Sura 7: The Purgatory
(Al-A‘arãf)
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

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المص

A.L.M.S.*

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كتاب انزل اليك فلا يكن في صدرك حرج منه لتنذر به وذكرى للمؤمنين

This scripture has been revealed to you—you shall not harbor doubt about it in your heart—that you may warn with it, and to provide a reminder for the believers.

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اتبعوا ما انزل اليكم من ربكم ولا تتبعوا من دونه اولياء قليلا ما تذكرون

You shall all follow what is revealed to you from your Lord; do not follow any idols besides Him. Rarely do you take heed.

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وكم من قرية اهلكناها فجاءها باسنا بياتا او هم قائلون

Many a community we annihilated; they incurred our retribution while they were asleep, or wide awake.

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فما كان دعواهم اذ جاءهم باسنا الا ان قالوا انا كنا ظالمين

Their utterance when our retribution came to them was: “Indeed, we have been transgressors.”

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فلنسالن الذين ارسل اليهم ولنسالن المرسلين

We will certainly question those who received the message, and we will question the messengers.

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فلنقصن عليهم بعلم وما كنا غائبين

We will inform them authoritatively, for we were never absent.

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والوزن يومئذ الحق فمن ثقلت موازينه فاولئك هم المفلحون

The scales will be set on that day, equitably. Those whose weights are heavy will be the winners.

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ومن خفت موازينه فاولئك الذين خسروا انفسهم بما كانوا باياتنا يظلمون

As for those whose weights are light, they will be the ones who lost their souls,* as a consequence of disregarding our revelations, unjustly.

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ولقد مكناكم في الارض وجعلنا لكم فيها معايش قليلا ما تشكرون

We have established you on earth, and we have provided for you the means of support therein. Rarely are you appreciative.

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ولقد خلقناكم ثم صورناكم ثم قلنا للملائكة اسجدوا لادم فسجدوا الا ابليس لم يكن من الساجدين

We created you, then we shaped you, then we said to the angels, “Fall prostrate before Adam.” They fell prostrate, except Iblees (Satan); he was not with the prostrators.

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The Test Begins

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قال ما منعك الا تسجد اذ امرتك قال انا خير منه خلقتني من نار وخلقته من طين

He said, “What prevented you from prostrating when I ordered you?” He said, “I am better than he; You created me from fire, and created him from mud.”

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قال فاهبط منها فما يكون لك ان تتكبر فيها فاخرج انك من الصاغرين

He said, “Therefore, you must go down, for you are not to be arrogant here. Get out; you are debased.”

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قال انظرني الى يوم يبعثون

He said, “Grant me a respite, until the Day of Resurrection.”

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قال انك من المنظرين

He said, “You are granted a respite.”

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قال فبما اغويتني لاقعدن لهم صراطك المستقيم

He said, “Since You have willed that I go astray,* I will skulk for them on Your straight path.

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ثم لاتينهم من بين ايديهم ومن خلفهم وعن ايمانهم وعن شمائلهم ولا تجد اكثرهم شاكرين

“I will come to them from before them, and from behind them, and from their right, and from their left, and You will find that most of them are unappreciative.”

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قال اخرج منها مذءوما مدحورا لمن تبعك منهم لاملان جهنم منكم اجمعين

He said, “Get out therefrom, despised and defeated. Those among them who follow you, I will fill Hell with you all.

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ويا ادم اسكن انت وزوجك الجنة فكلا من حيث شئتما ولا تقربا هذه الشجرة فتكونا من الظالمين

“As for you, Adam, dwell with your wife in Paradise, and eat therefrom as you please, but do not approach this one tree, lest you fall in sin.”

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فوسوس لهما الشيطان ليبدي لهما ما ووري عنهما من سواتهما وقال ما نهاكما ربكما عن هذه الشجرة الا ان تكونا ملكين او تكونا من الخالدين

The devil whispered to them, in order to reveal their bodies, which were invisible to them. He said, “Your Lord did not forbid you from this tree, except to prevent you from becoming angels, and from attaining eternal existence.”

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وقاسمهما اني لكما لمن الناصحين

He swore to them, “I am giving you good advice.”

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فدلاهما بغرور فلما ذاقا الشجرة بدت لهما سواتهما وطفقا يخصفان عليهما من ورق الجنة وناداهما ربهما الم انهكما عن تلكما الشجرة واقل لكما ان الشيطان لكما عدو مبين

He thus duped them with lies. As soon as they tasted the tree, their bodies became visible to them, and they tried to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise. Their Lord called upon them: “Did I not enjoin you from that tree, and warn you that the devil is your most ardent enemy?”

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قالا ربنا ظلمنا انفسنا وان لم تغفر لنا وترحمنا لنكونن من الخاسرين

They said, “Our Lord, we have wronged our souls, and unless You forgive us and have mercy on us, we will be losers.”

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قال اهبطوا بعضكم لبعض عدو ولكم في الارض مستقر ومتاع الى حين

He said, “Go down as enemies of one another. On earth shall be your habitation and provision for awhile.”

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قال فيها تحيون وفيها تموتون ومنها تخرجون

He said, “On it you will live, on it you will die, and from it you will be brought out.”

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يا بني ادم قد انزلنا عليكم لباسا يواري سواتكم وريشا ولباس التقوى ذلك خير ذلك من ايات الله لعلهم يذكرون

O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of GOD’s signs, that they may take heed.

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يا بني ادم لا يفتننكم الشيطان كما اخرج ابويكم من الجنة ينزع عنهما لباسهما ليريهما سواتهما انه يراكم هو وقبيله من حيث لا ترونهم انا جعلنا الشياطين اولياء للذين لا يؤمنون

O children of Adam, do not let the devil dupe you as he did when he caused the eviction of your parents from Paradise, and the removal of their garments to expose their bodies. He and his tribe see you, while you do not see them. We appoint the devils as companions of those who do not believe.

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Examine All Inherited Information

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واذا فعلوا فاحشة قالوا وجدنا عليها اباءنا والله امرنا بها قل ان الله لا يامر بالفحشاء اتقولون على الله ما لا تعلمون

They commit a gross sin, then say, “We found our parents doing this, and GOD has commanded us to do it.’’ Say, “GOD never advocates sin. Are you saying about GOD what you do not know?”

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قل امر ربي بالقسط واقيموا وجوهكم عند كل مسجد وادعوه مخلصين له الدين كما بداكم تعودون

Say, “My Lord advocates justice, and to stand devoted to Him alone at every place of worship. You shall devote your worship absolutely to Him alone. Just as He initiated you, you will ultimately go back to Him.”

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Beware: They Believe that<br>They Are Guided

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فريقا هدى وفريقا حق عليهم الضلالة انهم اتخذوا الشياطين اولياء من دون الله ويحسبون انهم مهتدون

Some He guided, while others are committed to straying. They have taken the devils as their masters, instead of GOD, yet they believe that they are guided.

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Dress Nicely For The Masjid

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يا بني ادم خذوا زينتكم عند كل مسجد وكلوا واشربوا ولا تسرفوا انه لا يحب المسرفين

O children of Adam, you shall be clean and dress nicely when you go to the masjid. And eat and drink moderately; Surely, He does not love the gluttons.

