Tanwir al-Miqbas · Tafsir · in English
القصص
Al-Qasas
The Stories · Meccan · 88 ayahs
And from his narration on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas that he said regarding the interpretation of Allah's saying (Ta. Sin. Mim.): '(Ta. Sin. Mim.) The (Ta) stands for His might (tawluh), the (Sin) for His majesty (sana'uh) and the (Mim) for His kingdom (mulkuh); it is also said that this is an oath by which He swore.
(These are revelations of the Scripture that maketh plain) this surah consists of Qur'anic verses which make plain the lawful and the unlawful, the commands and prohibitions.
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نَتۡلُواْ عَلَيۡكَ مِن نَّبَإِ مُوسَىٰ وَفِرۡعَوۡنَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِقَوۡمٖ يُؤۡمِنُونَ ٣
We recite to you from the news of Moses and Pharaoh in truth for a people who believe.
(We narrate unto thee (somewhat) of the story of Moses and Pharaoh with truth) through the Qur'an, (for folk who believe) in you and in the Qur'an.
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إِنَّ فِرۡعَوۡنَ عَلَا فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَجَعَلَ أَهۡلَهَا شِيَعٗا يَسۡتَضۡعِفُ طَآئِفَةٗ مِّنۡهُمۡ يُذَبِّحُ أَبۡنَآءَهُمۡ وَيَسۡتَحۡيِۦ نِسَآءَهُمۡۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ ٤
Indeed, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people into factions, oppressing a sector among them, slaughtering their [newborn] sons and keeping their females alive. Indeed, he was of the corrupters.
(Lo! Pharaoh exalted himself) Pharaoh rebelled and became arrogant and tyrannical (in the earth) in the land of Egypt (and made its people castes) different groups. (A tribe among them) from among the Children of Israel (he suppressed) he oppressed, (killing their sons) young (and sparing their women) and use their grown up women as servants. (Lo! he was of those who work corruption) in his state of disbelief, by killing people and calling for the worship of other than Allah.
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وَنُرِيدُ أَن نَّمُنَّ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتُضۡعِفُواْ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَنَجۡعَلَهُمۡ أَئِمَّةٗ وَنَجۡعَلَهُمُ ٱلۡوَٰرِثِينَ ٥
And We wanted to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors
(And We desired) by sending Moses to them and consequently destroying them (to show favour) to save (unto those who were oppressed) i.e. the Children of Israel (in the earth) in the land of Egypt, (and to make them examples) of goodness (and to make them the inheritors) of the land of Egypt,
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وَنُمَكِّنَ لَهُمۡ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَنُرِيَ فِرۡعَوۡنَ وَهَٰمَٰنَ وَجُنُودَهُمَا مِنۡهُم مَّا كَانُواْ يَحۡذَرُونَ ٦
And establish them in the land and show Pharaoh and [his minister] Hāmān and their soldiers through them1 that which they had feared.
(And to establish them in the earth) and give them sovereignty over the land of Egypt, (and to show Pharaoh and Haman and their hosts that which they feared) the loss if their sovereignty (from them) from Moses and the Children of Israel.
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وَأَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَىٰٓ أُمِّ مُوسَىٰٓ أَنۡ أَرۡضِعِيهِۖ فَإِذَا خِفۡتِ عَلَيۡهِ فَأَلۡقِيهِ فِي ٱلۡيَمِّ وَلَا تَخَافِي وَلَا تَحۡزَنِيٓۖ إِنَّا رَآدُّوهُ إِلَيۡكِ وَجَاعِلُوهُ مِنَ ٱلۡمُرۡسَلِينَ ٧
And We inspired to the mother of Moses, "Suckle him; but when you fear for him, cast him into the river and do not fear and do not grieve. Indeed, We will return him to you and will make him [one] of the messengers."
(And We inspired the mother of Moses) Jochabed the daughter of Levi, the son of Jacob (Yohabadh Bint Lawi Ibn Ya'qub), (saying: Suckle him) suckle this child (and, when you fear for him) to be lost, (then cast him into the river) put him in a chest and then throw the chest in the sea (and fear not) his drowning (nor grieve) for his loss, or because you think he will never return to you. (Lo! We shall bring him back unto thee and shall make him (one) of Our messengers) to Pharaoh and his people.
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فَٱلۡتَقَطَهُۥٓ ءَالُ فِرۡعَوۡنَ لِيَكُونَ لَهُمۡ عَدُوّٗا وَحَزَنًاۗ إِنَّ فِرۡعَوۡنَ وَهَٰمَٰنَ وَجُنُودَهُمَا كَانُواْ خَٰطِـِٔينَ ٨
And the family of Pharaoh picked him up [out of the river] so that he would become to them an enemy and a [cause of] grief. Indeed, Pharaoh and Hāmān and their soldiers were deliberate sinners.
(And the family of Pharaoh) the maidens of Pharaoh (took him up) picked him from between the trees and water and took him to the wife of Pharaoh, (that he might become for them an enemy) after he takes the message to them (and a sorrow) for the loss of their kingdom. (Lo! Pharaoh and Haman and their hosts were ever sinning) they were idolaters.
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وَقَالَتِ ٱمۡرَأَتُ فِرۡعَوۡنَ قُرَّتُ عَيۡنٖ لِّي وَلَكَۖ لَا تَقۡتُلُوهُ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَنفَعَنَآ أَوۡ نَتَّخِذَهُۥ وَلَدٗا وَهُمۡ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ ٩
And the wife of Pharaoh said, "[He will be] a comfort of the eye [i.e., pleasure] for me and for you. Do not kill him; perhaps he may benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son." And they perceived not.1
(And the wife of Pharaoh) Asiyah Bint Muzahim, who was Moses' aunt (said: (He will be)) this child will be (a consolation for me and for you) O Pharaoh. (Kill him not. Peradventure he may be of use to us) in our farm, (or we may choose him for a son) or adopt him as a son. (And they perceived not) the Children of Israel did not know that he was not from them; it is also said that this means: and they did not know that their destruction will be at his hands.
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وَأَصۡبَحَ فُؤَادُ أُمِّ مُوسَىٰ فَٰرِغًاۖ إِن كَادَتۡ لَتُبۡدِي بِهِۦ لَوۡلَآ أَن رَّبَطۡنَا عَلَىٰ قَلۡبِهَا لِتَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ ١٠
And the heart of Moses' mother became empty [of all else]. She was about to disclose [the matter concerning] him had We not bound fast her heart that she would be of the believers.
(And the heart of the mother of Moses) Jochabed (became void) from the preoccupation or mention of anything other than Moses, (and she would have betrayed him) by admitting that Moses was her son after being adopted by Pharaoh (if We had not fortified her heart) with patience, (that she might be of the believers) in the promise of Allah that he will be one of the messengers.
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وَقَالَتۡ لِأُخۡتِهِۦ قُصِّيهِۖ فَبَصُرَتۡ بِهِۦ عَن جُنُبٖ وَهُمۡ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ ١١
And she said to his sister, "Follow him"; so she watched him from a distance while they perceived not.
