة حيث نشاء فنعم اجر العاملين

They will say, “Praise be to GOD, who fulfilled His promise to us, and made us inherit the earth, enjoying Paradise as we please.” What a beautiful recompense for the workers!

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وترى الملائكة حافين من حول العرش يسبحون بحمد ربهم وقضي بينهم بالحق وقيل الحمد لله رب العالمين

You will see the angels floating around the throne, glorifying and praising their Lord. After the equitable judgment is issued to all, it will be proclaimed: “Praise be to GOD, Lord of the universe.”

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