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Innovated Prohibitions<br>Condemned

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قل من حرم زينة الله التي اخرج لعباده والطيبات من الرزق قل هي للذين امنوا في الحياة الدنيا خالصة يوم القيامة كذلك نفصل الايات لقوم يعلمون

Say, “Who prohibited the nice things GOD has created for His creatures, and the good provisions?” Say, “Such provisions are to be enjoyed in this life by those who believe. Moreover, the good provisions will be exclusively theirs on the Day of Resurrection.” We thus explain the revelations for people who know.

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قل انما حرم ربي الفواحش ما ظهر منها وما بطن والاثم والبغي بغير الحق وان تشركوا بالله ما لم ينزل به سلطانا وان تقولوا على الله ما لا تعلمون

Say, “My Lord prohibits only evil deeds, be they obvious or hidden, and sins, and unjustifiable aggression, and to set up beside GOD powerless idols, and to say about GOD what you do not know.”

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ولكل امة اجل فاذا جاء اجلهم لا يستاخرون ساعة ولا يستقدمون

For each community, there is a predetermined life span. Once their interim comes to an end, they cannot delay it by one hour, nor advance it.

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Messengers From Among You

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يا بني ادم اما ياتينكم رسل منكم يقصون عليكم اياتي فمن اتقى واصلح فلا خوف عليهم ولا هم يحزنون

O children of Adam, when messengers come to you from among you, and recite My revelations to you, those who take heed and lead a righteous life, will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

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والذين كذبوا باياتنا واستكبروا عنها اولئك اصحاب النار هم فيها خالدون

As for those who reject our revelations, and are too arrogant to uphold them, they have incurred Hell, wherein they abide forever.

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فمن اظلم ممن افترى على الله كذبا او كذب باياته اولئك ينالهم نصيبهم من الكتاب حتى اذا جاءتهم رسلنا يتوفونهم قالوا اين ما كنتم تدعون من دون الله قالوا ضلوا عنا وشهدوا على انفسهم انهم كانوا كافرين

Who is more evil than those who invent lies about GOD, or reject His revelations? These will get their share, in accordance with the scripture, then, when our messengers come to terminate their lives, they will say, “Where are the idols you used to implore beside GOD?” They will say, “They have abandoned us.” They will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers.

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Mutual Blaming

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قال ادخلوا في امم قد خلت من قبلكم من الجن والانس في النار كلما دخلت امة لعنت اختها حتى اذا اداركوا فيها جميعا قالت اخراهم لاولاهم ربنا هؤلاء اضلونا فاتهم عذابا ضعفا من النار قال لكل ضعف ولكن لا تعلمون

He will say, “Enter with the previous communities of jinns and humans into Hell.” Every time a group enters, they will curse their ancestral group. Once they are all in it, the latest one will say of the previous one, “Our Lord, these are the ones who misled us. Give them double the retribution of Hell.” He will say, “Each receives double, but you do not know.”

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وقالت اولاهم لاخراهم فما كان لكم علينا من فضل فذوقوا العذاب بما كنتم تكسبون

The ancestral group will say to the later group, “Since you had an advantage over us, taste the retribution for your own sins.”

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Rejecting God’s Revelations: An Unforgivable Offense

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ان الذين كذبوا باياتنا واستكبروا عنها لا تفتح لهم ابواب السماء ولا يدخلون الجنة حتى يلج الجمل في سم الخياط وكذلك نجزي المجرمين

Surely, those who reject our revelations and are too arrogant to uphold them, the gates of the sky will never open for them, nor will they enter Paradise until the camel passes through the needle’s eye. We thus requite the guilty.

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لهم من جهنم مهاد ومن فوقهم غواش وكذلك نجزي الظالمين

They have incurred Hell as an abode; they will have barriers above them. We thus requite the transgressors.

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والذين امنوا وعملوا الصالحات لا نكلف نفسا الا وسعها اولئك اصحاب الجنة هم فيها خالدون

As for those who believe and lead a righteous life—we never burden any soul beyond its means—these will be the dwellers of Paradise. They abide in it forever.

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By God’s Grace

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ونزعنا ما في صدورهم من غل تجري من تحتهم الانهار وقالوا الحمد لله الذي هدانا لهذا وما كنا لنهتدي لولا ان هدانا الله لقد جاءت رسل ربنا بالحق ونودوا ان تلكم الجنة اورثتموها بما كنتم تعملون

We will remove all jealousy from their hearts. Rivers will flow beneath them, and they will say, “GOD be praised for guiding us. We could not possibly be guided, if it were not that GOD has guided us. The messengers of our Lord did bring the truth.” They will be called: “This is your Paradise. You have inherited it, in return for your works.”

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ونادى اصحاب الجنة اصحاب النار ان قد وجدنا ما وعدنا ربنا حقا فهل وجدتم ما وعد ربكم حقا قالوا نعم فاذن مؤذن بينهم ان لعنة الله على الظالمين

The dwellers of Paradise will call the dwellers of Hell: “We have found our Lord’s promise to be the truth, have you found your Lord’s promise to be the truth?” They will say, “Yes.” An announcer between them will announce: “GOD’s condemnation has befallen the transgressors;

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الذين يصدون عن سبيل الله ويبغونها عوجا وهم بالاخرة كافرون

“who repel from the path of GOD, and strive to make it crooked, and, with regard to the Hereafter, they are disbelievers.”

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وبينهما حجاب وعلى الاعراف رجال يعرفون كلا بسيماهم ونادوا اصحاب الجنة ان سلام عليكم لم يدخلوها وهم يطمعون

A barrier separates them, while the Purgatory* is occupied by people who recognize each side by their looks. They will call the dwellers of Paradise: “Peace be upon you.” They did not enter (Paradise) through wishful thinking.

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واذا صرفت ابصارهم تلقاء اصحاب النار قالوا ربنا لا تجعلنا مع القوم الظالمين

When they turn their eyes towards the dwellers of Hell, they will say, “Our Lord, do not put us with these wicked people.”

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The Majority Doomed

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ونادى اصحاب الاعراف رجالا يعرفونهم بسيماهم قالوا ما اغنى عنكم جمعكم وما كنتم تستكبرون

The dwellers of the Purgatory will call on people they recognize by their looks, saying, “Your great numbers did not avail you in any way, nor did your arrogance.

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اهؤلاء الذين اقسمتم لا ينالهم الله برحمة ادخلوا الجنة لا خوف عليكم ولا انتم تحزنون

“Are those the people you swore that GOD will never touch them with mercy?” (The people in the Purgatory will then be told,) “Enter Paradise; you have nothing to fear, nor will you grieve.”

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ونادى اصحاب النار اصحاب الجنة ان افيضوا علينا من الماء او مما رزقكم الله قالوا ان الله حرمهما على الكافرين

The dwellers of Hell will call on the dwellers of Paradise: “Let some of your water, or some of GOD’s provisions to you flow towards us.” They will say, “GOD has forbidden them for the disbelievers.”

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الذين اتخذوا دينهم لهوا ولعبا وغرتهم الحياة الدنيا فاليوم ننساهم كما نسوا لقاء يومهم هذا وما كانوا باياتنا يجحدون

Those who do not take their religion seriously, and are totally preoccupied with this worldly life, we forget them on that day, because they forgot that day, and because they spurned our revelations.

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Quran:<br>Fully Detailed

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ولقد جئناهم بكتاب فصلناه على علم هدى ورحمة لقوم يؤمنون

We have given them a scripture that is fully detailed, with knowledge, guidance, and mercy for the people who believe.