(And she) the mother of Moses (said unto his sister) the sister of Moses whose name was Mary: (Trace him. So she observed him) the child (from afar, and they perceived not) that she is the sister of Moses.
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۞ وَحَرَّمۡنَا عَلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَرَاضِعَ مِن قَبۡلُ فَقَالَتۡ هَلۡ أَدُلُّكُمۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَهۡلِ بَيۡتٖ يَكۡفُلُونَهُۥ لَكُمۡ وَهُمۡ لَهُۥ نَٰصِحُونَ ١٢
And We had prevented from him [all] wet nurses before,1 so she said, "Shall I direct you to a household that will be responsible for him for you while they are to him [for his upbringing] sincere?"
(And We had before forbidden foster-mothers) the milk of foster-mothers (for him) for Moses, (so she said) the sister of Moses said to the entourage of Pharaoh: (Shall I show you a household who will rear him) Moses (for you and take care of him) and she directed them to her mother?
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فَرَدَدۡنَٰهُ إِلَىٰٓ أُمِّهِۦ كَيۡ تَقَرَّ عَيۡنُهَا وَلَا تَحۡزَنَ وَلِتَعۡلَمَ أَنَّ وَعۡدَ ٱللَّهِ حَقّٞ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكۡثَرَهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ ١٣
So We restored him to his mother that she might be content and not grieve and that she would know that the promise of Allāh is true. But most of them [i.e., the people] do not know.
(So We restored him to his mother that she might be comforted) by having Moses (and not grieve) over him, (and that she might know that the promise of Allah) to bring him back to her (is true. But most of them) the people of Egypt (know not) this nor believe in it.
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وَلَمَّا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُۥ وَٱسۡتَوَىٰٓ ءَاتَيۡنَٰهُ حُكۡمٗا وَعِلۡمٗاۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجۡزِي ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ ١٤
And when he attained his full strength and was [mentally] mature, We bestowed upon him judgement and knowledge. And thus do We reward the doers of good.
(And when he reached his full strength) 18 years of age (and was ripe) he reached his 40th year, (We gave him wisdom) understanding (and knowledge) prophethood. (Thus do We reward the good) i.e. the prophets by bestowing upon them understanding and prophethood; it is also said that this means: thus do We reward the righteous by bestowing upon them knowledge and wisdom.
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وَدَخَلَ ٱلۡمَدِينَةَ عَلَىٰ حِينِ غَفۡلَةٖ مِّنۡ أَهۡلِهَا فَوَجَدَ فِيهَا رَجُلَيۡنِ يَقۡتَتِلَانِ هَٰذَا مِن شِيعَتِهِۦ وَهَٰذَا مِنۡ عَدُوِّهِۦۖ فَٱسۡتَغَٰثَهُ ٱلَّذِي مِن شِيعَتِهِۦ عَلَى ٱلَّذِي مِنۡ عَدُوِّهِۦ فَوَكَزَهُۥ مُوسَىٰ فَقَضَىٰ عَلَيۡهِۖ قَالَ هَٰذَا مِنۡ عَمَلِ ٱلشَّيۡطَٰنِۖ إِنَّهُۥ عَدُوّٞ مُّضِلّٞ مُّبِينٞ ١٥
And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people1 and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, "This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy."
(And he entered the city at a time of carelessness of its folk) when its folk were preoccupied, at the time of the siesta, and it is said after the Maghrib prayer, (and he found therein) in the city (two men fighting, one of his own caste) of the caste of Moses, i.e. an Israelite, (and the other of his enemies) of the enemies of Moses, i.e. a Copt; (and he who was of his caste) Moses' caste (asked him for help against him who was of his enemies) Moses' enemies. (So Moses struck him with his fist and killed him. He said) Moses said: (This is of the devil's doing) by the devil's command. (Lo! he is an enemy, a mere misleaders) whose enmity is quite manifest. And he felt remorse for killing him.
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قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّي ظَلَمۡتُ نَفۡسِي فَٱغۡفِرۡ لِي فَغَفَرَ لَهُۥٓۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلۡغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ ١٦
He said, "My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me," and He forgave him. Indeed, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.
(He said: My Lord! Lo! I have wronged my soul) by killing a person, (so forgive me) my sin. (Then He forgave him. Lo! He is the Forgiving, the Merciful) towards he who repents.
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قَالَ رَبِّ بِمَآ أَنۡعَمۡتَ عَلَيَّ فَلَنۡ أَكُونَ ظَهِيرٗا لِّلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ ١٧
He said, "My Lord, for the favor You bestowed upon me, I will never be an assistant to the criminals."
(He said: My Lord! Forasmuch as Thou hast favoured me) with knowledge and the profession of Your divine Oneness and forgiveness, (I will nevermore be a supporter of the guilty) do not make me a helper to the idolaters: Pharaoh and his host.
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فَأَصۡبَحَ فِي ٱلۡمَدِينَةِ خَآئِفٗا يَتَرَقَّبُ فَإِذَا ٱلَّذِي ٱسۡتَنصَرَهُۥ بِٱلۡأَمۡسِ يَسۡتَصۡرِخُهُۥۚ قَالَ لَهُۥ مُوسَىٰٓ إِنَّكَ لَغَوِيّٞ مُّبِينٞ ١٨
And he became inside the city fearful and anticipating [exposure], when suddenly the one who sought his help the previous day cried out to him [once again]. Moses said to him, "Indeed, you are an evident, [persistent] deviator."
(And morning found him in the city, fearing) because of killing the Copt, (vigilant) anticipating arrest, (when behold! he who had appealed to him the day before) to help against the Copt (cried out to him for help) against another Copt. (Moses said unto him) to the Israelite: (Lo! thou art indeed a mere hothead) you are a quarrelsome person, and proceeded to help him.
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فَلَمَّآ أَنۡ أَرَادَ أَن يَبۡطِشَ بِٱلَّذِي هُوَ عَدُوّٞ لَّهُمَا قَالَ يَٰمُوسَىٰٓ أَتُرِيدُ أَن تَقۡتُلَنِي كَمَا قَتَلۡتَ نَفۡسَۢا بِٱلۡأَمۡسِۖ إِن تُرِيدُ إِلَّآ أَن تَكُونَ جَبَّارٗا فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَمَا تُرِيدُ أَن تَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُصۡلِحِينَ ١٩
And when he wanted to strike the one who was an enemy to both of them, he1 said, "O Moses, do you intend to kill me as you killed someone yesterday? You only want to be a tyrant in the land and do not want to be of the amenders."
(And when he would have fallen upon the man who was an enemy unto them both) i.e. the Copt, (he said) i.e. the Israelite said: (O Moses! Wouldst thou kill me) today (as thou didst kill a person) a Copt (yesterday. Thou wouldst be nothing but a tyrant) a murderer (in the land) of Egypt, (thou wouldst not be of the reformers) of the pious who enjoin good and forbid evil.
