Sūrat al-Ṣāffāt
سورۃ الصافات
Sūrat al-Ṣāffāt was revealed in Mecca. It contains 182 verses and 5 rukūʿāt.
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Bismillāhi l-Raḥmāni l-Raḥīm.
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.
وَالصَّافَّاتِ صَفًّا
wa-l-ṣāffāti ṣaffā.
"By those who stand in ranks." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:1)
Al-ṣāffāt — an oath by those who are arranged in ranks in the manner of soldiers. Ṣaffā — arranged in an orderly rank. This is an absolute object (mafʿūl muṭlaq). This verse refers to the infantry (piyāda fawj) and the cavalry.
Translation: "(By) the troops that are excellently arranged in ranks ready to fight the enemy."
فَالزَّاجِرَاتِ زَجْرًا
fa-l-zājirāti zajrā.
"Then those who drive away with a reproof." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:2)
Al-zājirāt — then those who pursue and rebuke; those who push forward the horses, spurring them on and driving them. Zajrā — with a driving command. This verse refers to the cavalry (sawār fawj) and the messengers.
Translation: "(Then by) the cavalry that snaps and drives at the enemy with excellent resolve."
فَالتَّالِيَاتِ ذِكْرًا
fa-l-tāliyāti dhikrā.
"Then those who recite the Reminder." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:3)
Al-tāliyāt — then by the reciters, those who recite. Dhikrā — the Remembrance, meaning the Qurʾān. Those who, when they are free from battle, remain occupied in the recitation of the speech of Allah.
Translation: "(Then by) those who recite (the Qurʾān) after they are free."
These ranks of well-arranged mujāhidīn and their devotion to recitation even in their moments of respite is a manifest sign of their God-fearing nature — and this verse bears testimony to this.
إِنَّ إِلَٰهَكُمْ لَوَاحِدٌ
inna ilāhakum la-wāḥid.
"Indeed, your God is One." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:4)
Inna ilāhakum — indeed, your deity, your worshipped One. La-wāḥidun — certainly One.
Translation: "Indeed, your God is One, most certainly One."
In these verses where jihad is of great importance, even greater importance is given here to the Qurʾān Sharīf and the Remembrance of Allah — for Muslims have two characteristics: they are soldiers at the time of need and remain engaged in the remembrance of Allah.
رَّبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا وَرَبُّ الْمَشَارِقِ
rabbu l-samāwāti wa-l-arḍi wa-mā baynahumā wa-rabbu l-mashāriq.
"Lord of the heavens and the earth and all between them, and Lord of the Easts." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:5)
Rabbu l-samāwāti wa-l-arḍi — He is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. Wa-mā baynahumā — and all that lies between them. He is the God of everything. Wa-rabbu l-mashāriqi — and He is the Lord of the East, and He is the Lord of the west. The point here is that the sun does not rise and set from one direction — it rises from the southeast, moving to the north-east until midsummer, and then descends to the southeast by midwinter. For this reason the word "mashāriq" (plural for "Easts") has been used.
Translation: "He is the Lord of the heavens and the earth and everything in between — and He is the God of every place where the sun rises."
إِنَّا زَيَّنَّا السَّمَاءَ الدُّنْيَا بِزِينَةٍ الْكَوَاكِبِ
innā zayyannā l-samāʾa l-dunyā bi-zīnati l-kawākib.
"Indeed, We have adorned the nearest heaven with the adornment of the stars." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:6)
Innā zayyannā l-samāʾa l-dunyā — indeed, We have without doubt adorned the nearest sky. Bi-zīnati l-kawākibi — with a great adornment — the adornment being the stars, meaning the stars that are the planets. It is apparent that all the stars are in the first sky and the sky beyond is non-material.
Translation: "Indeed, We adorned the nearby sky with the beauty of stars and gave it a magnificent adornment."
وَحِفْظًا مِّن كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ مَّارِدٍ
wa-ḥifẓan min kulli shayṭānin mārid.
"And as a protection against every rebellious devil." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:7)
Wa-ḥifẓan — and for the purpose of guarding and protection. Min kulli shayṭānin māridin — from every rebellious devil. This means that all these, some of the genuine devils and the devils among jinns and men who are the enemies of those who know Allah — they have been provided protection against their evil.
Translation: "And these (stars) protect against the evil of the rebellious Satan."