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هل ينظرون الا تاويله يوم ياتي تاويله يقول الذين نسوه من قبل قد جاءت رسل ربنا بالحق فهل لنا من شفعاء فيشفعوا لنا او نرد فنعمل غير الذي كنا نعمل قد خسروا انفسهم وضل عنهم ما كانوا يفترون

Are they waiting until all (prophecies) are fulfilled? The day such fulfillment comes to pass, those who disregarded it in the past will say, “The messengers of our Lord have brought the truth. Are there any intercessors to intercede on our behalf? Would you send us back, so that we change our behavior, and do better works than what we did?” They have lost their souls, and their own innovations have caused their doom.

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ان ربكم الله الذي خلق السماوات والارض في ستة ايام ثم استوى على العرش يغشي الليل النهار يطلبه حثيثا والشمس والقمر والنجوم مسخرات بامره الا له الخلق والامر تبارك الله رب العالمين

Your Lord is the one GOD; who created the heavens and the earth in six days,* then assumed all authority. The night overtakes the day, as it pursues it persistently, and the sun, the moon, and the stars are committed to serve by His command. Absolutely, He controls all creation and all commands. Most Exalted is GOD, Lord of the universe.

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ادعوا ربكم تضرعا وخفية انه لا يحب المعتدين

You shall worship your Lord publicly and privately; He does not love the transgressors.

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ولا تفسدوا في الارض بعد اصلاحها وادعوه خوفا وطمعا ان رحمت الله قريب من المحسنين

Do not corrupt the earth after it has been set straight, and worship Him out of reverence, and out of hope. Surely, GOD’s mercy is attainable by the righteous.

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وهو الذي يرسل الرياح بشرا بين يدي رحمته حتى اذا اقلت سحابا ثقالا سقناه لبلد ميت فانزلنا به الماء فاخرجنا به من كل الثمرات كذلك نخرج الموتى لعلكم تذكرون

He is the One who sends the wind with good omen, as a mercy from His hands. Once they gather heavy clouds, we drive them to dead lands, and send down water therefrom, to produce with it all kinds of fruits. We thus resurrect the dead, that you may take heed.

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والبلد الطيب يخرج نباته باذن ربه والذي خبث لا يخرج الا نكدا كذلك نصرف الايات لقوم يشكرون

The good land readily produces its plants by the leave of its Lord, while the bad land barely produces anything useful. We thus explain the revelations for people who are appreciative.

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Noah

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لقد ارسلنا نوحا الى قومه فقال يا قوم اعبدوا الله ما لكم من اله غيره اني اخاف عليكم عذاب يوم عظيم

We sent Noah to his people, saying, “O my people, worship GOD; you have no other god beside Him. I fear for you the retribution of an awesome day.”

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قال الملا من قومه انا لنراك في ضلال مبين

The leaders among his people said, “We see that you are far astray.”

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قال يا قوم ليس بي ضلالة ولكني رسول من رب العالمين

He said, “O my people, I am not astray; I am a messenger from the Lord of the universe.

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ابلغكم رسالات ربي وانصح لكم واعلم من الله ما لا تعلمون

“I deliver to you the messages of my Lord, and I advise you, and I know from GOD what you do not know.

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اوعجبتم ان جاءكم ذكر من ربكم على رجل منكم لينذركم ولتتقوا ولعلكم ترحمون

“Is it too much of a wonder that a reminder should come to you from your Lord, through a man like you, to warn you, and to lead you to righteousness, that you may attain mercy?”

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فكذبوه فانجيناه والذين معه في الفلك واغرقنا الذين كذبوا باياتنا انهم كانوا قوما عمين

They rejected him. Consequently, we saved him and those with him in the ark, and we drowned those who rejected our revelations; they were blind.

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Hûd

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والى عاد اخاهم هودا قال يا قوم اعبدوا الله ما لكم من اله غيره افلا تتقون

To ‘Ãd we sent their brother Hûd. He said, “O my people, worship GOD; you have no other god beside Him. Would you then observe righteousness?”

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قال الملا الذين كفروا من قومه انا لنراك في سفاهة وانا لنظنك من الكاذبين

The leaders who disbelieved among his people said, “We see that you are behaving foolishly, and we think that you are a liar.”

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قال يا قوم ليس بي سفاهة ولكني رسول من رب العالمين

He said, “O my people, there is no foolishness in me; I am a messenger from the Lord of the universe.

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ابلغكم رسالات ربي وانا لكم ناصح امين

“I deliver to you my Lord’s messages, and I am honestly advising you.

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اوعجبتم ان جاءكم ذكر من ربكم على رجل منكم لينذركم واذكروا اذ جعلكم خلفاء من بعد قوم نوح وزادكم في الخلق بسطة فاذكروا الاء الله لعلكم تفلحون

“Is it too much of a wonder that a message should come to you from your Lord, through a man like you, to warn you? Recall that He made you inheritors after the people of Noah, and multiplied your number. Remember GOD’s blessings, that you may succeed.”

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Following the Parents Blindly:<br>A Human Tragedy

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قالوا اجئتنا لنعبد الله وحده ونذر ما كان يعبد اباؤنا فاتنا بما تعدنا ان كنت من الصادقين

They said, “Did you come to make us worship GOD alone, and abandon what our parents used to worship? We challenge you to bring the doom you threaten us with, if you are truthful.”

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قال قد وقع عليكم من ربكم رجس وغضب اتجادلونني في اسماء سميتموها انتم واباؤكم ما نزل الله بها من سلطان فانتظروا اني معكم من المنتظرين

He said, “You have incurred condemnation and wrath from your Lord. Do you argue with me in defense of innovations you have fabricated—you and your parents— which were never authorized by GOD? Therefore, wait and I will wait along with you.”

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فانجيناه والذين معه برحمة منا وقطعنا دابر الذين كذبوا باياتنا وما كانوا مؤمنين

We then saved him and those with him, by mercy from us, and we annihilated those who rejected our revelations and refused to be believers.

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Sãleh

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والى ثمود اخاهم صالحا قال يا قوم اعبدوا الله ما لكم من اله غيره قد جاءتكم بينة من ربكم هذه ناقة الله لكم اية فذروها تاكل في ارض الله ولا تمسوها بسوء فياخذكم عذاب اليم

To Thamûd we sent their brother Sãleh. He said, “O my people, worship GOD; you have no other god beside Him. Proof has been provided for you from your Lord: here is GOD’s camel, to serve as a sign for you. Let her eat from GOD’s land, and do not touch her with any harm, lest you incur a painful retribution.

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واذكروا اذ جعلكم خلفاء من بعد عاد وبواكم في الارض تتخذون من سهولها قصورا وتنحتون الجبال بيوتا فاذكروا الاء الله ولا تعثوا في الارض مفسدين

“Recall that He made you inheritors after ‘Ãd, and established you on earth, building mansions in its valleys, and carving homes from its mountains. You shall remember GOD’s blessings, and do not roam the earth corruptingly.”

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The Message:<br>Proof of Messengership

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قال الملا الذين استكبروا من قومه للذين استضعفوا لمن امن منهم اتعلمون ان صالحا مرسل من ربه قالوا انا بما ارسل به مؤمنون

The arrogant leaders among his people said to the common people who believed, “How do you know that Sãleh is sent by his Lord?” They said, “The message he brought has made us believers.”

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قال الذين استكبروا انا بالذي امنتم به كافرون

The arrogant ones said, “We disbelieve in what you believe in.”