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وَجَآءَ رَجُلٞ مِّنۡ أَقۡصَا ٱلۡمَدِينَةِ يَسۡعَىٰ قَالَ يَٰمُوسَىٰٓ إِنَّ ٱلۡمَلَأَ يَأۡتَمِرُونَ بِكَ لِيَقۡتُلُوكَ فَٱخۡرُجۡ إِنِّي لَكَ مِنَ ٱلنَّٰصِحِينَ ٢٠
And a man came from the farthest end of the city, running. He said, "O Moses, indeed the eminent ones are conferring over you [intending] to kill you, so leave [the city]; indeed, I am to you of the sincere advisors."
(And a man) Ezekiel (came from the uttermost part) and it is said from the centre (of the city, running. He said: O Moses! Lo! the chiefs) the family of the man killed (take counsel against thee) they agreed (to slay thee; therefore escape) from the city. (Lo! I am of those who give thee good advice) I am of those who feel pity for you.
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فَخَرَجَ مِنۡهَا خَآئِفٗا يَتَرَقَّبُۖ قَالَ رَبِّ نَجِّنِي مِنَ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ ٢١
So he left it, fearful and anticipating [apprehension]. He said, "My Lord, save me from the wrongdoing people."
(So he escaped from thence) from the city, (fearing, vigilant) waiting and looking behind him expecting to be hunted down and arrested. (He said) at this point: (My Lord! Deliver me from the wrong-doing folk) the people of Egypt.
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وَلَمَّا تَوَجَّهَ تِلۡقَآءَ مَدۡيَنَ قَالَ عَسَىٰ رَبِّيٓ أَن يَهۡدِيَنِي سَوَآءَ ٱلسَّبِيلِ ٢٢
And when he directed himself toward Madyan, he said, "Perhaps my Lord will guide me to the sound way."
(And when he turned his face towards Midian) he was afraid to miss the way, (he said: Peradventure my Lord will guide me in the right road) leading to Midian.
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وَلَمَّا وَرَدَ مَآءَ مَدۡيَنَ وَجَدَ عَلَيۡهِ أُمَّةٗ مِّنَ ٱلنَّاسِ يَسۡقُونَ وَوَجَدَ مِن دُونِهِمُ ٱمۡرَأَتَيۡنِ تَذُودَانِۖ قَالَ مَا خَطۡبُكُمَاۖ قَالَتَا لَا نَسۡقِي حَتَّىٰ يُصۡدِرَ ٱلرِّعَآءُۖ وَأَبُونَا شَيۡخٞ كَبِيرٞ ٢٣
And when he came to the water [i.e., well] of Madyan, he found there a crowd of people watering [their flocks], and he found aside from them two women holding back [their flocks]. He said, "What is your circumstance?" They said, "We do not water until the shepherds dispatch [their flocks]; and our father is an old man."
(And when he came unto the water of Midian) a well in Midian (he found there a whole tribe of men) a group of 40 men, (watering) their flocks. (And he found apart from them two women keeping, back (their flocks)) until the men finished watering their flocks, due to their weakness. (He said: What aileth you) what holds you back? (The two said: We cannot give (our flocks) to drink till the shepherds return from the water) until they finish watering their flocks; (and our father is a very old man) and does not have anyone to help him except us.
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فَسَقَىٰ لَهُمَا ثُمَّ تَوَلَّىٰٓ إِلَى ٱلظِّلِّ فَقَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّي لِمَآ أَنزَلۡتَ إِلَيَّ مِنۡ خَيۡرٖ فَقِيرٞ ٢٤
So he watered [their flocks] for them; then he went back to the shade and said, "My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need."
(So he watered (their flock) for them) and they went back to their father to inform him about Moses. (Then he) Moses (turned aside into the shade) of a tree; and it is said: the shade of a wall; and it is said: the shade of a shelter, (and said) Moses said: (My Lord! I am needy of whatever good) food (Thou sendest down for me) You have decreed for me.
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فَجَآءَتۡهُ إِحۡدَىٰهُمَا تَمۡشِي عَلَى ٱسۡتِحۡيَآءٖ قَالَتۡ إِنَّ أَبِي يَدۡعُوكَ لِيَجۡزِيَكَ أَجۡرَ مَا سَقَيۡتَ لَنَاۚ فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُۥ وَقَصَّ عَلَيۡهِ ٱلۡقَصَصَ قَالَ لَا تَخَفۡۖ نَجَوۡتَ مِنَ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ ٢٥
Then one of the two women came to him walking with shyness. She said, "Indeed, my father invites you that he may reward you for having watered for us." So when he came to him1 and related to him the story, he said, "Fear not. You have escaped from the wrongdoing people."
(Then there came unto him one of the two women) the youngest of the two, whose name was Zipporah (Saffurah), (walking shyly) with her hand on her face. (She said: Lo! my father biddeth thee, that he may reward thee with a payment for that thou didst water (the flock) for us. Then, when he came unto him) when Moses went to Yathron, the nephew of the Prophet Shu'ayb who had died before (and told him) told Yathron (the (whole) story) of his escape from Pharaoh and the rest of it, (he said) Yathron said to him: (Fear not! thou hast escaped from the wrong-doing folk) the people of Egypt.
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قَالَتۡ إِحۡدَىٰهُمَا يَٰٓأَبَتِ ٱسۡتَـٔۡجِرۡهُۖ إِنَّ خَيۡرَ مَنِ ٱسۡتَـٔۡجَرۡتَ ٱلۡقَوِيُّ ٱلۡأَمِينُ ٢٦
One of the women said, "O my father, hire him. Indeed, the best one you can hire is the strong and the trustworthy."
(One of the two women said) the youngest of the two women said: (O my father! Hire him! For the best (man) that thou canst hire is the strong) who can bear a heavy load, (the trustworthy) regarding that with which you entrust him.
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قَالَ إِنِّيٓ أُرِيدُ أَنۡ أُنكِحَكَ إِحۡدَى ٱبۡنَتَيَّ هَٰتَيۡنِ عَلَىٰٓ أَن تَأۡجُرَنِي ثَمَٰنِيَ حِجَجٖۖ فَإِنۡ أَتۡمَمۡتَ عَشۡرٗا فَمِنۡ عِندِكَۖ وَمَآ أُرِيدُ أَنۡ أَشُقَّ عَلَيۡكَۚ سَتَجِدُنِيٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ ٢٧
He said, "Indeed, I wish to wed you one of these, my two daughters, on [the condition] that you serve me for eight years; but if you complete ten, it will be [as a favor] from you. And I do not wish to put you in difficulty. You will find me, if Allāh wills, from among the righteous."
(He said) Yathron said to Moses: (Lo! I fain would marry thee) O Moses (to one of these two daughters of mine on condition that thou hirest thyself to me) to look after my flock (for (the term of) eight pilgrimages) eight years. (Then if thou completest ten) ten years (it will be of thine own accord) the increase of term will be of your own accord, (for I would not make it hard for thee) by increasing the term. (Allah willing, thou wilt find me of the righteous) who fulfil their promise.
