Tanwir al-Miqbas · Tafsir · in English
المؤمنون
Al-Mu'minun
The Believers · Meccan · 118 ayahs
And from his narration on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas that he said regarding the meaning of Allah, Exalted is He, (Successful indeed are the believers): '(Successful indeed are the believers) He says: they are successful, safe and felicitous the ones who acknowledge Allah's divine Oneness. The latter are the ones who inherit Paradise, rather than the disbelievers; it is also said that this means: the believers will be safe due to their faith, and felicity is manifested in two ways: success and permanence.
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ٱلَّذِينَ هُمۡ فِي صَلَاتِهِمۡ خَٰشِعُونَ ٢
They who are during their prayer humbly intent
Then Allah mentioned the traits of the believers, saying: (Who are humble in their prayers) turning neither to the right nor to the left, nor raise their hands while praying,
(And who shun vain conversation) and refrain from falsehood and lying,
(And who are payers of the poor-due) and give the poor-due from their wealth;
(And who guard their modesty) and who are chaste
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إِلَّا عَلَىٰٓ أَزۡوَٰجِهِمۡ أَوۡ مَا مَلَكَتۡ أَيۡمَٰنُهُمۡ فَإِنَّهُمۡ غَيۡرُ مَلُومِينَ ٦
Except from their wives or those their right hands possess,1 for indeed, they will not be blamed -
(Save from their wives) up to four wives (or the (slaves) that their right hands possess) without any limit in number, (for then they are not blameworthy) when they engage in that which is lawful,
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فَمَنِ ٱبۡتَغَىٰ وَرَآءَ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلۡعَادُونَ ٧
But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors -
(But whoso craveth beyond that) but whoever seeks other than the lawful, (such are transgressors) who step from the lawful into the unlawful,
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وَٱلَّذِينَ هُمۡ لِأَمَٰنَٰتِهِمۡ وَعَهۡدِهِمۡ رَٰعُونَ ٨
And they who are to their trusts and their promises attentive
(And who are shepherds) preserve that with which they have been entrusted (of their pledge) such as fasting, major ritual ablution, trusts and the like, (and their covenant) with Allah or with other people,
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وَٱلَّذِينَ هُمۡ عَلَىٰ صَلَوَٰتِهِمۡ يُحَافِظُونَ ٩
And they who carefully maintain their prayers -
(And who pay heed to their prayers) pay attention to the prescribed times of their prayers.
(These) those whose traits are thus (are the heirs) the dwellers,
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ٱلَّذِينَ يَرِثُونَ ٱلۡفِرۡدَوۡسَ هُمۡ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ ١١
Who will inherit al-Firdaus.1 They will abide therein eternally.
(Who will inherit) who will dwell in (Paradise) the chamber the Beneficent: (There they will abide) in Paradise forever, never to die or come out.
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وَلَقَدۡ خَلَقۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَٰنَ مِن سُلَٰلَةٖ مِّن طِينٖ ١٢
And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay.
(Verily We created man) the son of Adam (from a product of wet earth);
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ثُمَّ جَعَلۡنَٰهُ نُطۡفَةٗ فِي قَرَارٖ مَّكِينٖ ١٣
Then We placed him as a sperm-drop1 in a firm lodging [i.e., the womb].
(Then placed him as a drop (of seed) in a safe lodging) in the womb of his mother for forty days;
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ثُمَّ خَلَقۡنَا ٱلنُّطۡفَةَ عَلَقَةٗ فَخَلَقۡنَا ٱلۡعَلَقَةَ مُضۡغَةٗ فَخَلَقۡنَا ٱلۡمُضۡغَةَ عِظَٰمٗا فَكَسَوۡنَا ٱلۡعِظَٰمَ لَحۡمٗا ثُمَّ أَنشَأۡنَٰهُ خَلۡقًا ءَاخَرَۚ فَتَبَارَكَ ٱللَّهُ أَحۡسَنُ ٱلۡخَٰلِقِينَ ١٤
Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allāh, the best of creators.1
(Then fashioned We) then We transformed (the drop) into (a clot) for another forty days, (then fashioned We) then We transformed (the clot) into (a little lump) for forty days, (then fashioned We) the We transformed (the little lump) into (bones) without flesh, (then clothed the bones with flesh) joints, veins and other things, (and then produced it another creation) and then We placed in it the spirit. (So blessed be Allah, the Best of Creators) the Best of Transformers!
(Then lo! after that ye surely die.
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ثُمَّ إِنَّكُمۡ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ تُبۡعَثُونَ ١٦
Then indeed you, on the Day of Resurrection, will be resurrected.
Then lo! on the Day of Resurrection ye are raised (again)) you will be given life again.
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وَلَقَدۡ خَلَقۡنَا فَوۡقَكُمۡ سَبۡعَ طَرَآئِقَ وَمَا كُنَّا عَنِ ٱلۡخَلۡقِ غَٰفِلِينَ ١٧
And We have created above you seven layered heavens, and never have We been of [Our] creation unaware.
(And We have created above you seven paths) seven heavens, some above others like a dome, (and We are never unmindful of creation) leaving them without commands and prohibitions.
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وَأَنزَلۡنَا مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءَۢ بِقَدَرٖ فَأَسۡكَنَّٰهُ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِۖ وَإِنَّا عَلَىٰ ذَهَابِۭ بِهِۦ لَقَٰدِرُونَ ١٨
And We have sent down rain from the sky in a measured amount and settled it in the earth. And indeed, We are Able to take it away.