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فعقروا الناقة وعتوا عن امر ربهم وقالوا يا صالح ائتنا بما تعدنا ان كنت من المرسلين

Subsequently, they slaughtered the camel, rebelled against their Lord’s command, and said, “O Sãleh, bring the doom you threaten us with, if you are really a messenger.”

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فاخذتهم الرجفة فاصبحوا في دارهم جاثمين

Consequently, the quake annihilated them, leaving them dead in their homes.

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فتولى عنهم وقال يا قوم لقد ابلغتكم رسالة ربي ونصحت لكم ولكن لا تحبون الناصحين

He turned away from them, saying, “O my people, I have delivered my Lord’s message to you, and advised you, but you do not like any advisers.”

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Lot:<br>Homosexuality Condemned

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ولوطا اذ قال لقومه اتاتون الفاحشة ما سبقكم بها من احد من العالمين

Lot said to his people, “You commit such an abomination; no one in the world has done it before!

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انكم لتاتون الرجال شهوة من دون النساء بل انتم قوم مسرفون

“You practice sex with the men, instead of the women. Indeed, you are a transgressing people.”

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وما كان جواب قومه الا ان قالوا اخرجوهم من قريتكم انهم اناس يتطهرون

His people responded by saying, “Evict them from your town. They are people who wish to be pure.”

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فانجيناه واهله الا امراته كانت من الغابرين

Consequently, we saved him and his family, but not his wife; she was with the doomed.

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وامطرنا عليهم مطرا فانظر كيف كان عاقبة المجرمين

We showered them with a certain shower; note the consequences for the guilty.

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Shu‘aib:<br>Cheating, Dishonesty Condemned

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والى مدين اخاهم شعيبا قال يا قوم اعبدوا الله ما لكم من اله غيره قد جاءتكم بينة من ربكم فاوفوا الكيل والميزان ولا تبخسوا الناس اشياءهم ولا تفسدوا في الارض بعد اصلاحها ذلكم خير لكم ان كنتم مؤمنين

To Midyan we sent their brother Shu‘aib. He said, “O my people, worship GOD; you have no other god beside Him. Proof has come to you from your Lord. You shall give full weight and full measure when you trade. Do not cheat the people out of their rights. Do not corrupt the earth after it has been set straight. This is better for you, if you are believers.

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ولا تقعدوا بكل صراط توعدون وتصدون عن سبيل الله من امن به وتبغونها عوجا واذكروا اذ كنتم قليلا فكثركم وانظروا كيف كان عاقبة المفسدين

“Refrain from blocking every path, seeking to repel those who believe from the path of GOD, and do not make it crooked. Remember that you used to be few and He multiplied your number. Recall the consequences for the wicked.

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وان كان طائفة منكم امنوا بالذي ارسلت به وطائفة لم يؤمنوا فاصبروا حتى يحكم الله بيننا وهو خير الحاكمين

“Now that some of you have believed in what I was sent with, and some have disbelieved, wait until GOD issues His judgment between us; He is the best judge.”

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قال الملا الذين استكبروا من قومه لنخرجنك يا شعيب والذين امنوا معك من قريتنا او لتعودن في ملتنا قال اولو كنا كارهين

The arrogant leaders among his people said, “We will evict you, O Shu‘aib, together with those who believed with you, from our town, unless you revert to our religion.” He said, “Are you going to force us?

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قد افترينا على الله كذبا ان عدنا في ملتكم بعد اذ نجانا الله منها وما يكون لنا ان نعود فيها الا ان يشاء الله ربنا وسع ربنا كل شيء علما على الله توكلنا ربنا افتح بيننا وبين قومنا بالحق وانت خير الفاتحين

“We would be blaspheming against GOD if we reverted to your religion after GOD has saved us from it. How could we revert back to it against the will of GOD our Lord? Our Lord’s knowledge encompasses all things. We have put our trust in GOD. Our Lord, grant us a decisive victory over our people. You are the best supporter.”

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وقال الملا الذين كفروا من قومه لئن اتبعتم شعيبا انكم اذا لخاسرون

The disbelieving leaders among his people said, “If you follow Shu‘aib, you will be losers.”

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فاخذتهم الرجفة فاصبحوا في دارهم جاثمين

The quake annihilated them, leaving them dead in their homes.

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الذين كذبوا شعيبا كان لم يغنوا فيها الذين كذبوا شعيبا كانوا هم الخاسرين

Those who rejected Shu‘aib vanished, as if they never existed. Those who rejected Shu‘aib were the losers.

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فتولى عنهم وقال يا قوم لقد ابلغتكم رسالات ربي ونصحت لكم فكيف اسى على قوم كافرين

He turned away from them, saying, “O my people, I have delivered to you the messages of my Lord, and I have advised you. How can I grieve over disbelieving people.”

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Blessings in Disguise

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وما ارسلنا في قرية من نبي الا اخذنا اهلها بالباساء والضراء لعلهم يضرعون

Whenever we sent a prophet to any community, we afflicted its people with adversity and hardship, that they may implore.

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ثم بدلنا مكان السيئة الحسنة حتى عفوا وقالوا قد مس اباءنا الضراء والسراء فاخذناهم بغتة وهم لا يشعرون

Then we substituted peace and prosperity in place of that hardship. But alas, they turned heedless and said, “It was our parents who experienced that hardship before prosperity.” Consequently, we punished them suddenly when they least expected.

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Most People Make<br>the Wrong Choice

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ولو ان اهل القرى امنوا واتقوا لفتحنا عليهم بركات من السماء والارض ولكن كذبوا فاخذناهم بما كانوا يكسبون

Had the people of those communities believed and turned righteous, we would have showered them with blessings from the heaven and the earth. Since they decided to disbelieve, we punished them for what they earned.

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افامن اهل القرى ان ياتيهم باسنا بياتا وهم نائمون

Did the people of the present communities guarantee that our retribution will not come to them in the night as they sleep?

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اوامن اهل القرى ان ياتيهم باسنا ضحى وهم يلعبون

Did the people of today’s communities guarantee that our retribution will not come to them in the daytime while they play?

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افامنوا مكر الله فلا يامن مكر الله الا القوم الخاسرون

Have they taken GOD’s plans for granted? None takes GOD’s plans for granted except the losers.

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اولم يهد للذين يرثون الارض من بعد اهلها ان لو نشاء اصبناهم بذنوبهم ونطبع على قلوبهم فهم لا يسمعون

Does it ever occur to those who inherit the earth after previous generations that, if we will, we can punish them for their sins, and seal their hearts, causing them to turn deaf?

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تلك القرى نقص عليك من انبائها ولقد جاءتهم رسلهم بالبينات فما كانوا ليؤمنوا بما كذبوا من قبل كذلك يطبع الله على قلوب الكافرين

We narrate to you the history of those communities: their messengers went to them with clear proofs, but they were not to believe in what they had rejected before. GOD thus seals the hearts of the disbelievers.

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وما وجدنا لاكثرهم من عهد وان وجدنا اكثرهم لفاسقين

We found that most of them disregard their covenant; we found most of them wicked.*

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Moses

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ثم بعثنا من بعدهم موسى باياتنا الى فرعون وملئه فظلموا بها فانظر كيف كان عاقبة المفسدين

After (those messengers,) we sent Moses with our signs to Pharaoh and his people, but they transgressed. Note the consequences for the wicked.

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وقال موسى يا فرعون اني رسول من رب العالمين

Moses said, “O Pharaoh, I am a messenger from the Lord of the universe.

