Sura 40: Forgiver
(Ghãfer)
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

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حم

H.M.*

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تنزيل الكتاب من الله العزيز العليم

This revelation of the scripture is from GOD, the Almighty, the Omniscient.

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غافر الذنب وقابل التوب شديد العقاب ذي الطول لا اله الا هو اليه المصير

Forgiver of sins, acceptor of repentance, strict in enforcing retribution, and possessor of all power. There is no other god beside Him. To Him is the ultimate destiny.

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ما يجادل في ايات الله الا الذين كفروا فلا يغررك تقلبهم في البلاد

None argues against GOD’s revelations except those who disbelieve. Do not be impressed by their apparent success.

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كذبت قبلهم قوم نوح والاحزاب من بعدهم وهمت كل امة برسولهم لياخذوه وجادلوا بالباطل ليدحضوا به الحق فاخذتهم فكيف كان عقاب

Disbelieving before them were the people of Noah, and many other opponents after them. Every community persecuted their messenger to neutralize him. And they argued with falsehood, to defeat the truth. Consequently, I punished them; how terrible was My retribution!

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وكذلك حقت كلمت ربك على الذين كفروا انهم اصحاب النار

Thus, the judgment of your Lord is already stamped upon those who disbelieve, that they are the dwellers of Hell.

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Angels Pray for the Believers

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الذين يحملون العرش ومن حوله يسبحون بحمد ربهم ويؤمنون به ويستغفرون للذين امنوا ربنا وسعت كل شيء رحمة وعلما فاغفر للذين تابوا واتبعوا سبيلك وقهم عذاب الجحيم

Those who serve the throne and all those around it glorify and praise their Lord, and believe in Him. And they ask forgiveness for those who believe: “Our Lord, Your mercy and Your knowledge encompass all things. Forgive those who repent and follow Your path, and spare them the retribution of Hell.

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ربنا وادخلهم جنات عدن التي وعدتهم ومن صلح من ابائهم وازواجهم وذرياتهم انك انت العزيز الحكيم

“Our Lord, and admit them into the gardens of Eden that You promised for them and for the righteous among their parents, spouses, and children. You are the Almighty, Most Wise.

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وقهم السيئات ومن تق السيئات يومئذ فقد رحمته وذلك هو الفوز العظيم

“And protect them from falling in sin. Whomever You protect from falling in sin, on that day, has attained mercy from You. This is the greatest triumph.”

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God ALONE:<br>The Disbelievers Confess

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ان الذين كفروا ينادون لمقت الله اكبر من مقتكم انفسكم اذ تدعون الى الايمان فتكفرون

Those who disbelieve will be told, “GOD’s abhorrence towards you is even worse than your own abhorrence towards yourselves. For you were invited to believe, but you chose to disbelieve.”

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God ALONE:<br>The Disbelievers Suffer Two Deaths*

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قالوا ربنا امتنا اثنتين واحييتنا اثنتين فاعترفنا بذنوبنا فهل الى خروج من سبيل

They will say, “Our Lord, you have put us to death twice, * and You gave us two lives; now we have confessed our sins. Is there any way out?”

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God ALONE: Note the Reason

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ذلكم بانه اذا دعي الله وحده كفرتم وان يشرك به تؤمنوا فالحكم لله العلي الكبير

This is because when GOD ALONE was advocated, you disbelieved, but when others were mentioned beside Him, you believed. Therefore, GOD’s judgment has been issued; He is the Most High, the Great.

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هو الذي يريكم اياته وينزل لكم من السماء رزقا وما يتذكر الا من ينيب

He is the One who continuously shows you His proofs, and sends down to you from the sky provisions. Only those who totally submit will be able to take heed.

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فادعوا الله مخلصين له الدين ولو كره الكافرون

Therefore, you shall devote your worship absolutely to GOD ALONE, even if the disbelievers dislike it.

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رفيع الدرجات ذو العرش يلقي الروح من امره على من يشاء من عباده لينذر يوم التلاق

Possessor of the highest ranks, and Ruler of the whole dominion. He sends inspiration, bearing His commands, to whomever He chooses from among His servants, to warn about the Day of Summoning.

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يوم هم بارزون لا يخفى على الله منهم شيء لمن الملك اليوم لله الواحد القهار

That is the day when everyone will be completely exposed; none of them will hide anything from GOD. To whom belongs all sovereignty on that day? To GOD, the One, the Supreme.