(And We send down from the sky water) rain (in measure) of livelihood; and it is also said that this means: in proportion of what you need, (and We give it lodging) and We deposit it (in the earth) thus making from it pools, fountains, rivers and brooks, (and lo! We are able to withdraw it) and We are Able to leave it unused in the depth of the earth.
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فَأَنشَأۡنَا لَكُم بِهِۦ جَنَّٰتٖ مِّن نَّخِيلٖ وَأَعۡنَٰبٖ لَّكُمۡ فِيهَا فَوَٰكِهُ كَثِيرَةٞ وَمِنۡهَا تَأۡكُلُونَ ١٩
And We brought forth for you thereby gardens of palm trees and grapevines in which for you are abundant fruits and from which you eat.
(Then We produce for you therewith) by means of water (gardens of date-palms and grapes, wherein) in the gardens (is much fruit) many kinds of fruit (for you and whereof) and of these kinds of fruit (ye eat;
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وَشَجَرَةٗ تَخۡرُجُ مِن طُورِ سَيۡنَآءَ تَنۢبُتُ بِٱلدُّهۡنِ وَصِبۡغٖ لِّلۡأٓكِلِينَ ٢٠
And [We brought forth] a tree issuing from Mount Sinai which produces oil and food [i.e., olives] for those who eat.
And a tree) and by means of water a tree grows, this refers to the olive tree (that springeth forth from Mount Sinai) that springs forth from the mountain which is covered with trees (that groweth oil and relish for the eaters.
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وَإِنَّ لَكُمۡ فِي ٱلۡأَنۡعَٰمِ لَعِبۡرَةٗۖ نُّسۡقِيكُم مِّمَّا فِي بُطُونِهَا وَلَكُمۡ فِيهَا مَنَٰفِعُ كَثِيرَةٞ وَمِنۡهَا تَأۡكُلُونَ ٢١
And indeed, for you in livestock is a lesson. We give you drink from that which is in their bellies, and for you in them are numerous benefits, and from them you eat.
And lo! in the cattle there is verily a lesson for you) in the cattle there is a sign for you. (We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies) of their milk which comes forth from between manure and blood as limpid milk, (and many uses have ye in them) in riding and transporting your loads on them, (and of them) of their meat and milk (do you eat;
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وَعَلَيۡهَا وَعَلَى ٱلۡفُلۡكِ تُحۡمَلُونَ ٢٢
And upon them and on ships you are carried.
And on them) and on camels, on land (and on the ship) in the sea (you are carried) you travel.
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وَلَقَدۡ أَرۡسَلۡنَا نُوحًا إِلَىٰ قَوۡمِهِۦ فَقَالَ يَٰقَوۡمِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنۡ إِلَٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُۥٓۚ أَفَلَا تَتَّقُونَ ٢٣
And We had certainly sent Noah to his people, and he said, "O my people, worship Allāh; you have no deity other than Him; then will you not fear Him?"
(And We verily sent Noah unto his folk, and he said: O my people! Serve Allah) profess Allah's divine Oneness. (Ye have no other god save Him) save the One in whom I command you to believe. (Will ye not ward off (evil)) the worship of other than Allah?
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فَقَالَ ٱلۡمَلَؤُاْ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِن قَوۡمِهِۦ مَا هَٰذَآ إِلَّا بَشَرٞ مِّثۡلُكُمۡ يُرِيدُ أَن يَتَفَضَّلَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَلَوۡ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَأَنزَلَ مَلَٰٓئِكَةٗ مَّا سَمِعۡنَا بِهَٰذَا فِيٓ ءَابَآئِنَا ٱلۡأَوَّلِينَ ٢٤
But the eminent among those who disbelieved from his people said, "This is not but a man like yourselves who wishes to take precedence over you; and if Allāh had willed [to send a messenger], He would have sent down angels. We have not heard of this among our forefathers.
(But the chieftains of his folk, who disbelieved, said: This) i.e. Noah (is only a mortal) a human being (like you who would make himself superior to you) through the message and prophethood. (Had Allah willed) to send us a messenger, (He surely could have sent down angels) one of the angels. (We heard not of this) that which Noah is saying (in the case) in the time (of our fathers of old).
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إِنۡ هُوَ إِلَّا رَجُلُۢ بِهِۦ جِنَّةٞ فَتَرَبَّصُواْ بِهِۦ حَتَّىٰ حِينٖ ٢٥
He is not but a man possessed with madness, so wait concerning him for a time."
(He) i.e. Noah (is only a man in whom is a madness, so watch him) so wait (for a while) until he dies.
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قَالَ رَبِّ ٱنصُرۡنِي بِمَا كَذَّبُونِ ٢٦
[Noah] said, "My Lord, support me because they have denied me."
(He said) Noah said: (My Lord!) O my Lord! (Help me) through sending a punishment upon them (because they deny me) because of their denial of the message.
