7. Sura al-Araf with Urdu Translation

Sura 7. al-Araf (the Heights):

In the Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Ever-Merciful.

1. Alif, Lam, Mim, Sad. (Only Allah and the Messenger know the real meaning.)

2. (O Esteemed Beloved!) This is the Book (that) has been revealed to you. So, let there be no feeling of constriction in your (illumined) breast (on thinking of the disbelievers’ belying and denying the promulgation of its message. This has been revealed with the sole purpose) that by means of it you may warn (the ones who deny), and it (provides) direction and guidance to the believers.

3. (O people!) Follow this (Qur’an) which has been sent down to you from your Lord, and do not follow (any heretic rulers and) friends other than Him. You take advice but little!

4. And how many a town (is such as) We destroyed! Our torment came upon them either at night or (while) they were asleep at noon.

5. And when Our torment came upon them, their cry was nothing (else) but they began to say: ‘No doubt we were the wrongdoers.’

6. Then We shall certainly interrogate those towards whom We sent Messengers, and We shall assuredly ask the Messengers as well (with regard to the response of their call for Truth and their teaching and preaching).

7. We shall then relate to them from (Our) knowledge (all their) affairs, and We were not absent (from anywhere, unable somehow to monitor them).

8. And on that Day the weighing (of deeds) is a truth. So those whose scales (of righteous deeds) are heavy will be successful,

9. But those whose scales (of righteous deeds) are light, it is they who have harmed their souls because they had been unjust to Our Revelations.

10. And surely We established you firmly on earth with control and authority and created therein means of sustenance for you. Yet you thank but little.

11. And certainly We did create you (i.e. your real being), then gave you shape (i.e. accomplished the phases of chemical and biological genesis and evolution of life till the completion of the physical existence of Adam). Then We commanded the angels: ‘Prostrate yourselves before Adam.’ They all prostrated themselves except Iblis; he was not of those who prostrate themselves.

12. (Allah) said: ‘(O Iblis)! What inhibited you that you did not prostrate yourself when I commanded you?’ He said: ‘I am better than he. You have created me from fire and You have made him from clay.’

13. (Allah) said: ‘So, get you down from here. You have no way any right to show arrogance here. Away with you (from My Presence)! You are certainly of the disgraced and humiliated lot.’

14. He (Iblis) said: ‘Grant me respite (to live) till the Day when people will be raised up (from the graves).’

15. (Allah) said: ‘Indeed You are of the respited.’

16. He (Iblis) said: ‘Since You have led me astray, (I swear that) I will (also) sit on Your straight path (to waylay the children of Adam till I cause them to deviate from the path of Truth).

17. I will assuredly approach them from their front, from their rear, from their right and from their left and (consequently) You will not find most of them grateful.’

18. Allah commanded: ‘(O Iblis!) Be gone from here, humiliated and cursed. Whoever of them will follow you I will certainly fill Hell with all of you.

19. And, O Adam, reside you and your wife (both) in Paradise and eat from wherever you wish. And (beware!) Do not go near this tree lest you become of those who transgress.’

20. But Satan created doubt in the hearts of both (Adam and Hawwa (Eve)) in order to make manifest to them their private parts which were hidden (from their eyes). He said: ‘(O Adam and Hawwa (Eve),) your Lord has not forbidden you (eating fruit of) this tree but (because, eating it,) you both should transform into angels (free from human characteristics) or both of you become (its) permanent residents (i.e. never will you be deprived of this station of proximity).’

21. And he swore to both of them, saying: ‘I am indeed of your well-wishers.’

22. So by means of deceit he tempted both of them down (into eating the fruit of the tree). When both had tasted (the fruit of) the tree, their private parts became manifest to them and they started sticking the leaves of Paradise to their (bodies). Then their Lord called out to them: ‘Did I not forbid both of you (to get closer to) that tree and did I (not) say to you that Satan was indeed an open enemy of you both?’

23. Both of them submitted: ‘O our Lord! We have wronged our souls. And if You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we shall certainly be among the losers.’

24. (Allah) said: ‘Go down (all of you and live in the earth); some of you are enemies of others. A residence and means of living (have been determined) for you in the earth for a fixed term (i.e. you are sent down with two basic rights of dwelling and subsistence in the earth; so, organize and stabilize the system of your life on that).’

25. (Allah) said: ‘You will spend your life in the very same earth, and will die in it and from the same will you be brought forth (on the Day of Resurrection).’

26. O mankind! Surely We have sent down for you (such a) clothing that hides your private parts and adds (to your) aesthetic value. And (in addition to your outward clothes We have also provided you an inward dress as well and that is) the dress of Allah’s fear (which) is the best. (All these inner and outer attires) are the Signs of Allah so that they may take advice.

27. O mankind! (Beware!) Let not Satan put you to the test, as he ousted your parents from Paradise, stripping them of their dress so as to unveil to them their private parts. Indeed he (himself) and his clan keep watching you (from such positions where) you cannot catch sight of them. Verily We have made the satans friends of those who do not believe.

28. And when they commit some indecency they say: ‘We found our ancestors on the same (way) and Allah has enjoined the same upon us.’ Say: ‘Allah does not enjoin acts of indecency. Do you say about (the Essence of) Allah such things as you do not know (even) yourselves?’