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حقيق على ان لا اقول على الله الا الحق قد جئتكم ببينة من ربكم فارسل معي بني اسرائيل

“It is incumbent upon me that I do not say about GOD except the truth. I come to you with a sign from your Lord; let the Children of Israel go.”

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قال ان كنت جئت باية فات بها ان كنت من الصادقين

He said, “If you have a sign, then produce it, if you are truthful.”

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فالقى عصاه فاذا هي ثعبان مبين

He threw down his staff, and it turned into a tremendous serpent.

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ونزع يده فاذا هي بيضاء للناظرين

He took out his hand, and it was white to the beholders.

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قال الملا من قوم فرعون ان هذا لساحر عليم

The leaders among Pharaoh’s people said, “This is no more than a clever magician.

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يريد ان يخرجكم من ارضكم فماذا تامرون

“He wants to take you out of your land; what do you recommend?”

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قالوا ارجه واخاه وارسل في المدائن حاشرين

They said, “Respite him and his brother, and send summoners to every city.

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ياتوك بكل ساحر عليم

“Let them summon every experienced magician.”

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وجاء السحرة فرعون قالوا ان لنا لاجرا ان كنا نحن الغالبين

The magicians came to Pharaoh and said, “Do we get paid if we are the winners?”

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قال نعم وانكم لمن المقربين

He said, “Yes indeed; you will even become close to me.”

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قالوا يا موسى اما ان تلقي واما ان نكون نحن الملقين

They said, “O Moses, either you throw, or we are throwing.”

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قال القوا فلما القوا سحروا اعين الناس واسترهبوهم وجاءوا بسحر عظيم

He said, “You throw.” When they threw, they tricked the people’s eyes, intimidated them, and produced a great magic.

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واوحينا الى موسى ان الق عصاك فاذا هي تلقف ما يافكون

We then inspired Moses: “Throw down your staff,” whereupon it swallowed whatever they fabricated.

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The Truth Recognized by the Experts

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فوقع الحق وبطل ما كانوا يعملون

Thus, the truth prevailed, and what they did was nullified.

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فغلبوا هنالك وانقلبوا صاغرين

They were defeated then and there; they were humiliated.

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والقي السحرة ساجدين

The magicians fell prostrate.

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قالوا امنا برب العالمين

They said, “We believe in the Lord of the universe.

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رب موسى وهارون

“The Lord of Moses and Aaron.”

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قال فرعون امنتم به قبل ان اذن لكم ان هذا لمكر مكرتموه في المدينة لتخرجوا منها اهلها فسوف تعلمون

Pharaoh said, “Did you believe in him without my permission? This must be a conspiracy you schemed in the city, in order to take its people away. You will surely find out.

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لاقطعن ايديكم وارجلكم من خلاف ثم لاصلبنكم اجمعين

“I will cut your hands and feet on alternate sides, then I will crucify you all.”

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قالوا انا الى ربنا منقلبون

They said, “We will then return to our Lord.

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وما تنقم منا الا ان امنا بايات ربنا لما جاءتنا ربنا افرغ علينا صبرا وتوفنا مسلمين

“You persecute us simply because we believed in the proofs of our Lord when they came to us.” “Our Lord, grant us steadfastness, and let us die as submitters.”

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وقال الملا من قوم فرعون اتذر موسى وقومه ليفسدوا في الارض ويذرك والهتك قال سنقتل ابناءهم ونستحيي نساءهم وانا فوقهم قاهرون

The leaders among Pharaoh’s people said, “Will you allow Moses and his people to corrupt the earth, and forsake you and your gods?” He said, “We will kill their sons, and spare their daughters. We are much more powerful than they are.”

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قال موسى لقومه استعينوا بالله واصبروا ان الارض لله يورثها من يشاء من عباده والعاقبة للمتقين

Moses said to his people, “Seek GOD’s help, and steadfastly persevere. The earth belongs to GOD, and He grants it to whomever He chooses from among His servants. The ultimate victory belongs to the righteous.”

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قالوا اوذينا من قبل ان تاتينا ومن بعد ما جئتنا قال عسى ربكم ان يهلك عدوكم ويستخلفكم في الارض فينظر كيف تعملون

They said, “We were persecuted before you came to us, and after you came to us.” He said, “Your Lord will annihilate your enemy and establish you on earth, then He will see how you behave.”

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The Plagues

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ولقد اخذنا ال فرعون بالسنين ونقص من الثمرات لعلهم يذكرون

We then afflicted Pharaoh’s people with drought, and shortage of crops, that they may take heed.

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فاذا جاءتهم الحسنة قالوا لنا هذه وان تصبهم سيئة يطيروا بموسى ومن معه الا انما طائرهم عند الله ولكن اكثرهم لا يعلمون

When good omens came their way, they said, “We have deserved this,” but when a hardship afflicted them, they blamed Moses and those with him. In fact, their omens are decided only by GOD, but most of them do not know.

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وقالوا مهما تاتنا به من اية لتسحرنا بها فما نحن لك بمؤمنين

They said, “No matter what kind of sign you show us, to dupe us with your magic, we will not believe.”

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The Warnings Go Unheeded

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فارسلنا عليهم الطوفان والجراد والقمل والضفادع والدم ايات مفصلات فاستكبروا وكانوا قوما مجرمين

Consequently, we sent upon them the flood, the locusts, the lice, the frogs, and the blood—profound signs. But they maintained their arrogance. They were evil people.

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ولما وقع عليهم الرجز قالوا يا موسى ادع لنا ربك بما عهد عندك لئن كشفت عنا الرجز لنؤمنن لك ولنرسلن معك بني اسرائيل

Whenever a plague afflicted them, they said, “O Moses, implore your Lord—you are close to Him. If you relieve this plague, we will believe with you, and will send the Children of Israel with you.”

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فلما كشفنا عنهم الرجز الى اجل هم بالغوه اذا هم ينكثون

Yet, when we relieved the plague for any length of time, they violated their pledge.

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The Inevitable Retribution

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فانتقمنا منهم فاغرقناهم في اليم بانهم كذبوا باياتنا وكانوا عنها غافلين

Consequently, we avenged their actions, and drowned them in the sea. That is because they rejected our signs, and were totally heedless thereof.

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واورثنا القوم الذين كانوا يستضعفون مشارق الارض ومغاربها التي باركنا فيها وتمت كلمت ربك الحسنى على بني اسرائيل بما صبروا ودمرنا ما كان يصنع فرعون وقومه وما كانوا يعرشون

We let the oppressed people inherit the land, east and west, and we blessed it. The blessed commands of your Lord were thus fulfilled for the Children of Israel, to reward them for their steadfastness, and we annihilated the works of Pharaoh and his people and everything they harvested.

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After All the Miracles

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وجاوزنا ببني اسرائيل البحر فاتوا على قوم يعكفون على اصنام لهم قالوا يا موسى اجعل لنا الها كما لهم الهة قال انكم قوم تجهلون

We delivered the Children of Israel across the sea. When they passed by people who were worshiping statues, they said, “O Moses, make a god for us, like the gods they have.” He said, “Indeed, you are ignorant people.

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ان هؤلاء متبر ما هم فيه وباطل ما كانوا يعملون

“These people are committing a blasphemy, for what they are doing is disastrous for them.

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قال اغير الله ابغيكم الها وهو فضلكم على العالمين

“Shall I seek for you other than GOD to be your god, when He has blessed you more than anyone else in the world?”