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فَأَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡهِ أَنِ ٱصۡنَعِ ٱلۡفُلۡكَ بِأَعۡيُنِنَا وَوَحۡيِنَا فَإِذَا جَآءَ أَمۡرُنَا وَفَارَ ٱلتَّنُّورُ فَٱسۡلُكۡ فِيهَا مِن كُلّٖ زَوۡجَيۡنِ ٱثۡنَيۡنِ وَأَهۡلَكَ إِلَّا مَن سَبَقَ عَلَيۡهِ ٱلۡقَوۡلُ مِنۡهُمۡۖ وَلَا تُخَٰطِبۡنِي فِي ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوٓاْ إِنَّهُم مُّغۡرَقُونَ ٢٧
So We inspired to him, "Construct the ship under Our observation and Our inspiration, and when Our command comes and the oven overflows,1 put into it [i.e., the ship] from each [creature] two mates and your family, except him for whom the decree [of destruction] has proceeded. And do not address Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are to be drowned.
(Then We inspired in him) We sent Gabriel to him, (saying: Make the ship) saying: start building a ship (under Our eyes) under Our gaze (and Our inspiration) and through that which We inspired you. (Then, when Our command) Our punishment (cometh and the oven gusheth water) and the water gushes out of the oven (al-Tannur); it is also said that this means: when dawn breaks, (introduce therein) transport in the ship (of every (kind) two spouses) of every kind: a male and a female, (and thy household) and take those of your household who believe in you (save him thereof against whom the Word) that they will be chastised (hath already gone forth. And plead not with Me) by means of supplications (on behalf of those who have done wrong) i.e. to save those who disbelieved among your people: (Lo! they will be drowned) in the flood.
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فَإِذَا ٱسۡتَوَيۡتَ أَنتَ وَمَن مَّعَكَ عَلَى ٱلۡفُلۡكِ فَقُلِ ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِي نَجَّىٰنَا مِنَ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ ٢٨
And when you have boarded the ship, you and those with you, then say, 'Praise to Allāh who has saved us from the wrongdoing people.'
(And when thou art on board the ship, thou and whoso is with thee) of the believers, (then say: Praise be to Allah) gratitude is due to Allah (Who hath saved us from the wrong-doing folk!) who has saved us from the disbelievers!
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وَقُل رَّبِّ أَنزِلۡنِي مُنزَلٗا مُّبَارَكٗا وَأَنتَ خَيۡرُ ٱلۡمُنزِلِينَ ٢٩
And say, 'My Lord, let me land at a blessed landing place, and You are the best to accommodate [us].'"
(And say) when you come off the ship: (My Lord! Cause me to land at a blessed landing place) blessed with water and trees, (for Thou art Best of all who bring to land) in the life of this world and in the Hereafter.
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إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَأٓيَٰتٖ وَإِن كُنَّا لَمُبۡتَلِينَ ٣٠
Indeed in that are signs, and indeed, We are ever testing [Our servants].
(Lo! Herein) in that which We did to them (verily are portents) are signs and admonitions for the people of Mecca in order for them to emulate, (for lo! We are ever putting (mankind) to the test) with misfortunes; and it is also said that this means: with punishment.
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ثُمَّ أَنشَأۡنَا مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ قَرۡنًا ءَاخَرِينَ ٣١
Then We produced after them a generation of others.
(Then, after them) after the destruction of Noah's people, (We brought forth another generation) different people;
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فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا فِيهِمۡ رَسُولٗا مِّنۡهُمۡ أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنۡ إِلَٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُۥٓۚ أَفَلَا تَتَّقُونَ ٣٢
And We sent among them a messenger1 from themselves, [saying], "Worship Allāh; you have no deity other than Him; then will you not fear Him?"
(And We sent among them) and We sent to them (a messenger of their own) of their own lineage (saying: Serve Allah) saying: declare Allah's divine Oneness. (Ye have no other god save Him) you have no other god except the One in Whom I command you to believe. (Will ye not ward off (evil)) the worship of other than Allah?
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وَقَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِن قَوۡمِهِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَكَذَّبُواْ بِلِقَآءِ ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ وَأَتۡرَفۡنَٰهُمۡ فِي ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا مَا هَٰذَآ إِلَّا بَشَرٞ مِّثۡلُكُمۡ يَأۡكُلُ مِمَّا تَأۡكُلُونَ مِنۡهُ وَيَشۡرَبُ مِمَّا تَشۡرَبُونَ ٣٣
And the eminent among his people who disbelieved and denied the meeting of the Hereafter while We had given them luxury in the worldly life said, "This is not but a man like yourselves. He eats of that from which you eat and drinks of what you drink.
(And the chieftains of his folk) of the folk of the messenger, (who disbelieved and denied the meeting of the Hereafter) and disbelieved in resurrection after death, (and whom We had made soft) whom We blessed with wealth and offspring (in the life of the world, said: This) i.e. this Messenger (is only a mortal) a human being (like you, who eateth of that whereof you eat) who eats as you eat (and drinketh of that ye drink) and drinks as you do.
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وَلَئِنۡ أَطَعۡتُم بَشَرٗا مِّثۡلَكُمۡ إِنَّكُمۡ إِذٗا لَّخَٰسِرُونَ ٣٤
And if you should obey a man like yourselves, indeed, you would then be losers.
(If ye were to obey a mortal) a human being (like yourselves, ye surely would be losers) you would be ignorant and losers.