29. Say: ‘My Lord has enjoined justice. And set your direction aright (towards the Ka‘ba) on every occasion and place of prostration. And worship Him devoting your obedience sincerely to Him alone. As He has originated your (creation and life) so will you return (towards Him).’

30. He guided one group but error was proved on the other (consequent on their own doings). Indeed they made friends with satans leaving Allah aside and think that they are the rightly guided.

31. O Children of Adam! Dress up decently every time you offer Prayer. And eat and drink but do not spend extravagantly because certainly He does not like the extravagant.

32. Say: ‘Who has forbidden the adornment (and beautification) of Allah that He has produced for His servants and (who has forbidden also) the pure and clean food?’ Say: ‘(All these bounties) that are (available generally) for the believers in the life of this world will be exclusively (for them) on the Day of Resurrection. This way We elucidate Our Revelations for those who have knowledge.’

33. Say: ‘My Lord has declared unlawful only (all) the indecent acts which become known and which remain hidden and sins and unjust excesses, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down any authority, and (in addition) saying such things about (the Essence of) Allah as you do not know yourselves.’

34. And a term (has been appointed) for every people and when their (fixed) hour approaches they can neither hold back nor advance (even) for a single moment.

35. O Children of Adam! If Messengers come to you from among yourselves who relate to you My Revelations, then whoever becomes Godfearing and pious and amends (himself), neither will any fear obsess them nor will they grieve.

36. But those who belie Our Revelations and turn away from (believing in) them in defiance, it is they who are the inmates of Hell, its permanent residents.

37. Then who can be a greater wrongdoer than the one who fabricates a lie against Allah or rejects His Revelations as false? (That) share of such people will reach them (as) has been written in the Book, until when the (angels) whom We send will come to them to take away their souls they will say (to them): ‘Now where are those (false gods) whom you used to worship besides Allah?’ They will say (replying): ‘They are lost from us (i.e. how can they be seen now!),’ and they will bear witness (themselves) against their own souls that they were doubtlessly disbelievers.

38. Allah will say: ‘Enter into the Fire, joining those (Hellish) groups of jinn and men who have passed before you.’ Whenever a party will enter (Hell), it will curse its sister party until, when all (groups) will forgather, their successors will say in respect of their predecessors: ‘O our Lord, these are the people who led us astray, so increase their torment of Hell two times.’ He will say: ‘It is double for everyone but you know it not.’

39. And their predecessors will say to their successors: ‘You have not gained any superiority over us, so you (too) taste the torment (now) for what you used to earn.’

40. Indeed those who reject Our Revelations as false and rebel against them, the gates of the heavens (of Mercy and Acceptance) shall not be opened to them, nor will they be able to enter Paradise until the camel passes through the eye of a needle (i.e. their entrance into Paradise will be impossible the same way). And it is like that We punish the evildoers.

41. The (Fire of) Hell will be their mattress as well as a covering over them, and We torment the wrongdoers the same way.

42. But those who believe and do good works persistently, We do not burden anyone beyond his endurance; it is they who are the people of Paradise; they will live in it forever.

43. And We shall remove from their breasts (rancour and) spite (that they had for others in the world). Streams will flow under (their palaces) and they will say: ‘All praise belongs to Allah alone Who has brought us here. Had Allah not guided us, we would never have made our way through (to this station). Verily, the Messengers of our Lord brought us (the message of) Truth. It will be called out (that Day): ‘You have been made heirs to this Paradise for the (pious) deeds that you used to do.’

44. And the people of Paradise will call out to the inmates of Hell: ‘We have really found true the promise that our Lord made to us. Have you (also) found true what your Lord promised (you)?’ They will answer: ‘Yes.’ Thereupon a herald will call out among them: ‘The curse of Allah is on the wrongdoers.

45. (It is they) who used to hinder (the people) from the path of Allah and look for crookedness in it and they disbelieved in the Hereafter.’

46. And between both (of them i.e. the inmates of Paradise and Hell) there is a barrier (ramparts or heights), and on the A‘raf (the ramparts) there will be men who will recognize all by their features. And they will call out to the people of Paradise: ‘Peace be upon you.’ They (the people of the A‘raf (the Heights)) will not have entered Paradise (themselves as yet) but will be aspiring (to that).

47. And when their eyes will be turned towards the inmates of Hell, they will say: ‘O our Lord, (join) us not (together) with the unjust people.’

48. And the people of the A‘raf (the Heights) will call out to those people (of Hell) whom they will be recognizing by their identification marks saying (to them): ‘Your parties could not be of any use for you, nor (could rescue you) your arrogance that you used to practise.

49. Is it they about whom you used to swear (on seeing their miserable plight): ‘Allah will (never) bless them with His Mercy?’ (But listen! It is they who are now being called:) ‘Enter Paradise; you will neither fear nor grieve.’

50. And the inmates of Hell will call out to the inhabitants of Paradise: ‘Bless us with some water (of Paradise) or of (the provision) that Allah has granted you.’ They will say: ‘Allah has indeed forbidden both (these bounties) to the disbelievers,

51. Those that made their Din (Religion) a funfair and sport and whom the worldly life had deceived.’ We shall forget them Today as they forgot their meeting of this Day (with Us) and as they used to deny Our Revelations.