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Prepare for the Big Day

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اليوم تجزى كل نفس بما كسبت لا ظلم اليوم ان الله سريع الحساب

On that day, every soul will be requited for whatever it had earned. There will be no injustice on that day. GOD is most efficient in reckoning.

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No Intercession

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وانذرهم يوم الازفة اذ القلوب لدى الحناجر كاظمين ما للظالمين من حميم ولا شفيع يطاع

Warn them about the imminent day, when the hearts will be terrified, and many will be remorseful. The transgressors will have no friend nor an intercessor to be obeyed.

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يعلم خائنة الاعين وما تخفي الصدور

He is fully aware of what the eyes cannot see, and everything that the minds conceal.

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والله يقضي بالحق والذين يدعون من دونه لا يقضون بشيء ان الله هو السميع البصير

GOD judges equitably, while the idols they implore beside Him cannot judge anything. GOD is the One who is the Hearer, the Seer.

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اولم يسيروا في الارض فينظروا كيف كان عاقبة الذين كانوا من قبلهم كانوا هم اشد منهم قوة واثارا في الارض فاخذهم الله بذنوبهم وما كان لهم من الله من واق

Did they not roam the earth and note the consequences for those before them? They used to be stronger than they, and more productive on earth. But GOD punished them for their sins, and nothing could protect them from GOD.

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ذلك بانهم كانت تاتيهم رسلهم بالبينات فكفروا فاخذهم الله انه قوي شديد العقاب

That is because their messengers went to them with clear proofs, but they disbelieved. Consequently, GOD punished them. He is Mighty, strict in enforcing retribution.

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Moses

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ولقد ارسلنا موسى باياتنا وسلطان مبين

We sent Moses with our signs and a profound authority.

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الى فرعون وهامان وقارون فقالوا ساحر كذاب

To Pharaoh, Hãmãn, and Qãroon But they said, “A magician; a liar.”

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فلما جاءهم بالحق من عندنا قالوا اقتلوا ابناء الذين امنوا معه واستحيوا نساءهم وما كيد الكافرين الا في ضلال

And when he showed them the truth from us, they said, “Kill the sons of those who believed with him, and spare their daughters.” Thus, the scheming of the disbelievers is always wicked.

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Moses vs. Pharaoh

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وقال فرعون ذروني اقتل موسى وليدع ربه اني اخاف ان يبدل دينكم او ان يظهر في الارض الفساد

Pharaoh said, “Let me kill Moses, and let him implore his Lord. I worry lest he corrupts your religion, or spreads evil throughout the land.”

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وقال موسى اني عذت بربي وربكم من كل متكبر لا يؤمن بيوم الحساب

Moses said, “I seek refuge in my Lord and your Lord, from every arrogant one who does not believe in the Day of Reckoning.”

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God Guides Not the Liars

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وقال رجل مؤمن من ال فرعون يكتم ايمانه اتقتلون رجلا ان يقول ربي الله وقد جاءكم بالبينات من ربكم وان يك كاذبا فعليه كذبه وان يك صادقا يصبكم بعض الذي يعدكم ان الله لا يهدي من هو مسرف كذاب

A believing man among Pharaoh’s people, who was concealing his belief, said, “How can you kill a man just for saying, ‘My Lord is GOD,’ and he has shown you clear proofs from your Lord? If he is a liar, that is his problem, and if he is truthful, you benefit from his promises. Surely, GOD does not guide any transgressor, liar.

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يا قوم لكم الملك اليوم ظاهرين في الارض فمن ينصرنا من باس الله ان جاءنا قال فرعون ما اريكم الا ما ارى وما اهديكم الا سبيل الرشاد

“O my people, today you have kingship and the upperhand. But who will help us against GOD’s judgment, should it come to us?” Pharaoh said, “You are to follow only what I see fit; I will guide you only in the right path.”

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وقال الذي امن يا قوم اني اخاف عليكم مثل يوم الاحزاب

The one who believed said, “O my people, I fear for you the same fate as the previous opponents.

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مثل داب قوم نوح وعاد وثمود والذين من بعدهم وما الله يريد ظلما للعباد

“The opponents of Noah, and ‘Ãd, Thamoud, and others who came after them. GOD does not wish any injustice for the people.

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ويا قوم اني اخاف عليكم يوم التناد

“O my people, I fear for you the Day of Summoning.

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يوم تولون مدبرين ما لكم من الله من عاصم ومن يضلل الله فما له من هاد

“That is the day when you may wish to turn around and flee. But nothing will protect you then from GOD. Whomever GOD sends astray, nothing can guide him.”