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أَيَعِدُكُمۡ أَنَّكُمۡ إِذَا مِتُّمۡ وَكُنتُمۡ تُرَابٗا وَعِظَٰمًا أَنَّكُم مُّخۡرَجُونَ ٣٥
Does he promise you that when you have died and become dust and bones that you will be brought forth [once more]?
(Doth he) does this Messenger (promise you that you, when ye are dead and have become dust) after death (and bones) and decayed bones, (will (again) be brought forth) will be brought back to life after death?
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۞ هَيۡهَاتَ هَيۡهَاتَ لِمَا تُوعَدُونَ ٣٦
How far, how far, is that which you are promised.1
(Be gone, be gone, with that which ye are promised!) how farfetched, how farfetched! This will never be.
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إِنۡ هِيَ إِلَّا حَيَاتُنَا ٱلدُّنۡيَا نَمُوتُ وَنَحۡيَا وَمَا نَحۡنُ بِمَبۡعُوثِينَ ٣٧
It [i.e., life] is not but our worldly life - we die and live, but we will not be resurrected.
(There is naught but our life of the world; we die and we live) the fathers die and their children live, (and we shall not be raised (again)) after we die.
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إِنۡ هُوَ إِلَّا رَجُلٌ ٱفۡتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبٗا وَمَا نَحۡنُ لَهُۥ بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ ٣٨
He is not but a man who has invented a lie about Allāh, and we will not believe him."
(He is only a man) they mean the Messenger is only a man (who hath invented a lie about Allah) in that which he says. (We are not going to put faith in him) we are not going to believe what he says.
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قَالَ رَبِّ ٱنصُرۡنِي بِمَا كَذَّبُونِ ٣٩
He said, "My Lord, support me because they have denied me."
(He said) the Messenger said: (My Lord! Help me) by sending punishment on them (because they deny me) because they disbelieve in my message,
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قَالَ عَمَّا قَلِيلٖ لَّيُصۡبِحُنَّ نَٰدِمِينَ ٤٠
[Allāh] said, "After a little, they will surely become regretful."
(He said) Allah said: (In a little while they surely will become repentant) they will regret their disbelief when the chastisement seizes them.
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فَأَخَذَتۡهُمُ ٱلصَّيۡحَةُ بِٱلۡحَقِّ فَجَعَلۡنَٰهُمۡ غُثَآءٗۚ فَبُعۡدٗا لِّلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ ٤١
So the shriek1 seized them in truth,2 and We made them as [plant] stubble. Then away with the wrongdoing people.
(So the (Awful) Cry overtook them rightfully) i.e. the punishment, which is the cry of Gabriel, seized them, (and We made them) when the chastisement stopped (like a wreckage (that a torrent hurls). A far removal) an utter destruction and disappointment for failing to obtain Allah's mercy (for wrong-doing folk!) for the disbelievers.
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ثُمَّ أَنشَأۡنَا مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ قُرُونًا ءَاخَرِينَ ٤٢
Then We produced after them other generations.
(Then after them) then after their destruction (We brought forth other generations) from generation to generation.
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مَا تَسۡبِقُ مِنۡ أُمَّةٍ أَجَلَهَا وَمَا يَسۡتَـٔۡخِرُونَ ٤٣
No nation will precede its time [of termination], nor will they remain [thereafter].
(No nation can outstrip its term) no nation can bring forward the term appointed for its destruction, (nor yet postpone it) to a later date.
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ثُمَّ أَرۡسَلۡنَا رُسُلَنَا تَتۡرَاۖ كُلَّ مَا جَآءَ أُمَّةٗ رَّسُولُهَا كَذَّبُوهُۖ فَأَتۡبَعۡنَا بَعۡضَهُم بَعۡضٗا وَجَعَلۡنَٰهُمۡ أَحَادِيثَۚ فَبُعۡدٗا لِّقَوۡمٖ لَّا يُؤۡمِنُونَ ٤٤
Then We sent Our messengers in succession. Every time there came to a nation its messenger, they denied him, so We made them follow one another [to destruction], and We made them narrations.1 So away with a people who do not believe.
(Then We sent our messengers one after another. Whenever its messenger came unto a nation they denied him) they denied that messenger; (so We caused them to follow one another (to disaster)) with chastisement (and We made them bywords) We made them the talk of their time. (A far removal) what a disappointment for failing to obtain Allah's mercy (for folk who believe not!) for people who disbelieve in Muhammad (pbuh).
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ثُمَّ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مُوسَىٰ وَأَخَاهُ هَٰرُونَ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا وَسُلۡطَٰنٖ مُّبِينٍ ٤٥
Then We sent Moses and his brother Aaron with Our signs and a clear authority1
(Then We sent Moses and his brother Aaron with Our) nine (tokens and a clear warrant) and a clear proof.
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إِلَىٰ فِرۡعَوۡنَ وَمَلَإِيْهِۦ فَٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ وَكَانُواْ قَوۡمًا عَالِينَ ٤٦
To Pharaoh and his establishment, but they were arrogant and were a haughty people.
(Unto Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they scorned (them)) they were too proud to believe in Moses and the signs (and they were despotic folk) they opposed Moses and felt too proud to believe.
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فَقَالُوٓاْ أَنُؤۡمِنُ لِبَشَرَيۡنِ مِثۡلِنَا وَقَوۡمُهُمَا لَنَا عَٰبِدُونَ ٤٧
They said, "Should we believe two men like ourselves while their people are for us in servitude?"