52. And surely We have brought them such a Book (the Qur’an) which We have elucidated (i.e. made clear) on (the basis of Our) knowledge, a guidance and a mercy for those who believe.

53. They are just waiting for the outcome of that (stated matter). The Day when the outcome of that (matter) will be unfolded, the people who had forgotten it before this will say: ‘No doubt the Messengers of our Lord came with the Truth. So, are there any intercessors (Today) who will intercede for us? Or, could we be returned (to the world again) so that (this time) we might do deeds different from (those) that we had been perpetrating (before)?’ They certainly harmed themselves, and that (lie and fabrication) which they used to invent has parted with them.

54. Indeed Allah is your Lord, Who created the heavens and the earth in six aeons (six phases), and then (matching His Glory) ascended to His Throne (i.e. enforced in the universe the system of His Sovereign Command and Control). He wraps up the day with the night (under the arrangement that the day and the night) keep chasing one another swiftly. And the sun and the moon and the stars (all) have been subjected to (a system) under His Command. Beware! He is the One Who runs the system of Creating (everything), Planning, Command and Control. Blessed is Allah Who gradually and progressively sustains and nourishes all the worlds.

55. Invoke your Lord (both) most submissively and on the queit. Surely He does not like the transgressors.

56. And do not cause disruption and mischief in the land after it has been set in order (i.e. after reformation of living conditions in the country). And keep supplicating Him fearing (His torment) and aspiring (to His Mercy). Assuredly Allah’s Mercy is near to those who are (spiritually excellent,) committed to doing pious works.

57. And He is the One Who sends the winds as glad tidings before His Mercy (rain) until when these (winds) bring moisture-laden heavy clouds, We drive these (clouds) towards a town dead (of drought and infertility). Then We cause downpour from (the clouds), and by means of this (water) We bring forth fruits of all kinds (from the earth). In like manner We shall bring forth the dead (from the graves on the Day of Resurrection), so that you may take direction and guidance.

58. And the soil which is productive (i.e. fertile) yields vegetation (plentifully) by the Command of Allah, but (the soil) which is sterile brings forth nothing but scanty rubbish. In the same way We repeatedly elucidate (Our) Revelations (Proofs and Signs) for the people who are grateful.

59. Indeed We sent Nuh (Noah) to his people. So he said: ‘O my people! Worship Allah; you have no other God except He. Verily I fear for you the torment of a dreadful Day.’

60. The chiefs and the affluent of his people said: ‘(O Nuh -Noah,) surely we find you (caught) in an open error.’

61. He said: ‘O my people, there is not any error in me but (the truth is that) I am (raised as) a Messenger by the Lord of all the worlds.

62. I communicate to you the messages of my Lord and exhort you, and I know from Allah that which you do not know.

63. Do you wonder that direction and guidance from your Lord has come (on the tongue) of a man from among yourselves so that he may warn you (of the chastisement of Allah), and that you become Godfearing, and the purpose is that Mercy may be shown to you?’

64. Then they belied him. So We delivered him and those who were with him in the Ark and We drowned all those who rejected Our Revelations as false. They were indeed a blind people (with no insight).

65. And to (the people of) ‘Ad We (sent) their (kinship) brother Hud. He said: ‘O my people, always worship Allah; you have no other God except He. Will you not become Godfearing?’

66. The chiefs and the affluent of his people who disbelieved (i.e. resisted and opposed the call for Truth) said: ‘(O Hud,) we really find you (steeped) in foolishness and we think you are surely one of the liars.’

67. He said: ‘O my people, there is no foolishness about me but (the truth is that) I am (raised as) a Messenger from the Lord of all the worlds.

68. I am communicating to you the messages of my Lord and I am your trustworthy well-wisher.

69. Do you wonder that direction and guidance from your Lord has come (on the tongue) of a man from among yourselves so that he may warn you (of the chastisement of Allah)? And call to mind when He made you the successors (in the land) after the people of Nuh (Noah) and in raising you amply augmented your power (might and stature). So remember the Favours of Allah so that you may prosper.’

70. They said: ‘Have you come to us (that) we may worship only One God, Allah, and forsake (all those gods) whom our ancestors used to worship? So bring upon us that (torment) you have warned us of if you are of the truthful.’

71. He said: ‘Certainly the torment and wrath upon you from your Lord has become inevitable. Do you dispute with me over the names (of those idols) which you (yourselves) and your ancestors have (supposedly) named and for which Allah has not sent down any authority? So wait (for the torment); I am (also) with you among those who wait.’

72. Then We emancipated him and those who were on his side by Our Mercy and cut the roots of those who denied Our Revelations. And they were those who would never have believed.

73. And to (the people of) Thamud We (sent) their (kinship) brother Salih. He said: ‘O my people, always worship Allah; you have no other God except He. Indeed there has come to you from your Lord a clear Sign. This she-camel of Allah is a Sign for you. So leave her (free) to graze in Allah’s earth and do not touch her with an evil (intention) or a grievous torment will seize you.’

74. And remember when He made you successors (in the land) after (the people of) ‘Ad and granted you settlement in the land. You build castles in the soft (plain) areas and carve out mountains to chisel dwellings (out of them). So remember (these) Favours of Allah and do not cause disruption and mischief in the land.

