The Qur'an. Translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali. Published by MobileReference (mobi).

by Ali, Abdullah Yusuf

  41.051 When We bestow favours on man, he turns away, and gets himself remote on his side (instead of coming to Us); and when evil seizes him, (he comes) full of prolonged prayer!

  41.052 Say: "See ye if the (Revelation) is (really) from Allah, and yet do ye reject it? Who is more astray than one who is in a schism far (from any purpose)?"

  41.053 Soon will We show them our Signs in the (furthest) regions (of the earth), and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord doth witness all things?

  41.054 Ah indeed! Are they in doubt concerning the Meeting with their Lord? Ah indeed! It is He that doth encompass all things!

  Chapter 42:

  ASH-SHURA (COUNCIL, CONSULTATION) Total Verses: 53 Revealed At: MAKKA

  In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

  42.001 Ha-Mim.

  42.002 'Ain. Sin. Qaf.

  42.003 Thus doth (He) send inspiration to thee as (He did) to those before thee,- Allah, Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.

  42.004 To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: and He is Most High, Most Great.

  42.005 The heavens are almost rent asunder from above them (by Him Glory): and the angels celebrate the Praises of their Lord, and pray for forgiveness for (all) beings on earth: Behold! Verily Allah is He, the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

  42.006 And those who take as protectors others besides Him,- Allah doth watch over them; and thou art not the disposer of their affairs.

  42.007 Thus have We sent by inspiration to thee an Arabic Qur'an: that thou mayest warn the Mother of Cities and all around her,- and warn (them) of the Day of Assembly, of which there is no doubt: (when) some will be in the Garden, and some in the Blazing Fire.

  42.008 If Allah had so willed, He could have made them a single people; but He admits whom He will to His Mercy; and the wrongdoers will have no protector nor helper.

  42.009 What! Have they taken (for worship) protectors besides Him? But it is Allah,- He is the Protector, and it is He Who gives life to the dead: It is He Who has power over all things,

  42.010 Whatever it be wherein ye differ, the decision thereof is with Allah: such is Allah my Lord: In Him I trust, and to Him I turn.

  42.011 (He is) the Creator of the heavens and the earth: He has made for you pairs from among yourselves, and pairs among cattle: by this means does He multiply you: there is nothing whatever like unto Him, and He is the One that hears and sees (all things).

  42.012 To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth: He enlarges and restricts. The Sustenance to whom He will: for He knows full well all things.

  42.013 The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah - the which We have sent by inspiration to thee - and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: Namely, that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than Allah, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him).

  42.014 And they became divided only after Knowledge reached them,- through selfish envy as between themselves. Had it not been for a Word that went forth before from thy Lord, (tending) to a Term appointed, the matter would have been settled between them: But truly those who have inherited the Book after them are in suspicious (disquieting) doubt concerning it.

  42.015 Now then, for that (reason), call (them to the Faith), and stand steadfast as thou art commanded, nor follow thou their vain desires; but say: "I believe in the Book which Allah has sent down; and I am commanded to judge justly between you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord: for us (is the responsibility for) our deeds, and for you for your deeds. There is no contention between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to Him is (our) Final Goal."

  42.016 But those who dispute concerning Allah after He has been accepted,- futile is their dispute in the Sight of their Lord: on them will be a Penalty terrible.

  42.017 It is Allah Who has sent down the Book in Truth, and the Balance (by which to weigh conduct). And what will make thee realise that perhaps the Hour is close at hand?

  42.018 Only those wish to hasten it who believe not in it: those who believe hold it in awe, and know that it is the Truth. Behold, verily those that dispute concerning the Hour are far astray.

  42.019 Gracious is Allah to His servants: He gives Sustenance to whom He pleases: and He has power and can carry out His Will.

  42.020 To any that desires the tilth of the Hereafter, We give increase in his tilth, and to any that desires the tilth of this world, We grant somewhat thereof, but he has no share or lot in the Hereafter.

  42.021 What! have they partners (in godhead), who have established for them some religion without the permission of Allah? Had it not been for the Decree of Judgment, the matter would have been decided between them (at once). But verily the wrongdoers will have a grievous Penalty.

  42.022 Thou wilt see the Wrong-doers in fear on account of what they have earned, and (the burden of) that must (necessarily) fall on them. But those who believe and work righteous deeds will be in the luxuriant meads of the Gardens: they shall have, before their Lord, all that they wish for. That will indeed be the magnificent Bounty (of Allah).

  42.023 That is (the Bounty) whereof Allah gives Glad Tidings to His Servants who believe and do righteous deeds. Say: "No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin." And if any one earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate (service).

  42.024 What! Do they say, "He has forged a falsehood against Allah"? But if Allah willed, He could seal up thy heart. And Allah blots out Vanity, and proves the Truth by His Words. For He knows well the secrets of all hearts.