(And they said: Shall we put faith in two mortals) two human beings, meaning Moses and Aaron (like ourselves, and whose folk are servile unto us) while their people are our obedient servants?
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فَكَذَّبُوهُمَا فَكَانُواْ مِنَ ٱلۡمُهۡلَكِينَ ٤٨
So they denied them and were of those destroyed.
(So they denied them) they denied their message, (and became of those who were destroyed) they were drowned in the sea.
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وَلَقَدۡ ءَاتَيۡنَا مُوسَى ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَهۡتَدُونَ ٤٩
And We certainly gave Moses the Scripture that perhaps they1 would be guided.
(And we verily gave Moses the Scripture) the Torah, (that haply they might go aright) that haply they might be led to guidance.
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وَجَعَلۡنَا ٱبۡنَ مَرۡيَمَ وَأُمَّهُۥٓ ءَايَةٗ وَءَاوَيۡنَٰهُمَآ إِلَىٰ رَبۡوَةٖ ذَاتِ قَرَارٖ وَمَعِينٖ ٥٠
And We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign and sheltered them within a high ground having level [areas] and flowing water.
(And We made the son of Mary) i.e. Jesus (and his mother a portent) a sign and admonition: a son without a father and a pregnancy without physical contact, (and We gave them refuge on a height) on an elevated location, (a place of flocks and water springs) the reference here is to Damascus.
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يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلرُّسُلُ كُلُواْ مِنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَٰتِ وَٱعۡمَلُواْ صَٰلِحًاۖ إِنِّي بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ عَلِيمٞ ٥١
[Allāh said], "O messengers, eat from the good foods and work righteousness. Indeed I, of what you do, am Knowing.
(O ye messengers!) the reference here is to Muhammad (Eat of the good thing) eat of the lawful things, (and do right) do righteous works between yourself and your Lord. (Lo! I am Aware) I am aware of the reward (of what ye do) of what you do, O Muhammad, and also of what they do.
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وَإِنَّ هَٰذِهِۦٓ أُمَّتُكُمۡ أُمَّةٗ وَٰحِدَةٗ وَأَنَا۠ رَبُّكُمۡ فَٱتَّقُونِ ٥٢
And indeed this, your religion, is one religion,1 and I am your Lord, so fear Me."
(And lo! this your religion is one religion) and your belief is one chosen belief (and I am your Lord) One sole Lord who honoured you with it, (so keep your duty unto Me) so obey Me.
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فَتَقَطَّعُوٓاْ أَمۡرَهُم بَيۡنَهُمۡ زُبُرٗاۖ كُلُّ حِزۡبِۭ بِمَا لَدَيۡهِمۡ فَرِحُونَ ٥٣
But they [i.e., the people] divided their religion among them into portions [i.e., sects] - each faction, in what it has,1 rejoicing.
(But they (mankind) have broken their religion among them into sects) so they split among themselves with regard to religion into different groups: groups of Jews, Christians, idolaters and Magians, (each sect) the adherents of each religion and sect (rejoicing in its tenets) being impressed with what they have.
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فَذَرۡهُمۡ فِي غَمۡرَتِهِمۡ حَتَّىٰ حِينٍ ٥٤
So leave them in their confusion for a time.
(So leave them) O Muhammad (in their error) in their ignorance (till a time) until the advent of punishment on the Day of Badr.
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أَيَحۡسَبُونَ أَنَّمَا نُمِدُّهُم بِهِۦ مِن مَّالٖ وَبَنِينَ ٥٥
Do they think that what We extend to them of wealth and children
(Think they) do the adherents of these sects think (that in the wealth and sons wherewith We provide them) in the life of this world,
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نُسَارِعُ لَهُمۡ فِي ٱلۡخَيۡرَٰتِۚ بَل لَّا يَشۡعُرُونَ ٥٦
Is [because] We hasten for them good things? Rather, they do not perceive.1
(We hasten unto them with good things) in this world; and it is said: in the Hereafter? (Nay, but they perceive not) that We provide them in the life of this world but will humiliate them in the Hereafter.
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إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ هُم مِّنۡ خَشۡيَةِ رَبِّهِم مُّشۡفِقُونَ ٥٧
Indeed, they who are apprehensive from fear of their Lord
Then Allah clarified to whom He hastens with good things in the life of this world, saying: (Lo! those who go in awe for fear of their Lord) of their Lord's chastisement; for these We hasten with good things;
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وَٱلَّذِينَ هُم بِـَٔايَٰتِ رَبِّهِمۡ يُؤۡمِنُونَ ٥٨
And they who believe in the signs of their Lord
(And those who believe in the revelations of their Lord) in Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an, for these We hasten with good things;
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وَٱلَّذِينَ هُم بِرَبِّهِمۡ لَا يُشۡرِكُونَ ٥٩
And they who do not associate anything with their Lord
(And those who ascribe not partners) idols (unto their Lord) for these We hasten with good things;
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وَٱلَّذِينَ يُؤۡتُونَ مَآ ءَاتَواْ وَّقُلُوبُهُمۡ وَجِلَةٌ أَنَّهُمۡ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِمۡ رَٰجِعُونَ ٦٠
And they who give what they give while their hearts are fearful1 because they will be returning to their Lord -
(And those who give that which they give) of their wealth for alms and spend of it in the way of Allah; and it is said that this means: those who do what they do of righteous deeds (with hearts afraid because they are about to return unto their Lord) in the Hereafter, fearing that perhaps their works will not be accepted,
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أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ يُسَٰرِعُونَ فِي ٱلۡخَيۡرَٰتِ وَهُمۡ لَهَا سَٰبِقُونَ ٦١
It is those who hasten to good deeds, and they outstrip [others] therein.