75. The arrogant and rebellious chiefs and the rich of his people asked the poor and the down-trodden who had accepted faith: ‘Are you sure that Salih has been really sent from his Lord (as His Messenger)?’ They said: ‘We surely believe in whatever he has been sent with.’

76. The arrogant said: ‘No doubt we strongly deny (that) which you have believed in.’

77. So they killed the she-camel (by hamstringing) and rebelled against the command of their Lord and said: ‘O Salih! Bring upon us that (torment) you have threatened us with if you are (truly) from among the Messengers.’

78. So (the torment of) a high-scale earthquake seized them and in the morning they lay (dead) in their homes with faces down upon the ground.

79. Then (Salih) turned away from them, saying: ‘O my people, verily I delivered to you the message of my Lord and gave you advice (as well) but you do not like the counsellors.’

80. And (likewise We sent) Lut ((Lot) as well) when he said to his people: ‘Do you perpetrate (such) lasciviousness as no people in the world have attempted before you?

81. Verily you go after men for your lust leaving the women; you are in truth given to transgression.’

82. And his people had no reply except that they said: ‘Drive them out of the town; indeed they seek extreme purity!’

83. So We delivered him (Lut (Lot)) and his family except his wife; she was one of those who stay on in torment.

84. And We rained on them (stones). See then what the end of the evildoers was!

85. And towards Madyan (We sent) their (kinship) brother Shu‘aib. He said: ‘O my people, always worship Allah; you have no God except He. Indeed there has come to you from your Lord a clear sign. So give full measure and weight and do not decrease while giving people their things, nor create mischief in the land after reformation (of the living conditions). This is better for you if you believe (in the Divine Message).

86. And do not sit on every path to frighten everyone who has embraced faith in this (Call) and to hinder (him) from the path of Allah and to look for any crookedness in this (Message to make him feel frustrated and disgusted with the true Din (Religion)). And remember (Allah’s favour) when you were small in number and He multiplied you, and see what was the end of those who spread mischief and cause disruption!

87. And if a party among you have believed in that (Din (Religion)) which I have been sent with and some other party have not believed in it, then, (O Believers,) have patience till Allah judges between us and He is the Best of judges.

88. The rebellious and arrogant chiefs and the capitalists of his people said: ‘O Shu‘aib, we shall in any case drive you out of our town and those who, in your company, have embraced faith or else you shall have to return to our religion.’ Shu‘aib said: ‘Even though we despise (to return to your religion)?

89. Indeed we would invent a lie against Allah if we returned to your religion after Allah has saved us from it. And it is not at all (appropriate) for us to return to that (religion) unless Allah, our Lord, so wills. As for His knowledge, our Lord encompasses everything; we have put our trust in Allah alone. O our Lord, judge between us and our (hostile) people with Truth and You are the Best of judges.’

90. And the chiefs and capitalists of his people, who had disbelieved (and denied the Truth), said: ‘O people, if you follow Shu‘aib then you will surely be the losers.’

91. Then a (torment of) high-scale earthquake seized them and in the morning they were dead lying prone in their homes.

92. Those who belied Shu‘aib were (annihilated), as if they had (never) lived in that (town). Those who belied Shu‘aib, it was (in fact) they who became the losers.

93. Then (Shu‘aib) separated from them and said: ‘O my people, verily, I communicated to you the Messages of my Lord and I admonished you (as well). Then why should I regret (the devastation of) a disbelieving people?’

94. And never did We send a Messenger to any land but that We seized its inhabitants with hardship, scarcity, adversity and suffering (due to belying and defying the Messenger) so that they might moan and go humble.

95. We then changed (their) misfortune with good fortune till they made (an all-embracing) progress. But (out of ingratitude) they said: ‘Our ancestors too have been living through pain and pleasure (the same way).’ So We caught them unawares on this ingratitude and they did not even notice (it).

96. But if the inhabitants of (these) towns had embraced faith and adopted Godwariness We would have opened to them blessings from the heavens and the earth. But they rejected (the Truth). So We seized them with (torment) for the (impious acts) they used to perpetrate.

97. Have the residents of the towns now become free of this fear that Our torment may seize them (again) at night when they are (fast) asleep (in carefree slumber)?

98. Or are the residents of the towns free of this fear that Our torment may seize them (again) in the forenoon when they are at play (completely lost in the worldly pleasures)?

99. Are they fearless of Allah‘s secret plan? So, no one feels fearless against the secret plan of Allah except the people who run into loss.

100. Does (this also) not guide and (enlighten) those who have inherited the earth (themselves) after (the destruction of) those (one time) dwelling in the earth that if We desire We may punish them (as well) for their sins and We shall seal their hearts (due to their evil behaviour) so they will be unable to hear (and understand the Truth).

101. These are the towns whose news We are narrating to you. Surely their Messengers came to them with Clear Signs. But (even then) they remained inert to believe in what they had rejected before. That is how Allah seals up the hearts of the disbelievers.

102. And We did not find (the fulfilment of) commitment in most of them and We found most of them but disobedient.

103. Then after them We sent Musa (Moses) with Our Signs to Pharaoh and the nobles of his (court), but they did injustice to (these Proofs and Miracles). See, then, what was the end of those who spread mischief and strife!