لَا يَسَّمَّعُونَ إِلَى الْمَلَإِ الْأَعْلَىٰ وَيُقْذَفُونَ مِن كُلِّ جَانِبٍ
lā yassāmmaʿūna ilā l-malaʾi l-aʿlā wa-yuqdhafūna min kulli jānib.
"They cannot listen to the higher assembly and they are pelted from every side." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:8)
Lā yassāmmaʿūna — they are unable to hear. Ilā l-malaʾi l-aʿlā — towards the higher assembly — the supreme assembly of angels. They are expelled from every side. Wa-yuqdhafūna — and they are hurled away and driven off. Min kulli jānibim — from every side. That is, nothing of what is happening in the higher realm is known to them — they are given no knowledge at all of it. They are expelled from every side completely.
Translation: "(On their intellects they are driven away) — they cannot hear anything of the higher assembly — and from every side they are driven off (stones are thrown at them)."
دُحُورًا وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ وَاصِبٌ
duḥūran wa-lahum ʿadhābun wāṣib.
"Driven away — and for them is a perpetual punishment." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:9)
Duḥūran — being driven and chased away. Wa-lahum ʿadhābun wāṣibun — and for them is a persistent, ceaseless punishment.
Translation: "(They are expelled) in order to drive them away — and for them is a continuous punishment."
إِلَّا مَنْ خَطِفَ الْخَطْفَةَ فَأَتْبَعَهُ شِهَابٌ ثَاقِبٌ
illā man khaṭifa l-khaṭfata fa-atbaʿahu shihābun thāqib.
"Except one who snatches a fragment — then he is pursued by a piercing flame." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:10)
Illā man khaṭifa l-khaṭfata — except for the one who snatches and steals some scrap of news. Fa-atbaʿahu shihābun thāqibun — and then a piercing, brilliant meteor pursues him from behind.
Translation: "But if something gets snatched away (something is stolen while fleeing), a brilliant flaming meteor comes after him and pursues him."
Esteemed readers, it is necessary to pay attention to these verses. The Greek philosophers, in ancient times, used to believe in a single sun and a single moon and a single star — and contemporary research has revealed that as many stars as are known to us, all of them revolve around the sun. But none of them is inhabited — every fixed place is an orb of the sun — and every orb of stars has its own fixed position on its own location, and a single orbit of the sun is inhabited. All of them, in the company of suns, revolve around them. Now who is the Lord of all the suns? It is He, Allah, other than whom no one knows — in His majesty He sits. The Greek philosophers used to try to force their intellects and their own minds to approach the higher assembly — they would say "ʿilm al-absiyya" (the science of Absolutes). And some among them based certain estimates on the heat of the sun and the lights of the stars — and they were sometimes right and sometimes wrong. The astronomers would observe the stars together and make certain estimates of their universe — but no one can set down a definitive ruling. The true knowledge is with Allah Most High alone — we have no need to interpret the Qurʾānic injunctions in the light of these speculations. Understand what you understand, and for what you do not understand, try further to understand — but no matter how much you think you have understood, know that you have not yet fully understood.
(Verse in Persian): Jang haftād wa du millat hama rāh-e-ʿudhur bih Chūn na dīdand ḥaqīqat rah-e-afsāna zadand.
"In all the seventy-two sects, the road of excuse is better — for since they did not see reality, they took to the path of fable."
Esteemed readers, all the stars and their proof are in the first sky — because in the Qurʾān Sharīf it says: "wa-laqad zayyannā l-samāʾa l-dunyā" — and these seven ʿAlawy planets (ajrām) are stars — all of them are material. We are not seekers of the malāʾ asfal (lower assembly) but rather of the malāʾ aʿlā (higher assembly) — we are seekers of the upper assembly, from which the angels say: "lā yaʿlamu junūda rabbika illā hū" — "none knows the hosts of your Lord save Him." Our purpose is nothing other than the higher assembly — for what we seek is that purpose.
(Persian verse): Wuh zan-o mākan az pak ast Bal hum wa gumān az pāk ast.
"He is pure of time and place — rather He is pure even of doubt and conjecture."
فَاسْتَفْتِهِمْ أَهُمْ أَشَدُّ خَلْقًا أَمْ مَّنْ خَلَقْنَا إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاهُم مِّن طِينٍ لَّازِبٍ
fa-staftihim a-hum ashaddu khalqan am man khalaqnā innā khalaqnāhum min ṭīnin lāzib.