(These) who have such traits (race for the good things) hasten to perform righteous works, (and they shall win them in the race.
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وَلَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفۡسًا إِلَّا وُسۡعَهَاۚ وَلَدَيۡنَا كِتَٰبٞ يَنطِقُ بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَهُمۡ لَا يُظۡلَمُونَ ٦٢
And We charge no soul except [with that within] its capacity, and with Us is a record which speaks with truth; and they will not be wronged.
And We task not any soul) with works (beyond its scope) beyond its capability, (and with Us is a Record) this is the Record of the recording angels (al-hafazah) who record people's good and bad works (which speaketh the Truth) they will testify truthfully and fairly, (and they will not be wronged) their good deeds will not be diminished and their bad works will not be increased.
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بَلۡ قُلُوبُهُمۡ فِي غَمۡرَةٖ مِّنۡ هَٰذَا وَلَهُمۡ أَعۡمَٰلٞ مِّن دُونِ ذَٰلِكَ هُمۡ لَهَا عَٰمِلُونَ ٦٣
But their hearts are covered with confusion over this, and they have [evil] deeds besides that [i.e., disbelief] which they are doing,
(Nay, but their hearts) the hearts of the people of Mecca: i.e. Abu Jahl and his host (are in ignorance) and heedlessness (of this) Qur'an, (and they have other works) decreed upon them, (besides) besides that which you enjoin them of good works, (which they are doing) in the life of this world until their appointed time comes, O Muhammad;
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حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَخَذۡنَا مُتۡرَفِيهِم بِٱلۡعَذَابِ إِذَا هُمۡ يَجۡـَٔرُونَ ٦٤
Until when We seize their affluent ones with punishment,1 at once they are crying [to Allāh] for help.
(Till when We grasp their luxurious ones) their tyrants and leaders: Abu Jahl Ibn Hisham, al-Walid Ibn al-Mughirah al-Makhzumi, al-'As Ibn Wa'il al-Sahmi, 'Utbah and Shaybah and their friends (with the punishment) with hunger for seven years, (behold! they supplicate) they plead.
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لَا تَجۡـَٔرُواْ ٱلۡيَوۡمَۖ إِنَّكُم مِّنَّا لَا تُنصَرُونَ ٦٥
Do not cry out today. Indeed, by Us you will not be helped.
Say to them, O Muhammad: (Supplicate not this day) to escape Our punishment! (Assuredly you will not be helped) you will not be saved (by Us) from Our punishment.
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قَدۡ كَانَتۡ ءَايَٰتِي تُتۡلَىٰ عَلَيۡكُمۡ فَكُنتُمۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَعۡقَٰبِكُمۡ تَنكِصُونَ ٦٦
My verses had already been recited to you, but you were turning back on your heels
(My revelations) the Qur'an (were recited) and shown (unto you, but ye used to turn back on your heels) to your initial religion,
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مُسۡتَكۡبِرِينَ بِهِۦ سَٰمِرٗا تَهۡجُرُونَ ٦٧
In arrogance regarding it,1 conversing by night, speaking evil.
(In scorn thereof) feeling haughty because of the Holy House, claiming that you are its guardians. (Nightly did you rave together) you cursed Muhammad (pbuh) his Companions and the Qur'an in your nightly gatherings.
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أَفَلَمۡ يَدَّبَّرُواْ ٱلۡقَوۡلَ أَمۡ جَآءَهُم مَّا لَمۡ يَأۡتِ ءَابَآءَهُمُ ٱلۡأَوَّلِينَ ٦٨
Then have they not reflected over the word [i.e., the Qur’ān], or has there come to them that which had not come to their forefathers?
(Have they not pondered the Word) have they not reflected upon the Qur'an and that which it contains of threats, (or hath that come unto them) upon the people of Mecca, of safety and freedom from obligation (which came not unto their fathers of old?
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أَمۡ لَمۡ يَعۡرِفُواْ رَسُولَهُمۡ فَهُمۡ لَهُۥ مُنكِرُونَ ٦٩
Or did they not know their Messenger, so they are toward him disacknowledging?
Or know they not their messenger) the lineage of their Messenger, (and so reject him) and so deny him?
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أَمۡ يَقُولُونَ بِهِۦ جِنَّةُۢۚ بَلۡ جَآءَهُم بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَأَكۡثَرُهُمۡ لِلۡحَقِّ كَٰرِهُونَ ٧٠
Or do they say, "In him is madness"? Rather, he brought them the truth, but most of them, to the truth, are averse.
(Or say they) indeed they say: (There is a madness in him? Nay, but he bringeth them the Truth) Muhammad (pbuh) brought them the Qur'an, the profession of Allah's divine Oneness and the Message; (and most of them are haters) deniers (of the Truth) of the Qur'an.