104. And Musa (Moses) said: ‘O Pharaoh! Indeed I am (raised as) a Messenger from the Lord of all the worlds.

105. What behooves me is to say (nothing) about Allah but the Truth. I have indeed brought you a Clear Sign from your Lord. So send away with me the Children of Israel (setting them free of your yoke of slavery).’

106. He (Pharaoh) said: ‘If you have brought a Sign then bring it (to the fore) if you are truthful.’

107. So Musa (Moses) put his staff (down), and at once it changed into a veritable serpent.

108. And he drew out his hand (after putting it into his collar opening) and that (too) at once became (radiant) white to the viewers.

109. The chiefs of Pharaoh’s people said: ‘He is for sure (some) expert magician.’

110. ‘(O people!) He seeks to drive you out of your land. So, what do you advise?’

111. They said: ‘Put (the matter) of Musa (Moses) and his brother off (for a while) and send out heralds to (different) cities to summon (magicians).

112. They would bring you every skilful sorcerer.’

113. And the magicians came to Pharaoh and said: ‘There should certainly be some reward for us if we overmaster.’

114. Pharaoh said: ‘Yes, of course; (what to talk of a simple reward, in that case) you will be among the privileged ones (of my court).’

115. (The magicians) said: ‘Musa (Moses)! Either you throw (your object) or we become (the first) to throw.’

116. Musa (Moses) said: ‘You throw (first).’ So when they threw (their strings and sticks on the ground) they bewitched the eyes of the people, and struck them with awe, and brought (forth) an extremely effective magic.

117. And We revealed to Musa (Moses): ‘(Now) throw your staff (on the ground).’ Then at once it began swallowing up what they had fabricated through deception.

118. So, the Truth was established, and everything that they had been doing was proved false.

119. So, they (the representatives of Pharaoh) were vanquished on the spot and backed away humiliated.

120. And (all) the sorcerers fell down prostrate.

121. They exclaimed: ‘We believe in the (real) Sustainer of all the worlds,

122. (The) Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Moses and Aaron).’

123. Pharaoh said: ‘(Have) you believed in Him even before I permitted you? This is indeed a plot which you (all) have hatched (against me) in this city in order that you may expatriate from this (country) its (Coptic) inhabitants. So you will know (its consequences) very soon.

124. Surely, I shall cut off your hands and your feet on alternate sides and then, most certainly, I shall crucify all of you.’

125. They said: ‘Verily, we are to return to our Lord.

126. And which of our acts has annoyed you? Just that we have believed in the (true) Signs of our Lord when they reached us. O our Lord! Gush on us torrents of patience and lift us (from the world) as (steadfast) Muslims.’

127. And the chiefs of the people of Pharaoh said (to Pharaoh): ‘Will you leave Musa (Moses) and his (revolutionary) people to launch strife in the country? And (then) will they spare you and your gods?’ He said: ‘(No,) we shall now kill their sons (to exhaust their male numerical strength) and let their women live (so that they may be wronged). And surely we hold sway over them.’

128. Musa (Moses) said to his people: ‘Seek help from Allah and be steadfast; surely the earth belongs to Allah. He makes its inheritors whom He likes of His servants. And it ends well for the Godfearing alone.’

129. They said: ‘(O Musa (Moses) (Moses)!) We were persecuted before you came to us and after your arrival as well. (We have suffered both ways. When will our misery end?) Musa ((Moses) appeasing his people) said: ‘Your Lord would soon destroy your enemy and (then) make you the successors (to the governance) in the land and He will then monitor how you perform (after coming into power).’

130. Then We seized the people of Pharaoh with (the torment of) some years (of famine) and scarce yield of fruits so that they might be admonished.

131. But whenever relief reached them, they would say: ‘This is owing to us.’ And when adversity befell them, they would ascribe it as an ill-omen to Musa (Moses) and his companions (of faith). Beware! Their omen (i.e. the evil outcome of their doings) lies with Allah alone. But most of them do not know.

132. And they (the people of Pharaoh) said (arrogantly): ‘(O Musa (Moses)!) Whatever Sign you bring us to cast a spell upon us, we are not prone to believe in you.’

133. Then We sent upon them (many) distinct signs (as chastisement): storms, locusts, lice, frogs and blood. (Even) then they continued with arrogance and rebellion and they were an (extremely) sinful people.

134. And when (some) torment befell them, they would say: ‘O Musa (Moses)! Pray for us to your Lord by means of (His) promise with you. If you avert this torment from us, we will surely believe in you and will send with you the Children of Israel (setting them free).’

135. But when We would remove from them the torment for the appointed term which they nearly completed, they would at once break their promise.

136. Then ultimately We took retribution from them (for all their disobedience and breach of promises) and drowned them in the river because they (successively) belied Our Revelations and were (absolutely) neglectful of them.

137. And We made the people (i.e. the Children of Israel) who were powerless and oppressed the inheritors of the east and the west of the land (Egypt and Syria) wherein We had placed blessing. And (in this way) a fair promise of your Lord with the Children of Israel was fulfilled because they remained steadfast (in the face of Pharaoh’s tyranny and oppression). And We destroyed (those magnificent castles) which Pharaoh and his people had built, and those towers (and the gardens) too which they used to raise high.

138. And We brought the Children of Israel across the (Mediterranean) Sea where they came upon a people who were squatting around their idols (for worship) in deep devotion. They (the Children of Israel) said: ‘O Musa (Moses)! Make for us too a god like the ones they have.’ Musa (Moses) said: ‘You are surely a very ignorant people.