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قَالَ ذَٰلِكَ بَيۡنِي وَبَيۡنَكَۖ أَيَّمَا ٱلۡأَجَلَيۡنِ قَضَيۡتُ فَلَا عُدۡوَٰنَ عَلَيَّۖ وَٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ مَا نَقُولُ وَكِيلٞ ٢٨
[Moses] said, "That is [established] between me and you. Whichever of the two terms I complete - there is no injustice to me, and Allāh, over what we say, is Witness."
(He said) Moses said: (That (is settled) between thee and me) I agree to the conditions. (Whichever of the two terms I fulfil) eight or ten years, (there will be no injustice to me) after that you will have no right over me, (and Allah is Surety) Witness (over what we say) over the conditions agreed between us and their fulfilment.
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۞ فَلَمَّا قَضَىٰ مُوسَى ٱلۡأَجَلَ وَسَارَ بِأَهۡلِهِۦٓ ءَانَسَ مِن جَانِبِ ٱلطُّورِ نَارٗاۖ قَالَ لِأَهۡلِهِ ٱمۡكُثُوٓاْ إِنِّيٓ ءَانَسۡتُ نَارٗا لَّعَلِّيٓ ءَاتِيكُم مِّنۡهَا بِخَبَرٍ أَوۡ جَذۡوَةٖ مِّنَ ٱلنَّارِ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَصۡطَلُونَ ٢٩
And when Moses had completed the term and was traveling with his family, he perceived from the direction of the mount a fire. He said to his family, "Stay here; indeed, I have perceived a fire. Perhaps I will bring you from there [some] information or burning wood from the fire that you may warm yourselves."
(Then, when Moses had fulfilled the term) ten years, (and was travelling with his housefolk) towards Egypt, (he saw in the distance a fire) he saw on the left side of the road a fire (and said unto his housefolk: Bide ye (here)) remain her. (Lo! I see in the distance a fire; peradventure I shall bring you tidings thence) from the Fire camp, (or a brand from the Fire that ye may warm yourselves) because they were in the cold winter.
28:30Page 389
فَلَمَّآ أَتَىٰهَا نُودِيَ مِن شَٰطِيِٕ ٱلۡوَادِ ٱلۡأَيۡمَنِ فِي ٱلۡبُقۡعَةِ ٱلۡمُبَٰرَكَةِ مِنَ ٱلشَّجَرَةِ أَن يَٰمُوسَىٰٓ إِنِّيٓ أَنَا ٱللَّهُ رَبُّ ٱلۡعَٰلَمِينَ ٣٠
But when he came to it, he was called from the right side of the valley in a blessed spot - from the tree,1 "O Moses, indeed I am Allāh, Lord of the worlds."
(And when he reached it, he was called from the right side of the valley) from the right side of Moses (in the blessed field) blessed with trees and water, (from the tree) from the direction of the tree: (O Moses! Lo! I, even I, am Allah, the Lord of the Worlds) the Lord of the jinn and human beings;
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وَأَنۡ أَلۡقِ عَصَاكَۚ فَلَمَّا رَءَاهَا تَهۡتَزُّ كَأَنَّهَا جَآنّٞ وَلَّىٰ مُدۡبِرٗا وَلَمۡ يُعَقِّبۡۚ يَٰمُوسَىٰٓ أَقۡبِلۡ وَلَا تَخَفۡۖ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلۡأٓمِنِينَ ٣١
And [he was told], "Throw down your staff." But when he saw it writhing as if it was a snake, he turned in flight and did not return.1 [Allāh said], "O Moses, approach and fear not. Indeed, you are of the secure.
(Throw down your staff) from your hand. (And when he saw it) after throwing it down (writhing) moving with its head up (as it had been a demon) a serpent neither big nor small, (he turned to flee headlong) from it, without looking back; but Allah said: (O Moses! Draw nigh) to it (and fear not) from it. (Lo! thou art of those who are secure) from its evil. When Moses picked it up, it was a staff like it was originally.
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ٱسۡلُكۡ يَدَكَ فِي جَيۡبِكَ تَخۡرُجۡ بَيۡضَآءَ مِنۡ غَيۡرِ سُوٓءٖ وَٱضۡمُمۡ إِلَيۡكَ جَنَاحَكَ مِنَ ٱلرَّهۡبِۖ فَذَٰنِكَ بُرۡهَٰنَانِ مِن رَّبِّكَ إِلَىٰ فِرۡعَوۡنَ وَمَلَإِيْهِۦٓۚ إِنَّهُمۡ كَانُواْ قَوۡمٗا فَٰسِقِينَ ٣٢
Insert your hand into the opening of your garment; it will come out white, without disease. And draw in your arm close to you [as prevention] from fear, for those are two proofs from your Lord to Pharaoh and his establishment. Indeed, they have been a people defiantly disobedient."
Allah then said to him: (Thrust thy hand into the bosom of thy robe) in your armpit, O Moses, (it will come forth white) shining like the rays of the sun (without hurt) without being afflicted with leprosy. (And guard thy heart) and put back your hand in your armpit after that (from fear) from the difference, if people get scared. (Then these shall be two proofs from your Lord unto Pharaoh and his chiefs: Lo! they are evil-living folk) disbelievers who caused corruption because of their state of idolatry.
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قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّي قَتَلۡتُ مِنۡهُمۡ نَفۡسٗا فَأَخَافُ أَن يَقۡتُلُونِ ٣٣
He said, "My Lord, indeed I killed from among them someone, and I fear they will kill me.
(He said) Moses said: (My Lord! Lo! I killed a man among them and I fear that they will kill me) in retaliation.
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وَأَخِي هَٰرُونُ هُوَ أَفۡصَحُ مِنِّي لِسَانٗا فَأَرۡسِلۡهُ مَعِيَ رِدۡءٗا يُصَدِّقُنِيٓۖ إِنِّيٓ أَخَافُ أَن يُكَذِّبُونِ ٣٤
And my brother Aaron is more fluent than me in tongue, so send him with me as support, verifying me. Indeed, I fear that they will deny me."
(My brother Aaron is more eloquent then me in speech) because Moses had a slight speech impediment. (Therefore send him with me as a helper to confirm me) to speak on my behalf and confirm my words. (Lo! I fear that they will give the lie to me) deny the message I bring to them.
28:35Page 389
قَالَ سَنَشُدُّ عَضُدَكَ بِأَخِيكَ وَنَجۡعَلُ لَكُمَا سُلۡطَٰنٗا فَلَا يَصِلُونَ إِلَيۡكُمَا بِـَٔايَٰتِنَآۚ أَنتُمَا وَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَكُمَا ٱلۡغَٰلِبُونَ ٣٥
[Allāh] said, "We will strengthen your arm through your brother and grant you both supremacy so they will not reach you. [It will be] through Our signs; you and those who follow you will be the predominant."
(He said) Allah said: (We will strengthen thine arm with thy brother) Aaron, (and We will give unto you both power) a proof and argument (so that they cannot reach you for Our portents) in order to kill you. (Ye twain, and those who follow you) by believing in you and the signs you bring, (will be the winners) against Pharaoh and his people.