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وَلَوِ ٱتَّبَعَ ٱلۡحَقُّ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡ لَفَسَدَتِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتُ وَٱلۡأَرۡضُ وَمَن فِيهِنَّۚ بَلۡ أَتَيۡنَٰهُم بِذِكۡرِهِمۡ فَهُمۡ عَن ذِكۡرِهِم مُّعۡرِضُونَ ٧١
But if the Truth [i.e., Allāh] had followed their inclinations, the heavens and the earth and whoever is in them would have been ruined. Rather, We have brought them their message,1 but they, from their message, are turning away.
(And if the Truth had followed their desires) if it was according to their whims such that there is a deity in the heavens and a deity in the earth, (verily the heavens and the earth and whosoever is therein) of created beings (had been corrupted. Nay, We have brought them their Reminder) We sent Gabriel to their Prophet with the Qur'an wherein lies their glory and honour, (but from their Reminder) but from their glory and honour (they now turn away) they disbelieve.
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أَمۡ تَسۡـَٔلُهُمۡ خَرۡجٗا فَخَرَاجُ رَبِّكَ خَيۡرٞۖ وَهُوَ خَيۡرُ ٱلرَّٰزِقِينَ ٧٢
Or do you, [O Muḥammad], ask them for payment? But the reward of your Lord is best, and He is the best of providers.
(Or dost thou ask of them) or do you ask, O Muhammad, the people of Mecca (any tribute) some payment, and this is why they are not responding? (But! the bounty of your Lord) in Paradise (is better) is better than what they have in the life of this world, (for He is best of all who make provision) in this world and in the next.
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وَإِنَّكَ لَتَدۡعُوهُمۡ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٖ مُّسۡتَقِيمٖ ٧٣
And indeed, you invite them to a straight path.
(And lo! thou) O Muhammad (summonest them indeed unto a right path) to an established religion which Allah is pleased with: Islam.
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وَإِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ عَنِ ٱلصِّرَٰطِ لَنَٰكِبُونَ ٧٤
But indeed, those who do not believe in the Hereafter are deviating from the path.
(And lo! those who believe not in the Hereafter) those who do not believe in resurrection after death (are indeed astray from the path) from Allah's religion.
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۞ وَلَوۡ رَحِمۡنَٰهُمۡ وَكَشَفۡنَا مَا بِهِم مِّن ضُرّٖ لَّلَجُّواْ فِي طُغۡيَٰنِهِمۡ يَعۡمَهُونَ ٧٥
And even if We gave them mercy and removed what was upon them of affliction, they would persist in their transgression, wandering blindly.
(Though We had mercy on them) i.e. the people of Mecca (and relieved them of the harm) and relieved them of the hunger which was (afflicting them, they still would wander blindly on) they still would carry on blind to the Truth and guidance (in their contumacy) in their disbelief and error.
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وَلَقَدۡ أَخَذۡنَٰهُم بِٱلۡعَذَابِ فَمَا ٱسۡتَكَانُواْ لِرَبِّهِمۡ وَمَا يَتَضَرَّعُونَ ٧٦
And We had gripped them with suffering [as a warning], but they did not yield to their Lord, nor did they humbly supplicate, [and will continue thus]
(Already have We grasped them with punishment) with hunger and drought, (but they humble not themselves unto their Lord) but they did not submit themselves to their Lord by professing Allah's divine Oneness, (nor do they pray) nor do they believe,
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حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا فَتَحۡنَا عَلَيۡهِم بَابٗا ذَا عَذَابٖ شَدِيدٍ إِذَا هُمۡ فِيهِ مُبۡلِسُونَ ٧٧
Until when We have opened before them a door of severe punishment, immediately they will be therein in despair.
(Until) give them respite, O Muhammad, until (when We open for them the gate of extreme punishment) i.e. of hunger, (behold! they are aghast thereat) they despair of all goodness.
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وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِيٓ أَنشَأَ لَكُمُ ٱلسَّمۡعَ وَٱلۡأَبۡصَٰرَ وَٱلۡأَفۡـِٔدَةَۚ قَلِيلٗا مَّا تَشۡكُرُونَ ٧٨
And it is He who produced for you hearing and vision and hearts [i.e., intellect]; little are you grateful.
(He it is Who hath created for you) O people of Mecca (ears) with which to hear (and eyes) with which to see (and hearts) with which to comprehend. (Small thanks give ye) your thanks for all the things you have been given, O people of Mecca, is small!
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وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِي ذَرَأَكُمۡ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَإِلَيۡهِ تُحۡشَرُونَ ٧٩
And it is He who has multiplied you throughout the earth, and to Him you will be gathered.
(And He it is Who hath sown you broadcast) created you (in the earth, and unto Him ye will be gathered) after you die, and then He will requite you according to your works.
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وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِي يُحۡيِۦ وَيُمِيتُ وَلَهُ ٱخۡتِلَٰفُ ٱلَّيۡلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِۚ أَفَلَا تَعۡقِلُونَ ٨٠
And it is He who gives life and causes death, and His is the alternation of the night and the day. Then will you not reason?
(And He it is Who giveth life) upon resurrection (and causes death) in the life of this world, (and His is the difference of night and day) He changes the day and the night; He makes them come and go, increase and decrease in length; the brightness of day and darkness of night-all these are a sign that Allah will bring the dead back to life. (Have ye then no sense) do you then not believe in resurrection after death?