139. Verily that whose (worship) they are (tangled in) is destined to ruin and whatever they are doing is (utter) heresy.’

140. (Musa (Moses)) said: ‘Should I seek for you a god other than Allah while He (Allah) is the One Who has granted you superiority over all the worlds?’

141. And remember (the time) when We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh who used to afflict you with fierce torment. They used to slay your boys and spare your girls alive. And in that there was a great trial for you from your Lord.

142. And We promised Musa (Moses) thirty nights and We made it good by adding to it (another) ten (nights). So the term (appointed) by his Lord was completed in forty nights. And Musa (Moses) said to his brother Harun (Aaron): ‘(In the meanwhile,) officiate at my seat among my people and continue to do (their) reformation, and follow not the way of those who create mischief (i.e. prevent them from treading this path).’

143. And when Musa (Moses) came at the time (set) by Us and his Lord spoke to him he (ardently aspired to behold Him out of the pleasure of hearing Allah’s Word and Voice and) submitted: ‘O Lord, show me (Your Beauty) so that I may savour Your Sight.’ Allah said: ‘By no means can you look upon Me (directly) but look towards the mountain. So if it stays firm in its place then soon will you behold My Beauty.’ When his Lord unveiled the Light (of His Divine Beauty) on to the mountain, (He) crushed it into sand particles (with the intense Divine Radiance) and Musa (Moses) fell down unconscious. Then when he recovered, he submitted: ‘Holy You are and I turn to You in repentance and I am the first of those who believe.’

144. (Allah) said: ‘O Musa (Moses)! I have exalted you and chosen you above all the people by My Messages and My conversation. So hold fast to whatever I have bestowed upon you and be among the grateful.’

145. And We (have) inscribed for him on the Tablets (of the Torah) instructions for every matter and detail of everything. ‘Hold it with firmness and enjoin your people (as well) to adopt its best things. Soon shall I show you the abode of the disobedient.’

146. I shall keep those from (comprehending and accepting) My Revelations who are unjustly arrogant in the land. And (even) if they see all Signs they shall not believe in them and (even) if they find the path of guidance they shall not adopt it as (their) way but if they perceive the wrong path, they will embrace it as their way. It is because they denied Our Revelations and remained negligent of them.

147. And those who belie Our Revelations and the meeting of the Last Day, their actions become void. What will they be rewarded except what they have been doing?

148. And after Musa ((Moses) left for the Mount of Tur), his people contrived a calf out of their ornaments (which was) a carving with a mooing sound. Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor show them any path? They took the same (as god) and they were unjust.

149. And when they felt deeply ashamed of what they had done, and realized that they had really gone astray, they said: ‘If our Lord does not have mercy on us and forgive us, we shall certainly be among the losers.’

150. And when Musa (Moses) returned to his people pent up with anger and grief, he said: ‘You have perpetrated a serious evil in my absence (after my departure). Did you make haste by the Command of your Lord?’ And (Musa (Moses)) put down the Tablets (of the Torah) and catching his brother’s head pulled him towards himself. (Then) Harun (Aaron) said: ‘O son of my mother! Surely these people considered me weak and had nearly killed me (on my forbidding). So do not provide the enemies an opportunity to laugh at me, nor include me among (the clan of) these wrongdoers.’

151. Musa (Moses) said: ‘O my Lord! Forgive me and my brother and admit us to (the Embrace of) Your Mercy and You are the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.’

152. Surely those who have taken the calf (as a god), the wrath from their Lord will seize them together with humiliation in the life of this world. That is how We punish those who invent falsehood.

153. But those who perpetrate evil works then repent afterwards and believe, (then) after that your Lord is indeed Most Forgiving, Ever-Merciful.

154. And when the anger of Musa (Moses) became sublimated, he picked up the Tablets, and in the inscription of these (Tablets) was (mentioned) guidance and mercy for those who fear their Lord much.

155. And Musa (Moses) chose seventy men of his people for a time set by Us (to appear before Our Presence for forgiveness), but when a high-scale earthquake seized them (as punishment for not forbidding the people to perpetrate evil), Musa (Moses) submitted: ‘O Lord! If You willed You would destroy these people and me even before this. Will You cause us to perish for that (omission) which the foolish among us have committed? This is just a trail from You by which You hold astray whom You will and guide whom You desire. You alone are our Guardian, so forgive us and have mercy on us. And You are the Best of those who forgive.

156. And ordain for us good in (the life of) this world (as well as) in the Hereafter. Surely we have turned and totally inclined towards You.’ (Allah) said: ‘I inflict My punishment on whom I will and My Mercy encompasses everything. So, very soon I shall prescribe this (mercy) for those who adopt Godwariness and pay Zakat (the Alms-due) regularly, and it is they who have faith in Our Revelations.

157. (They are the people) who follow the Messenger, the Prophet (titled as) al-Ummi (who imparts to the people from Allah the news of the unseen and knowledge and secrets of socio-economic disciplines of life without himself being taught by any human in the world); whose (eminent attributes and exquisite powers) these people find written in the Torah and the Injil (Gospel); who enjoins on them virtues and forbids them vices, declares wholesome things lawful and impure ones unlawful for them and removes from them their heavy burdens and yokes (shackles) weighing upon them (due to their acts of disobedience and blesses them with freedom). So those who will believe in this (most exalted Messenger) and will venerate and revere him and serve and support him (in his Din (Religion)) and follow this light (the Qur’an) that has been sent down with him, it is they who will flourish and prosper.’