  42.025 He is the One that accepts repentance from His Servants and forgives sins: and He knows all that ye do.

  42.026 And He listens to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, and gives them increase of His Bounty: but for the Unbelievers their is a terrible Penalty.

  42.027 If Allah were to enlarge the provision for His Servants, they would indeed transgress beyond all bounds through the earth; but he sends (it) down in due measure as He pleases. For He is with His Servants Well acquainted, Watchful.

  42.028 He is the One that sends down rain (even) after (men) have given up all hope, and scatters His Mercy (far and wide). And He is the Protector, Worthy of all Praise.

  42.029 And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the living creatures that He has scattered through them: and He has power to gather them together when He wills.

  42.030 Whatever misfortune happens to you, is because on the things your hands have wrought, and for many (of them) He grants forgiveness.

  42.031 Nor can ye frustrate (aught), (fleeing) through the earth; nor have ye, besides Allah, any one to protect or to help.

  42.032 And among His Signs are the ships, smooth-running through the ocean, (tall) as mountains.

  42.033 If it be His Will He can still the Wind: then would they become motionless on the back of the (ocean). Verily in this are Signs for everyone who patiently perseveres and is grateful.

  42.034 Or He can cause them to perish because of the (evil) which (the men) have earned; but much doth He forgive.

  42.035 But let those know, who dispute about Our Signs, that there is for them no way of escape.

  42.036 Whatever ye are given (here) is (but) a convenience of this life: but that which is with Allah is better and more lasting: (it is) for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord:

  42.037 Those who avoid the greater crimes and shameful deeds, and, when they are angry even then forgive;

  42.038 Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance;

  42.039 And those wh
o, when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, (are not cowed but) help and defend themselves.

  42.040 The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) loveth not those who do wrong.

  42.041 But indeed if any do help and defend themselves after a wrong (done) to them, against such there is no cause of blame.

  42.042 The blame is only against those who oppress men and wrong-doing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a penalty grievous.

  42.043 But indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs.

  42.044 For any whom Allah leaves astray, there is no protector thereafter. And thou wilt see the Wrong-doers, when in sight of the Penalty, Say: "Is there any way (to effect) a return?"

  42.045 And thou wilt see them brought forward to the (Penalty), in a humble frame of mind because of (their) disgrace, (and) looking with a stealthy glance. And the Believers will say: "Those are indeed in loss, who have given to perdition their own selves and those belonging to them on the Day of Judgment. Behold! Truly the Wrong-doers are in a lasting Penalty!"

  42.046 And no protectors have they to help them, other than Allah. And for any whom Allah leaves to stray, there is no way (to the Goal).

  42.047 Hearken ye to your Lord, before there come a Day which there will be no putting back, because of (the Ordainment of) Allah! that Day there will be for you no place of refuge nor will there be for you any room for denial (of your sins)!

  42.048 If then they run away, We have not sent thee as a guard over them. Thy duty is but to convey (the Message). And truly, when We give man a taste of a Mercy from Ourselves, he doth exult thereat, but when some ill happens to him, on account of the deeds which his hands have sent forth, truly then is man ungrateful!

  42.049 To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills (and plans). He bestows (children) male or female according to His Will (and Plan),

  42.050 Or He bestows both males and females, and He leaves barren whom He will: for He is full of Knowledge and Power.

  42.051 It is not fitting for a man that Allah should speak to him except by inspiration, or from behind a veil, or by the sending of a messenger to reveal, with Allah's permission, what Allah wills: for He is Most High, Most Wise.

  42.052 And thus have We, by Our Command, sent inspiration to thee: thou knewest not (before) what was Revelation, and what was Faith; but We have made the (Qur'an) a Light, wherewith We guide such of Our servants as We will; and verily thou dost guide (men) to the Straight Way,-

  42.053 The Way of Allah, to Whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth. Behold (how) all affairs tend towards Allah!

  Chapter 43:

  AZ-ZUKHRUF (ORNAMENTS OF GOLD, LUXURY) Total Verses: 89 Revealed At: MAKKA

  In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

  43.001 Ha-Mim.

  43.002 By the Book that makes things clear,-

  43.003 We have made it a Qur'an in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom).

  43.004 And verily, it is in the Mother of the Book, in Our Presence, high (in dignity), full of wisdom.

  43.005 Shall We then take away the Message from you and repel (you), for that ye are a people transgressing beyond bounds?

  43.006 But how many were the prophets We sent amongst the peoples of old?

  43.007 And never came there a prophet to them but they mocked him.

  43.008 So We destroyed (them)- stronger in power than these;- and (thus) has passed on the Parable of the peoples of old.