"Then ask them: are they stronger in creation, or those We have created? Indeed, We created them from sticky clay." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:11)
Fa-staftihim — then ask them a little, inquire from them. A-hum ashaddu khalqan — are these people more difficult to create, or. Am man khalaqnā — or those We have created? Innā khalaqnāhum min ṭīnin lāzibin — We have certainly created them. What have We created them from? Min ṭīnin lāzibin — from sticky clay, from clay that clings, sticky — meaning moist, sticky, glutinous clay.
Translation: "(O Prophet ﷺ!) Then ask them a little: are they more difficult to create? (What have We created them from?) Indeed, We have created them from sticky moist clay."
بَلْ عَجِبْتَ وَيَسْخَرُونَ
bal ʿajibta wa-yaskharūn.
"But you marvel while they mock." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:12)
Bal ʿajibta — rather, you will be astonished by their clear statements. Wa-yaskharūna — and they will be filled with mockery, they will rise in disdain and they will jeer.
Translation: "(You will) be astonished (at their going not knowing clear things), and they will jeer and mock (at you)."
وَإِذَا ذُكِّرُوا لَا يَذْكُرُونَ
wa-idhā dhukkirū lā yadhkurūn.
"And when they are reminded, they do not take heed." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:13)
Wa-idhā dhukkirū — and when they are given excellent admonition. Lā yadhkurūna — they will not understand at all.
Translation: "And no matter how well they are admonished, they will never understand."
وَإِذَا رَأَوْا آيَةً يَسْتَسْخِرُونَ
wa-idhā raʾaw āyatan yastaskhirūn.
"And when they see a sign, they mock." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:14)
Wa-idhā raʾaw āyatan — and when they see any sign, any miracle. Yastaskhirūna — they mock even at it; they turn it into a sport, a joke, they make fun of it.
Translation: "And when they see any miracle (they too mock at it)."
وَقَالُوا إِنْ هَٰذَا إِلَّا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ
wa-qālū in hādhā illā siḥrun mubīn.
"And they say: 'This is nothing but clear magic.'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:15)
Wa-qālū — and they said, they declare. In hādhā illā siḥrun mubīnun — this is not anything — it is obvious and manifest magic. But O foolish ones! Can you know the reality of magic? For magic is not the Master's craft, it is just a human craft — a human being's rule is that when he sees something with superhuman power from outside he calls it magic.
Translation: "And these people say: this is surely just open magic."
أَإِذَا مِتْنَا وَكُنَّا تُرَابًا وَعِظَامًا أَإِنَّا لَمَبْعُوثُونَ
a-idhā mitnā wa-kunnā turāban wa-ʿiẓāman a-innā la-mabʿūthūn.
"When we are dead and have become dust and bones, will we truly be resurrected?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:16)
A-idhā mitnā — when we die, when death comes to us. Wa-kunnā turāban wa-ʿiẓāman — and when we become dust and earth, and our bones decay. A-innā la-mabʿūthūna — will we then be raised from our graves? Will there be resurrection?
Translation: "When we die and become dust and bones — will we really be raised from our graves?"
أَوَآبَاؤُنَا الْأَوَّلُونَ
a-wa-ābāʾunā l-awwalūn.
"And our forefathers of old?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:17)
A-wa-ābāʾunā l-awwalūna — and will our forefathers and ancestors also be raised alive? Those who have long passed into the ages before us.
Translation: "And will our ancient forefathers and ancestors also be raised?"
قُلْ نَعَمْ وَأَنتُمْ دَاخِرُونَ
qul naʿam wa-antum dākhirūn.
"Say: Yes, and you will be humiliated." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:18)
Qul naʿam — say: Yes! Indeed, without doubt, you will all be raised alive. Wa-antum dākhirūna — and at that time you will be in great degradation, you will be shamed and disgraced.
Translation: "(O Prophet ﷺ!) Say: Yes! And at that time you will be greatly disgraced."
فَإِنَّمَا هِيَ زَجْرَةٌ وَاحِدَةٌ فَإِذَا هُمْ يَنظُرُونَ
fa-innamā hiya zajratun wāḥidatun fa-idhā hum yanẓurūn.
"It will be only a single Blast — and then they will be looking on." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:19)
Fa-innamā hiya — then at that time there will be nothing more. Zajratun wāḥidatun — except one single Blast; there will be a single shout, a single jolt, a single cry. Fa-idhā hum yanẓurūna — and then they will all be looking on, they will be observing with their own eyes, they will come alive.
The first Blast will ring and all will die — then again another Blast will sound and all will rise from their graves. The first is the Blast of ṣaʿq (swoon) and the second is the nafkha thāniya (second blowing).