158. Say: ‘O mankind! I have (come) to all of you (as) the Messenger of Allah to Whom belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. There is no God except He. He is the One Who grants life and causes death.’ So believe in Allah and His Messenger who is a Prophet (crowned with the glory of being) al-Ummi (i.e. he has not learnt anything from anyone except Allah but knows far more than the entire creation, and is innocent and pure like a newborn baby despite his upbringing in an infidel and polytheist society), who believes in Allah and (all) His (revealed) Books and follow him alone so that you may take guidance.

159. And a party among the people of Musa (Moses) ((Moses) comprises those) who guide to the path of truth and according to that (make judgments based on) justice.

160. And We divided them into twelve tribes as separate communities. And when his people asked him for water, We sent (this) Revelation to Musa (Moses): ‘Strike that rock with your staff.’ So twelve springs gushed out from it and every tribe found its drinking place. And We stretched over them clouds for shade and sent down to them manna and quails (and said to them:) ‘Eat of the pure things that We have provided for you.’ (But) they have not wronged Us (by disobedience and disregard). They have rather wronged their own souls.

161. And (recall) when it was said to them: ‘Dwell in this town (Baitu’l-Maqdis (Jerusalem) or Ariha (Jericho)) and eat of it wherever you like and keep saying (with your tongue): ‘Forgive (our sins),’ and enter the gate (of the city) in a state of prostration; (then) We shall forgive all your sins. Soon shall We grant more favours to the pious.

162. But the unjust among them substituted some other statement for that which they were told. So We sent upon them torment from heaven because they were engaged in injustice and wickedness.

163. And enquire of them the plight of the town which was situated on the seashore when they transgressed (the Commandments with regard to the Sabbath) Saturday. (This occurred) when the fish swarmed from all sides appearing to (the surface of) water on their (venerated) Saturday. And (the fish) would not come to them on (the rest of) the days which they did not revere like Saturday. We were trying them this way because they were disobedient.

164. And when a section of them said (to those who were performing the duty of preaching — D‘awa): ‘Why do you advise a people whom Allah is about to destroy or afflict with severe torment?’ they replied: ‘In order to submit (our) excuse before your Lord, and (also) because they may become righteous and Godwary.’

165. Then, when they forgot (all) what they had been advised We delivered those who were engaged in forbidding evil (i.e. performing the duty of preaching don’ts) and seized (the rest of) the people who committed injustice (actively or passively) with a very harsh punishment because they were disobeying.

166. Then when they defied (the command to give up) what they were prohibited, We commanded them: ‘Be you apes, despised and detested.’

167. And (also recall the time) when your Lord announced (this) command (to the Jews) that (Allah) shall be bringing upon them such (one or the other) tyrant as would continue afflicting them with evil hardships till the Day of Resurrection. Surely your Lord is Swift in punishment, and indeed He is Most Forgiving, Ever-Merciful (as well).

168. And We divided them into several communities (and scattered) over the earth (i.e. made them undergo Diaspora). Some among them are righteous and, unlike them, others from among the (same) folk are (evildoers) too. And We tried them with (both) prosperity and adversity so that they might turn (towards Allah).

169. Then after them a characterless people succeeded (them) who inherited the Book. These (successors) take (as bribe) the wealth and riches of this base (world) and say: ‘Soon shall we be forgiven,’ while if more of similar riches come to them, they will take that too. Was the promise of the Book (of Allah) not taken from them that they would not say of Allah (anything) but the truth? And they had read (all) that was (written) in it. And the abode of the Hereafter is of greater value for those who adopt Godwariness. Do you not understand?

170. And those who hold fast to the Book (of Allah) and establish Prayer (with punctuality, then) certainly We do not waste the reward of those who reform.

171. And (recall the time) when We raised the mountain over them as though it were a canopy and they feared it was about to fall on them. (So We said to them: ‘Do not fear; instead) hold fast to that (Book pragmatically) which We have given you and bear well in mind those (injunctions) which are (contained) in it so that you are protected (from the torment).’

172. And (call to mind) when your Lord brought forth the human race from the loins of the Children of Adam and made them bear testimony to their own souls (and said:) ‘Am I not your Lord?’ They (all) said: ‘Why not! We bear witness (that You alone are our Lord.’ This He did) lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection: ‘We were unaware of this promise.’

173. Or (lest) you start saying: ‘It was but our ancestors who associated partners with Allah before and we were but (their) descendants after them (i.e. they are the real sinners, not we). So, will You destroy us on account of that (sin) which the infidels perpetrated?’

174. And this is how We elucidate Our Revelations so that they may turn (towards the Truth).

175. And relate to them his account (too) whom We gave Our Signs, but then he made an exit from their (knowledge and admonition) and Satan chased him. So he turned into one of those who lost the right path.

176. And had We so willed We would have exalted him by means of (knowledge and implementation of) these (Revelations), but he (himself) tracked down to (the lowest levels of the) earthly life and became the follower of his lust. (Now) his example is that of a dog. If you treat him harshly, he will loll out his tongue or if you leave him alone, he will (still) loll out his tongue. This example is of those who deny Our Revelations. So relate these occurrences (to the people) so that they may contemplate.