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Reminder to the Children of Israel

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واذ انجيناكم من ال فرعون يسومونكم سوء العذاب يقتلون ابناءكم ويستحيون نساءكم وفي ذلكم بلاء من ربكم عظيم

Recall that we delivered you from Pharaoh’s people, who inflicted the worst persecution upon you, killing your sons and sparing your daughters. That was an exacting trial for you from your Lord.

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Our World Cannot Stand the<br>Physical Presence of God

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وواعدنا موسى ثلاثين ليلة واتممناها بعشر فتم ميقات ربه اربعين ليلة وقال موسى لاخيه هارون اخلفني في قومي واصلح ولا تتبع سبيل المفسدين

We summoned Moses for thirty* nights, and completed them by adding ten.* Thus, the audience with his Lord lasted forty* nights. Moses said to his brother Aaron, “Stay here with my people, maintain righteousness, and do not follow the ways of the corruptors.”

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ولما جاء موسى لميقاتنا وكلمه ربه قال رب ارني انظر اليك قال لن تراني ولكن انظر الى الجبل فان استقر مكانه فسوف تراني فلما تجلى ربه للجبل جعله دكا وخر موسى صعقا فلما افاق قال سبحانك تبت اليك وانا اول المؤمنين

When Moses came at our appointed time, and his Lord spoke with him, he said, “My Lord, let me look and see You.” He said, “You cannot see Me. Look at that mountain; if it stays in its place, then you can see Me.” Then, his Lord manifested Himself to the mountain, and this caused it to crumble. Moses fell unconscious. When he came to, he said, “Be You glorified. I repent to You, and I am the most convinced believer.”

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قال يا موسى اني اصطفيتك على الناس برسالاتي وبكلامي فخذ ما اتيتك وكن من الشاكرين

He said, “O Moses, I have chosen you, out of all the people, with My messages and by speaking to you. Therefore, take what I have given you and be appreciative.”

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وكتبنا له في الالواح من كل شيء موعظة وتفصيلا لكل شيء فخذها بقوة وامر قومك ياخذوا باحسنها ساريكم دار الفاسقين

We wrote for him on the tablets all kinds of enlightenments and details of everything: “You shall uphold these teachings strongly, and exhort your people to uphold them—these are the best teachings. I will point out for you the fate of the wicked.”

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Divine Intervention Keeps<br>the Disbelievers in the Dark

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ساصرف عن اياتي الذين يتكبرون في الارض بغير الحق وان يروا كل اية لا يؤمنوا بها وان يروا سبيل الرشد لا يتخذوه سبيلا وان يروا سبيل الغي يتخذوه سبيلا ذلك بانهم كذبوا باياتنا وكانوا عنها غافلين

I will divert from My revelations those who are arrogant on earth, without justification. Consequently, when they see every kind of proof they will not believe. And when they see the path of guidance they will not adopt it as their path, but when they see the path of straying they will adopt it as their path. This is the consequence of their rejecting our proofs, and being totally heedless thereof.

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والذين كذبوا باياتنا ولقاء الاخرة حبطت اعمالهم هل يجزون الا ما كانوا يعملون

Those who reject our revelations and the meeting of the Hereafter, their works are nullified. Are they requited only for what they committed?

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The Golden Calf

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واتخذ قوم موسى من بعده من حليهم عجلا جسدا له خوار الم يروا انه لا يكلمهم ولا يهديهم سبيلا اتخذوه وكانوا ظالمين

During his absence, Moses’ people made from their jewelry the statue of a calf, complete with the sound of a calf.* Did they not see that it could not speak to them, or guide them in any path? They worshiped it, and thus turned wicked.

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ولما سقط في ايديهم وراوا انهم قد ضلوا قالوا لئن لم يرحمنا ربنا ويغفر لنا لنكونن من الخاسرين

Finally, when they regretted their action, and realized that they had gone astray, they said, “Unless our Lord redeems us with His mercy, and forgives us, we will be losers.”

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ولما رجع موسى الى قومه غضبان اسفا قال بئسما خلفتموني من بعدي اعجلتم امر ربكم والقى الالواح واخذ براس اخيه يجره اليه قال ابن ام ان القوم استضعفوني وكادوا يقتلونني فلا تشمت بي الاعداء ولا تجعلني مع القوم الظالمين

When Moses returned to his people, angry and disappointed, he said, “What a terrible thing you have done in my absence! Could you not wait for the commandments of your Lord?” He threw down the tablets, and took hold of his brother’s head, pulling him towards himself. (Aaron) said, “Son of my mother, the people took advantage of my weakness, and almost killed me. Let not my enemies rejoice, and do not count me with the transgressing people.”

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قال رب اغفر لي ولاخي وادخلنا في رحمتك وانت ارحم الراحمين

(Moses) said, “My Lord, forgive me and my brother, and admit us into Your mercy. Of all the merciful ones, You are the Most Merciful.”

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ان الذين اتخذوا العجل سينالهم غضب من ربهم وذلة في الحياة الدنيا وكذلك نجزي المفترين

Surely, those who idolized the calf have incurred wrath from their Lord, and humiliation in this life. We thus requite the innovators.

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والذين عملوا السيئات ثم تابوا من بعدها وامنوا ان ربك من بعدها لغفور رحيم

As for those who committed sins, then repented thereafter and believed, your Lord—after this—is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

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ولما سكت عن موسى الغضب اخذ الالواح وفي نسختها هدى ورحمة للذين هم لربهم يرهبون

When Moses’ anger subsided, he picked up the tablets, containing guidance and mercy for those who reverence their Lord.

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واختار موسى قومه سبعين رجلا لميقاتنا فلما اخذتهم الرجفة قال رب لو شئت اهلكتهم من قبل واياي اتهلكنا بما فعل السفهاء منا ان هي الا فتنتك تضل بها من تشاء وتهدي من تشاء انت ولينا فاغفر لنا وارحمنا وانت خير الغافرين

Moses then selected seventy men from among his people, to come to our appointed audience. When the quake shook them, he said, “My Lord, You could have annihilated them in the past, together with me, if You so willed. Would You annihilate us for the deeds of those among us who are foolish? This must be the test that You have instituted for us. With it, You condemn whomever You will, and guide whomever You will. You are our Lord and Master, so forgive us, shower us with Your mercy; You are the best Forgiver.

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Requirements For Attaining God’s<br>Mercy: The Importance of Zakat

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واكتب لنا في هذه الدنيا حسنة وفي الاخرة انا هدنا اليك قال عذابي اصيب به من اشاء ورحمتي وسعت كل شيء فساكتبها للذين يتقون ويؤتون الزكاة والذين هم باياتنا يؤمنون

“And decree for us righteousness in this world, and in the Hereafter. We have repented to You.” He said, “My retribution befalls whomever I will. But My mercy encompasses all things. However, I will specify it for those who (1) lead a righteous life, (2) give the obligatory charity (Zakat),* (3) believe in our revelations, and

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الذين يتبعون الرسول النبي الامي الذي يجدونه مكتوبا عندهم في التوراة والانجيل يامرهم بالمعروف وينهاهم عن المنكر ويحل لهم الطيبات ويحرم عليهم الخبائث ويضع عنهم اصرهم والاغلال التي كانت عليهم فالذين امنوا به وعزروه ونصروه واتبعوا النور الذي انزل معه اولئك هم المفلحون

“(4) follow the messenger, the gentile prophet (Muhammad), whom they find written in their Torah and Gospel.* He exhorts them to be righteous, enjoins them from evil, allows for them all good food, and prohibits that which is bad, and unloads the burdens and the shackles imposed upon them. Those who believe in him, respect him, support him, and follow the light that came with him are the successful ones.”