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بَلۡ قَالُواْ مِثۡلَ مَا قَالَ ٱلۡأَوَّلُونَ ٨١
Rather,1 they say like what the former peoples said.
(Nay, but they) i.e. the people of Mecca (say the like of that which) disbelieve in resurrection after death in the same was as (said the men of old) the people of old disbelieved in resurrection after death;
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قَالُوٓاْ أَءِذَا مِتۡنَا وَكُنَّا تُرَابٗا وَعِظَٰمًا أَءِنَّا لَمَبۡعُوثُونَ ٨٢
They said, "When we have died and become dust and bones, are we indeed to be resurrected?
(They say: When we are dead and have become mere) scattered (dust and) decayed (bones, shall we then, forsooth, be raised again) after we have died?
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لَقَدۡ وُعِدۡنَا نَحۡنُ وَءَابَآؤُنَا هَٰذَا مِن قَبۡلُ إِنۡ هَٰذَآ إِلَّآ أَسَٰطِيرُ ٱلۡأَوَّلِينَ ٨٣
We have been promised this, we and our forefathers, before; this is not but legends of the former peoples."
(We were already promised this) which you are promising us, O Muhammad, (we and our forefathers) before us, were also promised the same. (Lo! This) that which you are saying to us, O Muhammad, (is naught but fables) the mere talk and lies (of the men of old.
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قُل لِّمَنِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ وَمَن فِيهَآ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ ٨٤
Say, [O Muḥammad], "To whom belongs the earth and whoever is in it, if you should know?"
(Say) O Muhammad: (Unto Whom (belongeth) the earth and whosoever is therein) of created beings; answer me, (if ye have knowledge?)
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سَيَقُولُونَ لِلَّهِۚ قُلۡ أَفَلَا تَذَكَّرُونَ ٨٥
They will say, "To Allāh." Say, "Then will you not remember?"
(They will say: Unto Allah. Say) to them, O Muhammad: (Will ye not then remember) will you not then take heed and obey Allah?
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قُلۡ مَن رَّبُّ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ ٱلسَّبۡعِ وَرَبُّ ٱلۡعَرۡشِ ٱلۡعَظِيمِ ٨٦
Say, "Who is Lord of the seven heavens and Lord of the Great Throne?"
(Say) also to them, O Muhammad: (Who is Lord of the seven heavens, and Lord of the Tremendous Throne?
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سَيَقُولُونَ لِلَّهِۚ قُلۡ أَفَلَا تَتَّقُونَ ٨٧
They will say, "[They belong] to Allāh." Say, "Then will you not fear Him?"
They will say: Unto Allah (all that belongeth)) Allah created them. (Say) to them, O Muhammad: (Will ye not then keep duty (unto Him)) will you then not avoid the worship of other than Him?
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قُلۡ مَنۢ بِيَدِهِۦ مَلَكُوتُ كُلِّ شَيۡءٖ وَهُوَ يُجِيرُ وَلَا يُجَارُ عَلَيۡهِ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ ٨٨
Say, "In whose hand is the realm of all things - and He protects while none can protect against Him - if you should know?"
(Say) also to them, O Muhammad: (In Whose hand is the dominion over all things) in Whose hand is the store of all things (and He protecteth) and He judges, (while against Him there is no protection) while no judgement can be made upon him; it is also said that this means: He protects people from His chastisement but none can protect others from His chastisement, (if ye have knowledge?
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سَيَقُولُونَ لِلَّهِۚ قُلۡ فَأَنَّىٰ تُسۡحَرُونَ ٨٩
They will say, "[All belongs] to Allāh." Say, "Then how are you deluded?"
They will say: Unto Allah (all that belongeth)) all that is through Allah's power. (Say) to them, O Muhammad: (How then are ye bewitched) then why do you lie about Allah; it is also said that this means, according to a different reading: see, O Muhammad, how they turn away because of lies?
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بَلۡ أَتَيۡنَٰهُم بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَإِنَّهُمۡ لَكَٰذِبُونَ ٩٠
Rather, We have brought them the truth, and indeed they are liars.
(Nay, but We have brought them the Truth) We sent Gabriel to their Prophet with the Qur'an in which it is stated that Allah has no son or partner, (and lo! they are liars) when they say the angels are Allah's daughters.
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مَا ٱتَّخَذَ ٱللَّهُ مِن وَلَدٖ وَمَا كَانَ مَعَهُۥ مِنۡ إِلَٰهٍۚ إِذٗا لَّذَهَبَ كُلُّ إِلَٰهِۭ بِمَا خَلَقَ وَلَعَلَا بَعۡضُهُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٖۚ سُبۡحَٰنَ ٱللَّهِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ ٩١
Allāh has not taken any son, nor has there ever been with Him any deity. [If there had been], then each deity would have taken what it created, and some of them would have [sought to] overcome others. Exalted is Allāh above what they describe [concerning Him].
(Allah hath not chosen any son) from the Children of Adam nor are the angels His daughters, (nor is there any God along with Him) as partner; (else would) if the case was as they claim then (each God have assuredly championed that which he created) each god would take for himself that which he created, (and some of them would assuredly have overcome others. Glorified be Allah) Allah exonerated Himself (above all that they allege) of all their lies.
Text: Quranic Universal Library (Tarteel), via spa5k/tafsir_api (MIT), at a fixed version. The ayahs: Quran Foundation. Sources and licences