177. As an example they were an extremely bad community who belied Our Revelations! (In fact) they persistently wronged their own souls.

178. He whom Allah guides so he alone is the rightly guided, but he whom Allah holds astray, it is they who are the losers.

179. And surely We have created a large (number) of jinn and human beings for Hell: They have hearts (and minds but) cannot understand (the Truth) with them; and they have eyes (but) cannot perceive (the Truth) with them; and (also) they possess ears (but) cannot hear (the Truth) with them. They are like cattle, rather more misguided (than that). It is they who are neglectful.

180. And the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah alone, so call on Him by these Names. And leave aside those people who turn away from the Truth with regard to His Names. Soon will they be punished for the (impious acts) that they perpetrate.

181. And of those whom We have created there is (also) a section (of people) who direct others towards the Truth, and alongside that make judgments based on justice.

182. But those who deny Our Revelations, We shall soon lead them gradually towards catastrophe in such an imperceptible manner that they will not even notice it.

183. And I am giving them respite; indeed My grip is inescapable.

184. Have they not reflected that the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him), who honours them with (his) companionship, has not contracted any mania? He is only a plain Warner (to the disobedient).

185. Have they not looked into the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and whatever Allah has created (apart from that? And have they not considered that) it may well be that their appointed term (death) has drawn near? Then what will they believe in after this?

186. There is no guide for one whom Allah holds astray. And He leaves them to wander in defiance so that they may grope on.

187. These (disbelievers) ask you about the Last Hour: ‘When will it take place?’ Say: ‘Knowledge of it rests with my Lord alone; none but He (Allah) will manifest it at its (appointed) time. It is (seemingly) heavy on (the residents of) the heavens and the earth (due to the horror of its adversities and intensities). It will occur to you all of a sudden (accidentally).’ They ask you (in such a manner) as if you are engaged in its pursuit! Say: ‘Knowledge of it is only with Allah, but most people do not know (this fact).’

188. (Also) tell (them): ‘I do not have any control over profit and loss for myself, except (that much) which Allah wills. And (in the same way) if I had the knowledge of the Unseen on my own (without Allah’s bestowal), I would myself have managed abundant good fortune (and victories), and no hardship (and trouble on any occasion) would have touched me. (By virtue of my station as a Messenger) I am only a Warner and Bearer of glad tidings for the believers.’

189. And He (Allah) is the One Who has created you from a single soul and made his spouse from that, so that he might find comfort in her. Then when man covers her, she conceives and, bearing a light burden, moves around. Later, when she grows heavy, then both pray to their Lord, Allah: ‘If You give us a healthy child, we shall certainly be among the thankful.’

190. Then when He gives them a healthy child, both of them associate partners with Him in respect of that (child). But Allah is Transcendent of all that they ascribe to Him as partners.

191. Do they associate those who cannot create anything and have (themselves) been created as partners with Him?

192. Neither do they have power to help these (polytheists)’ nor can they help even themselves.

193. And if you call them to (the path of) guidance, they will not follow you. For you it is all the same whether you call them (towards guidance and truth) or you remain silent.

194. Surely those (idols) whom you worship besides Allah are also slaves (of Allah) just like you. So when you call on them, they should answer you if you are true (in making them gods).

195. Do they have feet to walk with or hands to hold with or eyes to see with or ears to hear with? Say: ‘(O disbelievers!) Call your (false) partners (for my destruction). Then execute (your) plot against me and do not give me any respite.

196. Indeed my Helper is Allah Who has revealed the Book and He is the One Who also protects and helps the pious.

197. And the (idols) whom you worship besides Him have no power to help you, nor can they help themselves.’

198. And if you call them towards guidance, they cannot (even) hear. And you see these (idols; they are sculptured in such a way) as if they were looking at you whereas they do not see (anything).

199. (O Esteemed Beloved!) Adopt forbearance, always command piousness, and keep aloof from the ignorant.

200. And, (O man,) if some evil impulse from Satan provokes you (against these matters), seek refuge with Allah. Undoubtedly, He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

201. Surely those who have adopted piety, when some temptation from Satan touches them, they retrospect (the do’s and don’ts of Allah and the wickedness and hostility of Satan). So, the eyes (of their insight) open up at the same instant.

202. And (as for) the brothers of these satans, they draw them deeper into error (by whispering suspicions) and do not slacken (in promoting mischief and bloodshed).

203. And when you do not bring them any Sign (then) they say: ‘Why have you not brought it contriving yourself?’ Say: ‘I just follow that (command) which is revealed to me from my Lord. This (Qur’an) is a (collection) of conclusive Proofs and Guidance and Mercy from your Lord for those who believe.’

204. And when the Qur’an is recited, listen to it attentively and observe silence so that mercy may be bestowed upon you.

205. And remember your Lord in your heart with humility and tearful submissiveness and fear and repentance, and also by calling in low tones. (Persevere with His remembrance) morning and evening and be not of the neglectful.

206. Indeed the (angels) who are close in the Presence of your Lord (never) turn away from His worship in arrogance, and glorify Him (all the time) and remain prostrate before Him.