  43.009 If thou wert to question them, 'Who created the heavens and the earth?' They would be sure to reply, 'they were created by (Him), the Exalted in Power, Full of Knowledge';-

  43.010 (Yea, the same that) has made for you the earth (like a carpet) spread out, and has made for you roads (and channels) therein, in order that ye may find guidance (on the way);

  43.011 That sends down (from time to time) rain from the sky in due measure;- and We raise to life therewith a land that is dead; even so will ye be raised (from the dead);-

  43.012 That has created pairs in all things, and has made for you ships and cattle on which ye ride,

  43.013 In order that ye may sit firm and square on their backs, and when so seated, ye may celebrate the (kind) favour of your Lord, and say, "Glory to Him Who has subjected these to our (use), for we could never have accomplished this (by ourselves),"

  43.014 "And to our Lord, surely, must we turn back!"

  43.015 Yet they attribute to some of His servants a share with Him (in his godhead)! truly is man a blasphemous ingrate avowed!

  43.016 What! has He taken daughters out of what He himself creates, and granted to you sons for choice?

  43.017 When news is brought to one of them of (the birth of) what he sets up as a likeness to (Allah) Most Gracious, his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief!

  43.018 Is then one brought up among trinkets, and unable to give a clear account in a dispute (to be associated with Allah)?

  43.019 And they make into females angels who themselves serve Allah. Did they witness their creation? Their evidence will be recorded, and they will be called to account!

  43.020 ("Ah!") they say, "If it had been the will of (Allah) Most Gracious, we should not have worshipped such (deities)!" Of that they have no knowledge! they do nothing but lie!

  43.021 What! have We given them a Book before this, to which they are holding fast?

  43.022 Nay! they say: "We found our fathers following a certain religion, and we do guide ourselves by their footsteps."

  43.023 Just in the same way, whenever We sent a Warner before thee to any people, the wealthy ones among them said: "We found our fathers following a certain religion, and we will certainly follow in their footsteps."

  43.024 He said: "What! Even if I brought you better guidance than that which ye found your fathers following?" They said: "For us, we deny that ye (prophets) are sent (on a mission at all)."

  43.025 So We exacted retribution from them: now see what was the end of those who rejected (Truth)!

  43.026 Behold! Abraham said to his father and his people: "I do indeed clear myself of what ye worship:"

  43.027 "(I worship) only Him Who made me, and He will certainly guide me."

  43.028 And he left it as a Word to endure among those who came after him, that they may turn back (to Allah).

  43.029 Yea, I have given the good things of this life to these (men) and their fathers, until the Truth has come to them, and a messenger making things clear.

  43.030 But when the Truth came to them, they said: "This is sorcery, and we do reject it."

  43.031 Also, they say: "Why is not this Qur'an sent down to some leading man in either of the two (chief) cities?"

  43.032 Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of thy Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in the life of this world: and We raise some of them above others in ranks, so that some may command work from others. But the Mercy of thy Lord is better than the (wealth) which they amass.

  43.033 And were it not that (all) men might become of one (evil) way of life, We would provide, for everyone that blasphemes against (Allah) Most Gracious, silver roofs for their houses and (silver) stair-ways on which to go up,

  43.034 And (silver) doors to their houses, and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline,

  43.035 And also adornments of gold. But all this were nothing but conveniences of the present life: The Hereafter, in the sight of thy Lord is for the Righteous.

  43.036 If anyone withdraws himself from remembrance of (Allah) Most Gracious, We appoint for him an evil one, to be an intimate companion to him.

  43.037 Such (evil ones) really hinder them from the Path, but they think tha
t they are being guided aright!

  43.038 At length, when (such a one) comes to Us, he says (to his evil companion): "Would that between me and thee were the distance of East and West!" Ah! evil is the companion (indeed)!

  43.039 When ye have done wrong, it will avail you nothing, that Day, that ye shall be partners in Punishment!

  43.040 Canst thou then make the deaf to hear, or give direction to the blind or to such as (wander) in manifest error?

  43.041 Even if We take thee away, We shall be sure to exact retribution from them,

  43.042 Or We shall show thee that (accomplished) which We have promised them: for verily We shall prevail over them.

  43.043 So hold thou fast to the Revelation sent down to thee; verily thou art on a Straight Way.

  43.044 The (Qur'an) is indeed the message, for thee and for thy people; and soon shall ye (all) be brought to account.

  43.045 And question thou our messengers whom We sent before thee; did We appoint any deities other than (Allah) Most Gracious, to be worshipped?

  43.046 We did send Moses aforetime, with Our Signs, to Pharaoh and his Chiefs: He said, "I am a messenger of the Lord of the Worlds."

  43.047 But when he came to them with Our Signs, behold they ridiculed them.

  43.048 We showed them Sign after Sign, each greater than its fellow, and We seized them with Punishment, in order that they might turn (to Us).

  43.049 And they said, "O thou sorcerer! Invoke thy Lord for us according to His covenant with thee; for we shall truly accept guidance."

  43.050 But when We removed the Penalty from them, behold, they broke their word.

  43.051 And Pharaoh proclaimed among his people, saying: "O my people! Does not the dominion of Egypt belong to me, (witness) these streams flowing underneath my (palace)? What! see ye not then?"