44.The Smoke

  1. Ha Mim
  2. By the Scripture that makes things clear
  3. truly We sent it down on a blessed night––We have always sent warnings––
  4. a night when every matter of wisdom was made distinct
  5. at Our command––We have always sent messages to man––
  6. as a mercy [Prophet] from your Lord who sees and knows all
  7. Lord of the heavens and the earth and everything between––if only you people were firm believers––
  8. there is no god but Him: He gives life and death––He is your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers––
  9. yet in [their state of] doubt they take nothing seriously
  10. [Prophet], watch out for the Day when the sky brings forth clouds of smoke for all to see
  11. It will envelop the people. They will cry, ‘This is a terrible torment
  12. Lord relieve us from this torment! We believe!’
  13. How will this [sudden] faith benefit them? When a prophet came to warn them plainly
  14. they turned their backs on him, saying, ‘He is tutored! He is possessed!’
  15. We shall hold the torment back for a while ––you are sure to return [to Us]––
  16. and on the Day We seize [them] mightily We shall exact retribution
  17. We tested the people of Pharaoh before them: a noble messenger was sent to them
  18. saying, ‘Hand the servants of God over to me! I am a faithful messenger who has been sent to you
  19. Do not consider yourselves to be above God! I come to you with clear authority
  20. I seek refuge in my Lord and yours against your insults
  21. If you do not believe me, just let me be.’
  22. [Moses] cried to his Lord, ‘These people are evildoers!’
  23. [God replied], ‘Escape in the night with My servants, for you are sure to be pursued
  24. Leave the sea behind you parted and their army will be drowned.’
  25. Many a garden and spring they left behind
  26. many a cornfield and noble building
  27. many a thing in which they had delighted
  28. We gave these to another people to inherit
  29. Neither heavens nor earth shed a tear for them, nor were they given any time
  30. We saved the Children of Israel from their degrading suffering
  31. at the hands of Pharaoh: he was a tyrant who exceeded all bounds
  32. We chose them knowingly above others
  33. We gave them revelations in which there was a clear test
  34. These people here assert
  35. ‘There is nothing beyond our one death: we will not be resurrected
  36. Bring back our forefathers, if what you say is true.’
  37. Are they better than the people of Tubbaand those who flourished before them? We destroyed them all- they were guilty
  38. We were not playing a pointless game when We created the heavens and earth and everything in between
  39. We created them for a true purpose, but most people do not comprehend
  40. The Day of Decision is the time appointed for all
  41. a Day when no friend can take another’s place
  42. No one will receive any help except for those to whom God shows mercy: He is the Mighty, the Merciful Lord
  43. The tree of Zaqqum
  44. will be food for the sinners
  45. [hot] as molten metal, it boils in their bellies
  46. like seething water
  47. ‘Take him! Thrust him into the depths of Hell
  48. Pour scalding water over his head as punishment!’
  49. ‘Taste this, you powerful, respected man
  50. This is what you doubted.’
  51. But those mindful of God will be in a safe place
  52. amid Gardens and springs
  53. clothed in silk and fine brocade, facing one another
  54. so it will be. We shall wed them to maidens with large, dark eyes
  55. Secure and contented, they will call for every kind of fruit
  56. After the one death they will taste death no more. God will guard them from the torment of Hell
  57. a bounty from your Lord. That is the supreme triumph
  58. We have made this Quran easy to understand- in your own language [Prophet]- so that they may take heed
  59. So wait; the disbelievers too are waiting