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قل يا ايها الناس اني رسول الله اليكم جميعا الذي له ملك السماوات والارض لا اله الا هو يحيي ويميت فامنوا بالله ورسوله النبي الامي الذي يؤمن بالله وكلماته واتبعوه لعلكم تهتدون

Say, “O people, I am GOD’s messenger to all of you. To Him belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. There is no god except He. He controls life and death.” Therefore, you shall believe in GOD and His messenger, the gentile prophet, who believes in GOD and His words. Follow him, that you may be guided.

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The Guided Jews

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ومن قوم موسى امة يهدون بالحق وبه يعدلون

Among the followers of Moses there are those who guide in accordance with the truth, and the truth renders them righteous.

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Miracles in Sinai

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وقطعناهم اثنتي عشرة اسباطا امما واوحينا الى موسى اذ استسقاه قومه ان اضرب بعصاك الحجر فانبجست منه اثنتا عشرة عينا قد علم كل اناس مشربهم وظللنا عليهم الغمام وانزلنا عليهم المن والسلوى كلوا من طيبات ما رزقناكم وما ظلمونا ولكن كانوا انفسهم يظلمون

We divided them into twelve tribal communities, and we inspired Moses when his people asked him for water: “Strike the rock with your staff,” whereupon twelve springs gushed out therefrom. Thus, each community knew its water. And we shaded them with clouds, and sent down to them manna and quails: “Eat from the good things we provided for you.” It is not us that they wronged; it is they who wronged their own souls.

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Rebellion Despite the Miracles

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واذ قيل لهم اسكنوا هذه القرية وكلوا منها حيث شئتم وقولوا حطة وادخلوا الباب سجدا نغفر لكم خطيئاتكم سنزيد المحسنين

Recall that they were told, “Go into this town to live, and eat therefrom as you please, treat the people amicably, and enter the gate humbly. We will then forgive your transgressions. We will multiply the reward for the righteous.”

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فبدل الذين ظلموا منهم قولا غير الذي قيل لهم فارسلنا عليهم رجزا من السماء بما كانوا يظلمون

But the evil ones among them substituted other commands for the commands given to them. Consequently, we sent upon them condemnation from the sky, because of their wickedness.

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Observing the Commandments Brings Prosperity

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واسالهم عن القرية التي كانت حاضرة البحر اذ يعدون في السبت اذ تاتيهم حيتانهم يوم سبتهم شرعا ويوم لا يسبتون لا تاتيهم كذلك نبلوهم بما كانوا يفسقون

Remind them of the community by the sea, who desecrated the Sabbath. When they observed the Sabbath, the fish came to them abundantly. And when they violated the Sabbath, the fish did not come. We thus afflicted them, as a consequence of their transgression.

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Mocking and Ridiculing<br>God’s Message

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واذ قالت امة منهم لم تعظون قوما الله مهلكهم او معذبهم عذابا شديدا قالوا معذرة الى ربكم ولعلهم يتقون

Recall that a group of them said, “Why should you preach to people whom GOD will surely annihilate or punish severely?” They answered, “Apologize to your Lord,” that they might be saved.

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فلما نسوا ما ذكروا به انجينا الذين ينهون عن السوء واخذنا الذين ظلموا بعذاب بئيس بما كانوا يفسقون

When they disregarded what they were reminded of, we saved those who prohibited evil, and afflicted the wrongdoers with a terrible retribution for their wickedness.

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فلما عتوا عن ما نهوا عنه قلنا لهم كونوا قردة خاسئين

When they continued to defy the commandments, we said to them, “Be you despicable apes.”

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واذ تاذن ربك ليبعثن عليهم الى يوم القيامة من يسومهم سوء العذاب ان ربك لسريع العقاب وانه لغفور رحيم

Additionally, your Lord has decreed that He will raise up against them people who will inflict severe persecution upon them, until the Day of Resurrection. Your Lord is most efficient in enforcing retribution, and He is certainly the Forgiver, Most Merciful.

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وقطعناهم في الارض امما منهم الصالحون ومنهم دون ذلك وبلوناهم بالحسنات والسيئات لعلهم يرجعون

We scattered them among many communities throughout the land. Some of them were righteous, and some were less than righteous. We tested them with prosperity and hardship, that they may return.

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فخلف من بعدهم خلف ورثوا الكتاب ياخذون عرض هذا الادنى ويقولون سيغفر لنا وان ياتهم عرض مثله ياخذوه الم يؤخذ عليهم ميثاق الكتاب ان لا يقولوا على الله الا الحق ودرسوا ما فيه والدار الاخرة خير للذين يتقون افلا تعقلون

Subsequent to them, He substituted new generations who inherited the scripture. But they opted for the worldly life instead, saying, “We will be forgiven.” But then they continued to opt for the materials of this world. Did they not make a covenant to uphold the scripture, and not to say about GOD except the truth? Did they not study the scripture? Certainly, the abode of the Hereafter is far better for those who maintain righteousness. Do you not understand?

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والذين يمسكون بالكتاب واقاموا الصلاة انا لا نضيع اجر المصلحين

Those who uphold the scripture, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), we never fail to recompense the pious.

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واذ نتقنا الجبل فوقهم كانه ظلة وظنوا انه واقع بهم خذوا ما اتيناكم بقوة واذكروا ما فيه لعلكم تتقون

We raised the mountain above them like an umbrella, and they thought it was going to fall on them: “You shall uphold what we have given you, strongly, and remember the contents thereof, that you may be saved.”

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We Are Born With Instinctive<br>Knowledge About God*

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واذ اخذ ربك من بني ادم من ظهورهم ذريتهم واشهدهم على انفسهم الست بربكم قالوا بلى شهدنا ان تقولوا يوم القيامة انا كنا عن هذا غافلين

Recall that your Lord summoned all the descendants of Adam, and had them bear witness for themselves: “Am I not your Lord?” They all said, “Yes. We bear witness.” Thus, you cannot say on the Day of Resurrection, “We were not aware of this.”

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او تقولوا انما اشرك اباؤنا من قبل وكنا ذرية من بعدهم افتهلكنا بما فعل المبطلون

Nor can you say, “It was our parents who practiced idolatry, and we simply followed in their footsteps. Will You punish us because of what others have innovated?”

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وكذلك نفصل الايات ولعلهم يرجعون

We thus explain the revelations, to enable the people to redeem themselves.*

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واتل عليهم نبا الذي اتيناه اياتنا فانسلخ منها فاتبعه الشيطان فكان من الغاوين

Recite for them the news of one who was given our proofs, but chose to disregard them. Consequently, the devil pursued him, until he became a strayer.

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ولو شئنا لرفعناه بها ولكنه اخلد الى الارض واتبع هواه فمثله كمثل الكلب ان تحمل عليه يلهث او تتركه يلهث ذلك مثل القوم الذين كذبوا باياتنا فاقصص القصص لعلهم يتفكرون

Had we willed, we could have elevated him therewith, but he insisted on sticking to the ground, and pursued his own opinions. Thus, he is like the dog; whether you pet him or scold him, he pants. Such is the example of people who reject our proofs. Narrate these narrations, that they may reflect.