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Who is the Last Messenger?*<br>A Tragic Human Trait

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ولقد جاءكم يوسف من قبل بالبينات فما زلتم في شك مما جاءكم به حتى اذا هلك قلتم لن يبعث الله من بعده رسولا كذلك يضل الله من هو مسرف مرتاب

Joseph had come to you before that with clear revelations, but you continued to doubt his message. Then, when he died you said, “GOD will not send any other messenger after him. (He was the last messenger)!”** GOD thus sends astray those who are transgressors, doubtful.

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الذين يجادلون في ايات الله بغير سلطان اتاهم كبر مقتا عند الله وعند الذين امنوا كذلك يطبع الله على كل قلب متكبر جبار

They argue against GOD’s revelations, without any basis. This is a trait that is most abhorred by GOD and by those who believe. GOD thus seals the hearts of every arrogant tyrant.

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وقال فرعون يا هامان ابن لي صرحا لعلي ابلغ الاسباب

Pharaoh said, “O Hãmãn, build for me a high tower, that I may reach out and discover.

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اسباب السماوات فاطلع الى اله موسى واني لاظنه كاذبا وكذلك زين لفرعون سوء عمله وصد عن السبيل وما كيد فرعون الا في تباب

“I want to reach the heaven, and take a look at the god of Moses. I believe he is a liar.” Thus were the evil works of Pharaoh adorned in his eyes, and thus was he kept from following (the right) path. Pharaoh’s scheming was truly evil.

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وقال الذي امن يا قوم اتبعون اهدكم سبيل الرشاد

The one who believed said, “O my people, follow me, and I will guide you in the right way.

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يا قوم انما هذه الحياة الدنيا متاع وان الاخرة هي دار القرار

“O my people, this first life is a temporary illusion, while the Hereafter is the eternal abode.”

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The Best Deal

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من عمل سيئة فلا يجزى الا مثلها ومن عمل صالحا من ذكر او انثى وهو مؤمن فاولئك يدخلون الجنة يرزقون فيها بغير حساب

Whoever commits a sin is requited for just that, and whoever works righteousness—male or female— while believing, these will enter Paradise wherein they receive provisions without any limits.

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The Believing Egyptian Debates With His People

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ويا قوم ما لي ادعوكم الى النجاة وتدعونني الى النار

“O my people, while I invite you to be saved, you invite me to the hellfire.

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تدعونني لاكفر بالله واشرك به ما ليس لي به علم وانا ادعوكم الى العزيز الغفار

“You invite me to be unappreciative of GOD, and to set up beside Him idols that I do not recognize. I am inviting you to the Almighty, the Forgiver.

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لا جرم انما تدعونني اليه ليس له دعوة في الدنيا ولا في الاخرة وان مردنا الى الله وان المسرفين هم اصحاب النار

“There is no doubt that what you invite me to do has no basis in this world, nor in the Hereafter, that our ultimate return is to GOD, and that the transgressors have incurred the hellfire.

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فستذكرون ما اقول لكم وافوض امري الى الله ان الله بصير بالعباد

“Some day you will remember what I am telling you now. I leave the judgment of this matter to GOD; GOD is the Seer of all the people.”

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فوقاه الله سيئات ما مكروا وحاق بال فرعون سوء العذاب

GOD then protected him from their evil schemes, while the people of Pharaoh have incurred the worst retribution.

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While in the Grave:<br>A Continuous Nightmare

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النار يعرضون عليها غدوا وعشيا ويوم تقوم الساعة ادخلوا ال فرعون اشد العذاب

The Hell will be shown to them day and night, and on the Day of Resurrection: “Admit Pharaoh’s people into the worst retribution.”

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واذ يتحاجون في النار فيقول الضعفاء للذين استكبروا انا كنا لكم تبعا فهل انتم مغنون عنا نصيبا من النار

As they argue in Hell, the followers will say to their leaders, “We used to be your followers, can you spare us any part of this Hell?”

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قال الذين استكبروا انا كل فيها ان الله قد حكم بين العباد

The leaders will say, “We are all in this together. GOD has judged among the people.”

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Too Late

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وقال الذين في النار لخزنة جهنم ادعوا ربكم يخفف عنا يوما من العذاب

Those in the hellfire will say to the guardians of Hell, “Call upon your Lord to reduce the retribution for us, for even one day.”