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فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُم مُّوسَىٰ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا بَيِّنَٰتٖ قَالُواْ مَا هَٰذَآ إِلَّا سِحۡرٞ مُّفۡتَرٗى وَمَا سَمِعۡنَا بِهَٰذَا فِيٓ ءَابَآئِنَا ٱلۡأَوَّلِينَ ٣٦
But when Moses came to them with Our signs as clear evidences, they said, "This is not except invented magic, and we have not heard of this [religion] among our forefathers."
(But when Moses came unto them with Our clear tokens) the hand and the staff, (they said) O Moses: (This) which you have brought us (is naught but invented magic) a lie which you have invented. (We never heard of this) which you are saying (among our fathers of old) among our deceased forefathers.
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وَقَالَ مُوسَىٰ رَبِّيٓ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَن جَآءَ بِٱلۡهُدَىٰ مِنۡ عِندِهِۦ وَمَن تَكُونُ لَهُۥ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلدَّارِۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُفۡلِحُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ ٣٧
And Moses said, "My Lord is more knowing [than we or you] of who has come with guidance from Him and to whom will be succession in the home.1 Indeed, wrongdoers do not succeed."
(And Moses said: My Lord is best aware of him who bringeth guidance) who brings the message and the call for the profession of Allah's divine Oneness (from His presence, and whose will be the sequel of the Home (of bliss)) Paradise in the Hereafter. (Lo! wrong-doers) the idolaters (will not be successful) they will not be saved from Allah's chastisement.
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وَقَالَ فِرۡعَوۡنُ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلۡمَلَأُ مَا عَلِمۡتُ لَكُم مِّنۡ إِلَٰهٍ غَيۡرِي فَأَوۡقِدۡ لِي يَٰهَٰمَٰنُ عَلَى ٱلطِّينِ فَٱجۡعَل لِّي صَرۡحٗا لَّعَلِّيٓ أَطَّلِعُ إِلَىٰٓ إِلَٰهِ مُوسَىٰ وَإِنِّي لَأَظُنُّهُۥ مِنَ ٱلۡكَٰذِبِينَ ٣٨
And Pharaoh said, "O eminent ones, I have not known you to have a god other than me. Then ignite for me, O Hāmān, [a fire] upon the clay1 and make for me a tower that I may look at the God of Moses. And indeed, I do think he is among the liars."
(And Pharaoh said: O chiefs) O men of Egypt! (I know not that ye have a god other than me) therefore do not obey Moses, (so kindle for me (a fire), O Haman, to bake the mud; and set up for me a lofty tower in order that I may survey) I may climb up to (the God of Moses) whom he claims is in heaven and send him to me; (and lo! I deem him of the liars) there is no god in heaven.
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وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرَ هُوَ وَجُنُودُهُۥ فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ بِغَيۡرِ ٱلۡحَقِّ وَظَنُّوٓاْ أَنَّهُمۡ إِلَيۡنَا لَا يُرۡجَعُونَ ٣٩
And he was arrogant, he and his soldiers, in the land, without right, and they thought that they would not be returned to Us.
(And he and his hosts) the Copts (were haughty) too proud to accept faith (in the land) of Egypt (without right) to do so, (and deemed that they would never be brought back to Us) in the Hereafter.
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فَأَخَذۡنَٰهُ وَجُنُودَهُۥ فَنَبَذۡنَٰهُمۡ فِي ٱلۡيَمِّۖ فَٱنظُرۡ كَيۡفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ ٤٠
So We took him and his soldiers and threw them into the sea.1 So see how was the end of the wrongdoers.
(Therefore We seized him) i.e. Pharaoh, because of what he said initially, �I am your exalted lord�, and his other claim: �I know not that you have a god other than me� (and his hosts) the Coptic people, (and abandoned them unto the sea) and cast them in the sea. (Behold) O Muhammad (the nature of the consequence for evil-doers) how was the end of the idolaters: Pharaoh and his host!
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وَجَعَلۡنَٰهُمۡ أَئِمَّةٗ يَدۡعُونَ إِلَى ٱلنَّارِۖ وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ لَا يُنصَرُونَ ٤١
And We made them leaders1 inviting to the Fire, and on the Day of Resurrection they will not be helped.
(And We made them patterns) We forsook them (that invite unto) they were leaders to disbelief and error to (the Fire) to disbelief, idolatry and the worship of idols, (and on the Day of Resurrection they will not be helped) they will not be saved from the Fire.
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وَأَتۡبَعۡنَٰهُمۡ فِي هَٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا لَعۡنَةٗۖ وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ هُم مِّنَ ٱلۡمَقۡبُوحِينَ ٤٢
And We caused to overtake them in this world a curse, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be of the despised.1
(And We made a curse to follow them in this world) We destroyed them in this worldly life by drowning, (and on the Day of Resurrection they will be among the hateful) they will have gloomy faces and bluish eyes.
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وَلَقَدۡ ءَاتَيۡنَا مُوسَى ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَآ أَهۡلَكۡنَا ٱلۡقُرُونَ ٱلۡأُولَىٰ بَصَآئِرَ لِلنَّاسِ وَهُدٗى وَرَحۡمَةٗ لَّعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ ٤٣
And We gave Moses the Scripture, after We had destroyed the former generations, as enlightenment for the people and guidance and mercy that they might be reminded.
(And We verily gave the Scripture) i.e. the Torah (unto Moses after We had destroyed the generations of old) before Moses; (clear testimonies) a clarification (for mankind) for the Children of Israel, (and a guidance) from error (and a mercy) for those who believe in it, (that haply they might reflect) in order that they make take admonition and believe in it.
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وَمَا كُنتَ بِجَانِبِ ٱلۡغَرۡبِيِّ إِذۡ قَضَيۡنَآ إِلَىٰ مُوسَى ٱلۡأَمۡرَ وَمَا كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلشَّٰهِدِينَ ٤٤
And you, [O Muḥammad], were not on the western side [of the mount] when We revealed to Moses the command, and you were not among the witnesses [to that].
(And thou) O Muhammad (wast not on the western side (of the Mount) when We exposited unto Moses the commandment) when We commanded Moses to go to Pharaoh, (and thou wast not among those present) there;
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وَلَٰكِنَّآ أَنشَأۡنَا قُرُونٗا فَتَطَاوَلَ عَلَيۡهِمُ ٱلۡعُمُرُۚ وَمَا كُنتَ ثَاوِيٗا فِيٓ أَهۡلِ مَدۡيَنَ تَتۡلُواْ عَلَيۡهِمۡ ءَايَٰتِنَا وَلَٰكِنَّا كُنَّا مُرۡسِلِينَ ٤٥
But We produced [many] generations [after Moses], and prolonged was their duration.1 And you were not a resident among the people of Madyan, reciting to them Our verses, but We were senders [of this message].2
(But We brought forth) We created (generations) generation after generation, and explained the event of the former to the latter, just as We explained it to you, (and their lives dragged on for them) their lives were prolonged, and when they did not believe We destroyed them. (And thou wast not) O Muhammad (a dweller in Midian, reciting unto them Our revelations) reciting the Qur'an to your people, (but We kept sending (messengers to men)) to past generations and exposited to them the events of those who preceded them just as We explained the events of the people of old to you.