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ساء مثلا القوم الذين كذبوا باياتنا وانفسهم كانوا يظلمون

Bad indeed is the example of people who reject our proofs; it is only their own souls that they wrong.

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من يهد الله فهو المهتدي ومن يضلل فاولئك هم الخاسرون

Whomever GOD guides is the truly guided one, and whomever He commits to straying, these are the losers.

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Satan Hypnotizes<br>His Constituents

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ولقد ذرانا لجهنم كثيرا من الجن والانس لهم قلوب لا يفقهون بها ولهم اعين لا يبصرون بها ولهم اذان لا يسمعون بها اولئك كالانعام بل هم اضل اولئك هم الغافلون

We have committed to Hell multitudes of jinns and humans. They have minds with which they do not understand, eyes with which they do not see, and ears with which they do not hear. They are like animals; no, they are far worse—they are totally unaware.

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ولله الاسماء الحسنى فادعوه بها وذروا الذين يلحدون في اسمائه سيجزون ما كانوا يعملون

To GOD belongs the most beautiful names; call upon Him therewith, and disregard those who distort His names. They will be requited for their sins.

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وممن خلقنا امة يهدون بالحق وبه يعدلون

Among our creations, there are those who guide with the truth, and the truth renders them righteous.

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والذين كذبوا باياتنا سنستدرجهم من حيث لا يعلمون

As for those who reject our revelations, we lead them on without them ever realizing it.

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واملي لهم ان كيدي متين

I will even encourage them; My scheming is formidable.

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اولم يتفكروا ما بصاحبهم من جنة ان هو الا نذير مبين

Why do they not reflect upon their friend (the messenger)? He is not crazy. He is simply a profound warner.

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اولم ينظروا في ملكوت السماوات والارض وما خلق الله من شيء وان عسى ان يكون قد اقترب اجلهم فباي حديث بعده يؤمنون

Have they not looked at the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all the things GOD has created? Does it ever occur to them that the end of their life may be near? Which Hadith, beside this, do they believe in?

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من يضلل الله فلا هادي له ويذرهم في طغيانهم يعمهون

Whomever GOD commits to straying, there is no way for anyone to guide him. He leaves them in their sins, blundering.

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يسالونك عن الساعة ايان مرساها قل انما علمها عند ربي لا يجليها لوقتها الا هو ثقلت في السماوات والارض لا تاتيكم الا بغتة يسالونك كانك حفي عنها قل انما علمها عند الله ولكن اكثر الناس لا يعلمون

They ask you about the end of the world (the Hour),* and when it will come to pass. Say, “The knowledge thereof is with my Lord. Only He reveals its time.* Heavy it is, in the heavens and the earth. It will not come to you except suddenly.”** They ask you as if you are in control thereof. Say, “The knowledge thereof is with GOD,” but most people do not know.

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Messengers Are Powerless;<br>They Do Not Know the Future.

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قل لا املك لنفسي نفعا ولا ضرا الا ما شاء الله ولو كنت اعلم الغيب لاستكثرت من الخير وما مسني السوء ان انا الا نذير وبشير لقوم يؤمنون

Say, “I have no power to benefit myself, or harm myself. Only what GOD wills happens to me. If I knew the future, I would have increased my wealth, and no harm would have afflicted me. I am no more than a warner, and a bearer of good news for those who believe.”

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Our Children Can be Idols

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هو الذي خلقكم من نفس واحدة وجعل منها زوجها ليسكن اليها فلما تغشاها حملت حملا خفيفا فمرت به فلما اثقلت دعوا الله ربهما لئن اتيتنا صالحا لنكونن من الشاكرين

He created you from one person (Adam). Subsequently, He gives every man a mate to find tranquility with her. She then carries a light load that she can hardly notice. As the load gets heavier, they implore GOD their Lord: “If You give us a good baby, we will be appreciative.”

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فلما اتاهما صالحا جعلا له شركاء فيما اتاهما فتعالى الله عما يشركون

But when He gives them a good baby, they turn His gift into an idol that rivals Him. GOD be exalted, far above any partnership.

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ايشركون ما لا يخلق شيئا وهم يخلقون

Is it not a fact that they are idolizing idols who create nothing, and are themselves created?

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ولا يستطيعون لهم نصرا ولا انفسهم ينصرون

Idols that can neither help them, nor even help themselves?

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وان تدعوهم الى الهدى لا يتبعوكم سواء عليكم ادعوتموهم ام انتم صامتون

When you invite them to the guidance, they do not follow you. Thus, it is the same for them whether you invite them, or remain silent.

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ان الذين تدعون من دون الله عباد امثالكم فادعوهم فليستجيبوا لكم ان كنتم صادقين

The idols you invoke besides GOD are creatures like you. Go ahead and call upon them; let them respond to you, if you are right.

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الهم ارجل يمشون بها ام لهم ايد يبطشون بها ام لهم اعين يبصرون بها ام لهم اذان يسمعون بها قل ادعوا شركاءكم ثم كيدون فلا تنظرون

Do they have legs on which they walk? Do they have hands with which they defend themselves? Do they have eyes with which they see? Do they have ears with which they hear? Say, “Call upon your idols, and ask them to smite me without delay.

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ان وليي الله الذي نزل الكتاب وهو يتولى الصالحين

“GOD is my only Lord and Master; the One who revealed this scripture. He protects the righteous.

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والذين تدعون من دونه لا يستطيعون نصركم ولا انفسهم ينصرون

“As for the idols you set up beside Him, they cannot help you, nor can they help themselves.”

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وان تدعوهم الى الهدى لا يسمعوا وتراهم ينظرون اليك وهم لا يبصرون

When you invite them to the guidance, they do not hear. And you see them looking at you, but they do not see.

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خذ العفو وامر بالعرف واعرض عن الجاهلين

You shall resort to pardon, advocate tolerance, and disregard the ignorant.

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واما ينزغنك من الشيطان نزغ فاستعذ بالله انه سميع عليم

When the devil whispers to you any whisper, seek refuge in GOD; He is Hearer, Omniscient.

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ان الذين اتقوا اذا مسهم طائف من الشيطان تذكروا فاذا هم مبصرون

Those who are righteous, whenever the devil approaches them with an idea, they remember, whereupon they become seers.

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واخوانهم يمدونهم في الغي ثم لا يقصرون

Their brethren ceaselessly entice them to go astray.

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واذا لم تاتهم باية قالوا لولا اجتبيتها قل انما اتبع ما يوحى الي من ربي هذا بصائر من ربكم وهدى ورحمة لقوم يؤمنون

If you do not produce a miracle that they demand, they say, “Why not ask for it?” Say, “I simply follow what is revealed to me from my Lord.” These are enlightenments from your Lord, and guidance, and mercy for people who believe.

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واذا قرئ القران فاستمعوا له وانصتوا لعلكم ترحمون

When the Quran is recited, you shall listen to it and take heed, that you may attain mercy.

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واذكر ربك في نفسك تضرعا وخيفة ودون الجهر من القول بالغدو والاصال ولا تكن من الغافلين

You shall remember your Lord within yourself, publicly, privately, and quietly, day and night; do not be unaware.*

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ان الذين عند ربك لا يستكبرون عن عبادته ويسبحونه وله يسجدون

Those at your Lord are never too proud to worship Him; they glorify Him and fall prostrate before Him.

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