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قالوا اولم تك تاتيكم رسلكم بالبينات قالوا بلى قالوا فادعوا وما دعاء الكافرين الا في ضلال

They will say, “Did you not receive your messengers who delivered to you clear messages?” They will reply, “Yes we did.” They will say, “Then implore (as much as you wish); the imploring of the disbelievers is always in vain.”

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Guaranteed Victory;<br>Here and Forever

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انا لننصر رسلنا والذين امنوا في الحياة الدنيا ويوم يقوم الاشهاد

Most assuredly, we will give victory to our messengers and to those who believe, both in this world and on the day the witnesses are summoned.

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يوم لا ينفع الظالمين معذرتهم ولهم اللعنة ولهم سوء الدار

On that day, the apologies of the disbelievers will not benefit them. They have incurred condemnation; they have incurred the worst destiny.

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Learn From History

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ولقد اتينا موسى الهدى واورثنا بني اسرائيل الكتاب

We have given Moses the guidance, and made the Children of Israel inherit the scripture.

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هدى وذكرى لاولي الالباب

(Their history) is a lesson and a reminder for those who possess intelligence.

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فاصبر ان وعد الله حق واستغفر لذنبك وسبح بحمد ربك بالعشي والابكار

Therefore, be patient, for GOD’s promise is true, and ask forgiveness for your sin, and glorify and praise your Lord night and day.

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ان الذين يجادلون في ايات الله بغير سلطان اتاهم ان في صدورهم الا كبر ما هم ببالغيه فاستعذ بالله انه هو السميع البصير

Surely, those who argue against GOD’s revelations without proof are exposing the arrogance that is hidden inside their chests, and they are not even aware of it. Therefore, seek refuge in GOD; He is the Hearer, the Seer.

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Awesome Construction<br>of the Universe

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لخلق السماوات والارض اكبر من خلق الناس ولكن اكثر الناس لا يعلمون

The creation of the heavens and the earth is even more awesome than the creation of the human being, but most people do not know.

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وما يستوي الاعمى والبصير والذين امنوا وعملوا الصالحات ولا المسيء قليلا ما تتذكرون

Not equal are the blind and the seer Nor are those who believe and work righteousness equal to the sinners. Rarely do you take heed.

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ان الساعة لاتية لا ريب فيها ولكن اكثر الناس لا يؤمنون

Most certainly, the Hour (Day of Judgment) is coming, no doubt about it, but most people do not believe.

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Supplication: A Form of Worship*

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وقال ربكم ادعوني استجب لكم ان الذين يستكبرون عن عبادتي سيدخلون جهنم داخرين

Your Lord says, “Implore Me, and I will respond to you. Surely, those who are too arrogant to worship Me will enter Gehenna, forcibly.”

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الله الذي جعل لكم الليل لتسكنوا فيه والنهار مبصرا ان الله لذو فضل على الناس ولكن اكثر الناس لا يشكرون

GOD is the One who designed the night so you can rest in it, and the day lighted. GOD bestows many blessings upon the people, but most people are not thankful.

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ذلكم الله ربكم خالق كل شيء لا اله الا هو فانى تؤفكون

Such is GOD your Lord, the Creator of all things. There is no god except He. How could you deviate?

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كذلك يؤفك الذين كانوا بايات الله يجحدون

Deviating are those who disregard GOD’s revelations.

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الله الذي جعل لكم الارض قرارا والسماء بناء وصوركم فاحسن صوركم ورزقكم من الطيبات ذلكم الله ربكم فتبارك الله رب العالمين

GOD is the One who rendered the earth habitable for you, and the sky a formidable structure, and He designed you, and designed you well. He is the One who provides you with good provisions.* Such is GOD your Lord; Most Exalted is GOD, Lord of the universe.

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هو الحي لا اله الا هو فادعوه مخلصين له الدين الحمد لله رب العالمين

He is the Living; there is no god except He. You shall worship Him alone, devoting your religion absolutely to Him alone. Praise be to GOD, Lord of the universe.

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Before God’s<br>Blessings Upon Him,<br>Muhammad Used to Worship Idols

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قل اني نهيت ان اعبد الذين تدعون من دون الله لما جاءني البينات من ربي وامرت ان اسلم لرب العالمين

Say, “I have been enjoined from worshiping the idols you worship beside GOD, when the clear revelations came to me from my Lord. I was commanded to submit to the Lord of the universe.”*

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هو الذي خلقكم من تراب ثم من نطفة ثم من علقة ثم يخرجكم طفلا ثم لتبلغوا اشدكم ثم لتكونوا شيوخا ومنكم من يتوفى من قبل ولتبلغوا اجلا مسمى ولعلكم تعقلون

He is the One who created you from dust, and subsequently from a tiny drop, then from a hanging embryo, then He brings you out as a child, then He lets you reach maturity, then you become old—some of you die earlier. You attain a predetermined age, that you may understand.