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وَمَا كُنتَ بِجَانِبِ ٱلطُّورِ إِذۡ نَادَيۡنَا وَلَٰكِن رَّحۡمَةٗ مِّن رَّبِّكَ لِتُنذِرَ قَوۡمٗا مَّآ أَتَىٰهُم مِّن نَّذِيرٖ مِّن قَبۡلِكَ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ ٤٦
And you were not at the side of the mount when We called [Moses] but [were sent] as a mercy from your Lord to warn a people to whom no warner had come before you that they might be reminded.
(And thou wast not beside the Mount) of Zubayr (when We did call) Moses; and it is also said this means: when We called your nation; (but) We taught you and sent you as (a mercy) a blessing and a favour (from thy Lord) for He sent Gabriel to you with the Qur'an containing the events of the people of old (that thou mayst warn) by means of the Qur'an (a folk unto whom no warner came before thee) no warning messenger came to the people of Quraysh before, (that haply they may give heed) that haply they may take admonition and, hence, believe.
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وَلَوۡلَآ أَن تُصِيبَهُم مُّصِيبَةُۢ بِمَا قَدَّمَتۡ أَيۡدِيهِمۡ فَيَقُولُواْ رَبَّنَا لَوۡلَآ أَرۡسَلۡتَ إِلَيۡنَا رَسُولٗا فَنَتَّبِعَ ءَايَٰتِكَ وَنَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ ٤٧
And if not that a disaster should strike them for what their hands put forth [of sins] and they would say, "Our Lord, why did You not send us a messenger so we could have followed Your verses and been among the believers?"...1
(Otherwise, if disaster should afflict them) if the chastisement of the Day of Judgement afflicted your people, the Quraysh, (because of that which their own hands have sent before (them)) because of what they had earned in their state of disbelief, (they might say) upon the coming of the torment of the Day of Judgement on them: (Our Lord!) O our Lord! (Why sentest Thou no messenger unto us) with a Scripture before You chastised us, (that we might have followed Your revelations) Your Scripture and Messenger (and been of the believers) in the Scripture and Messenger? If it were otherwise, We would have destroyed them before you, but We have sent them the Qur'an so that they do not have any excuse against Us.
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فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلۡحَقُّ مِنۡ عِندِنَا قَالُواْ لَوۡلَآ أُوتِيَ مِثۡلَ مَآ أُوتِيَ مُوسَىٰٓۚ أَوَلَمۡ يَكۡفُرُواْ بِمَآ أُوتِيَ مُوسَىٰ مِن قَبۡلُۖ قَالُواْ سِحۡرَانِ تَظَٰهَرَا وَقَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا بِكُلّٖ كَٰفِرُونَ ٤٨
But when the truth came to them from Us, they said, "Why was he not given like that which was given to Moses?" Did they not disbelieve in that which was given to Moses before? They said, "[They are but] two works of magic supporting each other,1 and indeed we are, in both, disbelievers."
(But when there came unto them the Truth) Muhammad (pbuh) with the Qur'an (from Our presence, they said) the disbelievers of Mecca said: (Why is he not) i.e. Muhammad (pbuh) (given the like of what was given unto Moses) i.e. the hand, the staff, the quails and honey as well as the Qur'an? (Did they not) i.e. the disbelievers of Mecca (disbelieve in that which was given unto Moses of old) i.e. the Torah before the coming of Muhammad (pbuh)? (They say) the disbelievers of Mecca say: (Two magics) i.e. the Qur'an and the Torah (that support each other; and they) the disbelievers of Mecca (say: Lo! in both we are disbelievers) we disbelieve in both the Qur'an and the Torah.
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قُلۡ فَأۡتُواْ بِكِتَٰبٖ مِّنۡ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ هُوَ أَهۡدَىٰ مِنۡهُمَآ أَتَّبِعۡهُ إِن كُنتُمۡ صَٰدِقِينَ ٤٩
Say, "Then bring a scripture from Allāh which is more guiding than either of them that I may follow it, if you should be truthful."
(Say) to them, O Muhammad: (Then bring a Scripture from the presence of Allah that giveth clearer guidance) more sound (than these two) the Qur'an and the Torah ((that) I may follow it) that I may act according to it, (if ye are truthful) that the Qur'an and Torah are two magics that support each other.
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فَإِن لَّمۡ يَسۡتَجِيبُواْ لَكَ فَٱعۡلَمۡ أَنَّمَا يَتَّبِعُونَ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡۚ وَمَنۡ أَضَلُّ مِمَّنِ ٱتَّبَعَ هَوَىٰهُ بِغَيۡرِ هُدٗى مِّنَ ٱللَّهِۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَهۡدِي ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ ٥٠
But if they do not respond to you - then know that they only follow their [own] desires. And who is more astray than one who follows his desire without guidance from Allāh? Indeed, Allāh does not guide the wrongdoing people.
When they could not bring a Scripture, Allah said: (And if they answer thee not) if the wrong-doers do not produce that which you have asked them, (then know that what they follow is their lusts) through disbelief, idolatry and idol worship. (And who goeth farther astray) from the Truth and guidance (than he who followeth his lust) through disbelief, idolatry, and idol worship (without guidance from Allah) without proof or exposition from Allah. (Lo! Allah guideth not) to His religion (wrong-doing folk) the idolaters: Abu Jahl and his host.
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۞ وَلَقَدۡ وَصَّلۡنَا لَهُمُ ٱلۡقَوۡلَ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ ٥١
And We have [repeatedly] conveyed to them the word [i.e., the Qur’ān] that they might be reminded.
(And now verily We have caused the Word to reach them) We explained to them the Qur'an and its message of divine Oneness, (that haply they may give heed) so that they may take admonition from the Qur'an and believe in it.
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ٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيۡنَٰهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ مِن قَبۡلِهِۦ هُم بِهِۦ يُؤۡمِنُونَ ٥٢
Those to whom We gave the Scripture before it - they1 are believers in it.
(Those unto whom We gave the Scripture) the knowledge of the Scripture (before it) before the advent of Muhammad, Allah bless him and give peace, i.e. 'Abdullah Ibn Salam and his followers who were about 40 men, some of whom came from Historic Syria and others from Yemen, (they believe in it) they believe in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an,
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وَإِذَا يُتۡلَىٰ عَلَيۡهِمۡ قَالُوٓاْ ءَامَنَّا بِهِۦٓ إِنَّهُ ٱلۡحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّنَآ إِنَّا كُنَّا مِن قَبۡلِهِۦ مُسۡلِمِينَ ٥٣
And when it is recited to them, they say, "We have believed in it; indeed, it is the truth from our Lord. Indeed we were, [even] before it, Muslims [i.e., submitting to Allāh]."