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هو الذي يحيي ويميت فاذا قضى امرا فانما يقول له كن فيكون

He is the only One who controls life and death. To have anything done, He simply says to it, “Be,” and it is.

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الم تر الى الذين يجادلون في ايات الله انى يصرفون

Have you noted those who argue against GOD’s proofs, and how they have deviated?

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الذين كذبوا بالكتاب وبما ارسلنا به رسلنا فسوف يعلمون

They are the ones who have disbelieved in the scripture, and in the messages we have sent with our messengers. Therefore, they will surely find out.

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اذ الاغلال في اعناقهم والسلاسل يسحبون

The shackles will be around their necks, and the chains will be used to drag them.

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في الحميم ثم في النار يسجرون

In the Inferno,* then in the Fire, they will burn.

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ثم قيل لهم اين ما كنتم تشركون

They will be asked, “Where are the idols you used to worship,

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They Worshiped Nothing

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من دون الله قالوا ضلوا عنا بل لم نكن ندعو من قبل شيئا كذلك يضل الله الكافرين

“beside GOD?” They will say, “They have abandoned us. In fact, when we worshiped them, we were worshiping nothing.” Thus does GOD send the disbelievers astray.

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ذلكم بما كنتم تفرحون في الارض بغير الحق وبما كنتم تمرحون

This is because you used to rejoice in false doctrines, on earth, and you used to promote them.

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ادخلوا ابواب جهنم خالدين فيها فبئس مثوى المتكبرين

Enter the gates of Gehenna, wherein you abide forever. What a miserable destiny for the arrogant ones.

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فاصبر ان وعد الله حق فاما نرينك بعض الذي نعدهم او نتوفينك فالينا يرجعون

You shall be patient, for GOD’s promise is truth. Whether we show you some of (the retribution) we have promised for them, or terminate your life before that, they will be returned to us.

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God’s Authorization for the<br>Quran’s Mathematical Miracle*

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ولقد ارسلنا رسلا من قبلك منهم من قصصنا عليك ومنهم من لم نقصص عليك وما كان لرسول ان ياتي باية الا باذن الله فاذا جاء امر الله قضي بالحق وخسر هنالك المبطلون

We have sent messengers before you—some of them we mentioned to you, and some we did not mention to you. No messenger can produce any miracle without GOD’s authorization.* Once GOD’s judgment is issued, the truth dominates, and the falsifiers are exposed and humiliated.

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الله الذي جعل لكم الانعام لتركبوا منها ومنها تاكلون

GOD is the One who created the livestock for you; some you ride, and some you eat.

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ولكم فيها منافع ولتبلغوا عليها حاجة في صدوركم وعليها وعلى الفلك تحملون

They also provide you with additional benefits that satisfy many of your needs. On them, as well as on the ships, you are carried.

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ويريكم اياته فاي ايات الله تنكرون

He thus shows you His proofs Which of GOD’s proofs can you deny?

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افلم يسيروا في الارض فينظروا كيف كان عاقبة الذين من قبلهم كانوا اكثر منهم واشد قوة واثارا في الارض فما اغنى عنهم ما كانوا يكسبون

Have they not roamed the earth and noted the consequences for those who preceded them? They used to be greater in number, greater in power, and possessed a greater legacy on earth. Yet, all their achievements did not help them in the least.

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فلما جاءتهم رسلهم بالبينات فرحوا بما عندهم من العلم وحاق بهم ما كانوا به يستهزئون

When their messengers went to them with clear proofs, they rejoiced in the knowledge they had inherited, and the very things they ridiculed were the cause of their fall.

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God ALONE

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فلما راوا باسنا قالوا امنا بالله وحده وكفرنا بما كنا به مشركين

Subsequently, when they saw our retribution they said, “Now we believe in GOD ALONE, and we now disbelieve in the idol worship that we used to practice.”

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Too Late

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فلم يك ينفعهم ايمانهم لما راوا باسنا سنت الله التي قد خلت في عباده وخسر هنالك الكافرون

Their belief then could not help them in the least, once they saw our retribution. Such is GOD’s system that has been established to deal with His creatures; the disbelievers are always doomed.

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