(And when it is recited unto them) and when the Qur'an is recited to them expositing the attributes and description of Muhammad (pbuh) (they say: We believe in it) we believe in Muhammad (pbuh) and in the Qur'an. (Lo! it is the Truth from our Lord. Lo! even before it) before the recitation of the Qur'an to us (we were of those who surrender (unto Him)) we were of those who believe in Muhammad (pbuh) and the Qur'an.
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أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ يُؤۡتَوۡنَ أَجۡرَهُم مَّرَّتَيۡنِ بِمَا صَبَرُواْ وَيَدۡرَءُونَ بِٱلۡحَسَنَةِ ٱلسَّيِّئَةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقۡنَٰهُمۡ يُنفِقُونَ ٥٤
Those will be given their reward twice for what they patiently endured and [because] they avert evil through good, and from what We have provided them they spend.
(These) those whose traits are thus (will be given their reward twice over, because they are steadfast) in the face of the harm and vilification coming from the disbelievers whenever they showed the attributes and description of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in their own Scriptures or embraced the religion of Muhammad (pbuh) (and repel evil with good) they repel idolatry from others by means of �there is no deity except Allah�, (and spend) and give to charity (of that wherewith We have provided them) of wealth,
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وَإِذَا سَمِعُواْ ٱللَّغۡوَ أَعۡرَضُواْ عَنۡهُ وَقَالُواْ لَنَآ أَعۡمَٰلُنَا وَلَكُمۡ أَعۡمَٰلُكُمۡ سَلَٰمٌ عَلَيۡكُمۡ لَا نَبۡتَغِي ٱلۡجَٰهِلِينَ ٥٥
And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, "For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you;1 we seek not the ignorant."
(And when they hear vanity) falsehood, i.e. being vilified by the disbelievers (they withdraw from it) in an honourable way (and say) kindly: (Unto us our works) the worship of Allah and the religion of Islam (and unto you your works) upon you is the onus of your works: the worship of idols, the religion of the devil and the association of partners with Allah. (Peace be unto you!) May Allah guide you! (We desire not the ignorant) we do not seek the religion of those who associate partners with Allah.
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إِنَّكَ لَا تَهۡدِي مَنۡ أَحۡبَبۡتَ وَلَٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَهۡدِي مَن يَشَآءُۚ وَهُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِٱلۡمُهۡتَدِينَ ٥٦
Indeed, [O Muḥammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allāh guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.
(Lo! thou) O Muhammad (guidest not) know not (whom thou lovest) i.e. whom you love to accept faith: i.e. Abu Talib, (but Allah guideth) He gives success and leads (whom He will) to His religion: Abu Bakr, 'Umar and their fellow believers. (And He is best aware of those who walk aright) to His religion.
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وَقَالُوٓاْ إِن نَّتَّبِعِ ٱلۡهُدَىٰ مَعَكَ نُتَخَطَّفۡ مِنۡ أَرۡضِنَآۚ أَوَلَمۡ نُمَكِّن لَّهُمۡ حَرَمًا ءَامِنٗا يُجۡبَىٰٓ إِلَيۡهِ ثَمَرَٰتُ كُلِّ شَيۡءٖ رِّزۡقٗا مِّن لَّدُنَّا وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكۡثَرَهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ ٥٧
And they [i.e., the Quraysh] say, "If we were to follow the guidance with you, we would be swept1 from our land." Have We not established for them a safe sanctuary to which are brought the fruits of all things as provision from Us? But most of them do not know.
(And they say) i.e. Harth Ibn 'Amr al-Nawfali and his host: (If we were to follow the Guidance) the confession of Allah's divine Oneness (with thee) O Muhammad (we should be torn out) expelled (of our land) Mecca. (Have We not established for them) We made them dwell in (a sure sanctuary) free of turmoil, (whereunto the produce of all things is brought (in trade), a provision from Our presence?) A sustenance for them from Us, so how am I to set the disbelievers on them if they were to believe? (But most of them know not) this nor believe in it.
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وَكَمۡ أَهۡلَكۡنَا مِن قَرۡيَةِۭ بَطِرَتۡ مَعِيشَتَهَاۖ فَتِلۡكَ مَسَٰكِنُهُمۡ لَمۡ تُسۡكَن مِّنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ إِلَّا قَلِيلٗاۖ وَكُنَّا نَحۡنُ ٱلۡوَٰرِثِينَ ٥٨
And how many a city have We destroyed that was insolent in its [way of] living, and those are their dwellings which have not been inhabited after them except briefly.1 And it is We who were the inheritors.
(And how many a community) how many inhabitants of a community (have We destroyed that was thankless for its means of livelihood! And yonder are their dwellings, which have not been inhabited after them) after their destruction (save a little) save some of them which are inhabited by travellers whereas most of them are in ruin. (And We, even We, were the inheritors) the owners of what they had owned and left behind after their destruction.
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وَمَا كَانَ رَبُّكَ مُهۡلِكَ ٱلۡقُرَىٰ حَتَّىٰ يَبۡعَثَ فِيٓ أُمِّهَا رَسُولٗا يَتۡلُواْ عَلَيۡهِمۡ ءَايَٰتِنَاۚ وَمَا كُنَّا مُهۡلِكِي ٱلۡقُرَىٰٓ إِلَّا وَأَهۡلُهَا ظَٰلِمُونَ ٥٩
And never would your Lord have destroyed the cities until He had sent to their mother [i.e., principal city] a messenger reciting to them Our verses. And We would not destroy the cities except while their people were wrongdoers.
(And never did thy Lord destroy the townships) the inhabitants of any township, (till He had raised up in their mother (-town)) their greatest town, i.e. Mecca; it is also said that this means: until He sends to their leaders and chiefs (a messenger reciting unto them Our revelations) explaining the commands and prohibitions. (And never did We destroy the townships) the inhabitants of any township (unless the folk thereof were evil-doers) idolaters.
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وَمَآ أُوتِيتُم مِّن شَيۡءٖ فَمَتَٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَزِينَتُهَاۚ وَمَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ خَيۡرٞ وَأَبۡقَىٰٓۚ أَفَلَا تَعۡقِلُونَ ٦٠
And whatever thing you [people] have been given - it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allāh is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?
(And whatsoever ye have been given) whatever you are given of wealth and servants, (is a comfort of the life of the world) is like the ornament of the life of the world: like pottery and glass (and an ornament thereof) and an embellishment, and the latter does not last forever; (and that which Allah hath) for Muhammad and his Companions in Paradise (is better and more lasting) than that which you have in the life of the world. (Have ye then no sense?) do you not possess sound thinking to realise that this worldly life is perishing while the Hereafter is lasting?
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أَفَمَن وَعَدۡنَٰهُ وَعۡدًا حَسَنٗا فَهُوَ لَٰقِيهِ كَمَن مَّتَّعۡنَٰهُ مَتَٰعَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا ثُمَّ هُوَ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ مِنَ ٱلۡمُحۡضَرِينَ ٦١
Then is he whom We have promised a good promise which he will meet [i.e., obtain] like he for whom We provided enjoyment of worldly life [but] then he is, on the Day of Resurrection, among those presented [for punishment in Hell]?
(Is he whom We have promised a fair promise) Paradise; the reference here is to Muhammad (pbuh) and his Companions; it is also said that the reference is to 'Uthman Ibn 'Affan (which he will find (true)) in the Hereafter (like him whom We suffer to enjoy awhile the comfort of the life of the world) like him whom We gave wealth and servants in the life of the world; the reference here is to Abu Jahl, (then on the Day of Resurrection he will be of those arraigned) of those who are tormented in hell?
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وَيَوۡمَ يُنَادِيهِمۡ فَيَقُولُ أَيۡنَ شُرَكَآءِيَ ٱلَّذِينَ كُنتُمۡ تَزۡعُمُونَ ٦٢
And [warn of] the Day He will call them and say, "Where are My 'partners' which you used to claim?"
(On the Day) which is the Day of Judgement (when He) i.e. Allah (will call unto them) Abu Jahl and his host (and say) and Allah, glorified is He, says: (Where are My partners whom you imagined) whom you worshipped and claimed they were my partners?
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قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ حَقَّ عَلَيۡهِمُ ٱلۡقَوۡلُ رَبَّنَا هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ ٱلَّذِينَ أَغۡوَيۡنَآ أَغۡوَيۡنَٰهُمۡ كَمَا غَوَيۡنَاۖ تَبَرَّأۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَۖ مَا كَانُوٓاْ إِيَّانَا يَعۡبُدُونَ ٦٣
Those upon whom the word1 will have come into effect will say, "Our Lord, these are the ones we led to error. We led them to error just as we were in error. We declare our disassociation [from them] to You. They did not used to worship [i.e., obey] us."2
(Those concerning whom the Word) of wrath and torment, i.e. the leaders, (will have come true) has been enjoined upon (will say: Our Lord!) O our Lord! (These) lowly people (are they whom we led astray) we led to error. (We led them astray) we misled them from the Truth and guidance (even as we ourselves were astray. We declare our innocence before You) we exonerate ourselves from them: (us they never worshipped) i.e. by our command.
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وَقِيلَ ٱدۡعُواْ شُرَكَآءَكُمۡ فَدَعَوۡهُمۡ فَلَمۡ يَسۡتَجِيبُواْ لَهُمۡ وَرَأَوُاْ ٱلۡعَذَابَۚ لَوۡ أَنَّهُمۡ كَانُواْ يَهۡتَدُونَ ٦٤
And it will be said, "Invoke your 'partners,'" and they will invoke them; but they will not respond to them, and they will see the punishment. If only they had followed guidance!
(And it will be said: Cry unto your (so called) partners (of Allah)) call upon your deities to save you from Allah's torment. (And they will cry unto them, and they will give no answer unto them) they will not respond in order to save them from Allah's chastisement, (and they) the leaders and their followers (will see the Doom. Ah, if they had but been guided!) they wished they followed the Truth and guidance in the life of the world.
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وَيَوۡمَ يُنَادِيهِمۡ فَيَقُولُ مَاذَآ أَجَبۡتُمُ ٱلۡمُرۡسَلِينَ ٦٥
And [mention] the Day He will call them and say, "What did you answer the messengers?"
(And on the Day) of Judgement (when He will call unto them) Allah will call unto the disbelievers (and say: What answer gave ye to the messengers) regarding that for which they invited you?
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فَعَمِيَتۡ عَلَيۡهِمُ ٱلۡأَنۢبَآءُ يَوۡمَئِذٖ فَهُمۡ لَا يَتَسَآءَلُونَ ٦٦
But the information1 will be unapparent to them that Day, so they will not [be able to] ask one another.
(On that day) the Day of Judgement ((all) tidings) the events and answer (will be dimmed) confused (for them, nor will they ask one of another) they will not answer one another,
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فَأَمَّا مَن تَابَ وَءَامَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَٰلِحٗا فَعَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُفۡلِحِينَ ٦٧
But as for one who had repented, believed, and done righteousness, it is expected [i.e., promised by Allāh] that he will be among the successful.
(But as for him who shall repent) from disbelief (and believe) in Allah (and do right) sincerely between him and his Lord, (he haply may be) �may be� in connection with Allah denotes a necessity (one of the successful) one of those saved from Allah's wrath and torment.
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وَرَبُّكَ يَخۡلُقُ مَا يَشَآءُ وَيَخۡتَارُۗ مَا كَانَ لَهُمُ ٱلۡخِيَرَةُۚ سُبۡحَٰنَ ٱللَّهِ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يُشۡرِكُونَ ٦٨
And your Lord creates what He wills and chooses; not for them was the choice. Exalted is Allāh and high above what they associate with Him.
(Thy Lord bringeth to pass what He willeth) as He wills (and chooseth) from His created beings those upon whom He bestows prophethood, i.e. Muhammad (pbuh). (They) the people of Mecca (have never any choice. Glorified be Allah) Allah sanctifies Himself (and exalted) and exonerates Himself (above all that they associate (with Him)) of idols!
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وَرَبُّكَ يَعۡلَمُ مَا تُكِنُّ صُدُورُهُمۡ وَمَا يُعۡلِنُونَ ٦٩
And your Lord knows what their breasts conceal and what they declare.
(And thy Lord knoweth what you breasts conceal) of hatred and enmity, (and what they publish) of transgressions.
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وَهُوَ ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۖ لَهُ ٱلۡحَمۡدُ فِي ٱلۡأُولَىٰ وَٱلۡأٓخِرَةِۖ وَلَهُ ٱلۡحُكۡمُ وَإِلَيۡهِ تُرۡجَعُونَ ٧٠
And He is Allāh; there is no deity except Him. To Him is [due all] praise in the first [life] and the Hereafter. And His is the [final] decision, and to Him you will be returned.
(And He is Allah; there is no god save Him) He has no son or partner. (His is all praise) all gratitude (in the former and the latter) upon the dwellers of the earth and the dwellers of heaven; it is also said that this means: praise, favour and beneficence is upon the inhabitants of the heaven and the earth, (and His is the command) judgement between them, (and unto Him ye will be brought back) after death.
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قُلۡ أَرَءَيۡتُمۡ إِن جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡكُمُ ٱلَّيۡلَ سَرۡمَدًا إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِ مَنۡ إِلَٰهٌ غَيۡرُ ٱللَّهِ يَأۡتِيكُم بِضِيَآءٍۚ أَفَلَا تَسۡمَعُونَ ٧١
Say, "Have you considered:1 if Allāh should make for you the night continuous until the Day of Resurrection, what deity other than Allāh could bring you light? Then will you not hear?"
(Say) O Muhammad, to the people of Mecca: (Have ye thought) what do you say, O disbelievers, (if Allah made night everlasting) everlastingly dark (for you till the Day of Resurrection) such that you see no day, (who is a god beside Allah) other than Allah (who could bring you light) of day? (Will ye not then hear) will you not obey He who made the day and the night for you?
Text: Quranic Universal Library (Tarteel), via spa5k/tafsir_api (MIT), at a fixed version. The ayahs: Quran Foundation. Sources and licences