Translation: "Then at that moment there will be only one single mighty Blast — and people will be (raised alive and) looking on."
وَقَالُوا يَا وَيْلَنَا هَٰذَا يَوْمُ الدِّينِ
wa-qālū yā waylanā hādhā yawmu l-dīn.
"And they will say: 'Woe to us! This is the Day of Recompense!'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:20)
Wa-qālū — and they will cry out. Yā waylanā — woe to our misfortune! Hādhā yawmu l-dīni — this is the Day of Judgement! This is the Day of Requital — this is the Day of Judgement, this is the Day of Decision.
Translation: "And they will cry out: 'Alas for our misfortune! This is the Day of Recompense.'"
هَٰذَا يَوْمُ الْفَصْلِ الَّذِي كُنتُم بِهِ تُكَذِّبُونَ
hādhā yawmu l-faṣli lladhī kuntum bihi tukadhdhibūn.
"This is the Day of Distinction which you used to deny." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:21)
Hādhā yawmu l-faṣli — this is, without doubt, the Day of Separation. Alladhī kuntum bihi tukadhdhibūna — the one you used to belie — you used to mock and deny it, you used to refuse to believe it.
Translation: "This is, without doubt, the Day of Decision — the Day you used to belie (you refused to accept it)."
احْشُرُوا الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا وَأَزْوَاجَهُمْ وَمَا كَانُوا يَعْبُدُونَ
uḥshurū lladhīna ẓalamū wa-azwājahum wa-mā kānū yaʿbudūn.
"Gather together those who did wrong and their spouses and what they used to worship." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:22)
Uḥshurū — gather them all. Al-ladhīna ẓalamū — the wrongdoers, those who committed tyranny. Wa-azwājahum — and their wives. Wa-mā kānū yaʿbudūna — and whatever deities they used to worship.
Translation: "Gather together all those wrongdoers and their wives and also the deities they worshipped."
مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ فَاهْدُوهُمْ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطِ الْجَحِيمِ
min dūni llāhi fa-hdūhum ilā ṣirāṭi l-jaḥīm.
"Other than Allah — then guide them to the path of Hell!" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:23)
Min dūni llāhi — those deities that are other than Allah. Fa-hdūhum ilā ṣirāṭi l-jaḥīmi — then guide them, deliver them straight — the meaning of guidance here is to lead and direct. Ilā ṣirāṭi l-jaḥīm — towards the road of Jaḥīm, towards the path to Hell.
Translation: "(Gather all those deities and others who are other than Allah) and then lead them straight to the road of Hell."
وَقِفُوهُمْ إِنَّهُم مَّسْئُولُونَ
wa-qifūhum innahum masʾūlūn.
"And stop them — for they are to be questioned." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:24)
Wa-qifūhum — and stop them on the road, detain them. Wuqūfan — standing, stopping. Innahum masʾūlūna — for they are to be questioned; something will be asked of them.
Translation: "And stop them on the road — for they are to be questioned."
مَا لَكُمْ لَا تَنَاصَرُونَ
mā lakum lā tanāṣarūn.
"What is the matter with you — why do you not help one another?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:25)
Mā lakum — what has happened to you, what is the matter? Lā tanāṣarūna — why do you not help one another? — those who do not come to each other's aid. Those who had made great claims of mutual support — why now does no one come to help?
Translation: "What has happened to you, that you do not help each other at all?"
بَلْ هُمُ الْيَوْمَ مُسْتَسْلِمُونَ
bal humu l-yawma mustaslimuūn.
"But they, today, are surrendered." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:26)
Bal humu l-yawma — rather, today they. Mustaslimuūn — are fully obedient, neck-bowed and surrendered. They have surrendered themselves, they are ashamed and repentant. Now they are given whatever command — they have to obey.
Translation: "Rather they are full surrendered today (neck-bowed and ashamed)."
وَأَقْبَلَ بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ يَتَسَاءَلُونَ
wa-aqbala baʿḍuhum ʿalā baʿḍin yatasāʾalūn.
"And they turn to each other, questioning one another." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:27)
Wa-aqbala baʿḍuhum ʿalā baʿḍin — and some of them turn towards one another, facing one another. Yatasāʾalūna — they question one another, they ask.
Translation: "And some people begin to question others."
قَالُوا إِنَّكُمْ كُنتُمْ تَأْتُونَنَا عَنِ الْيَمِينِ
qālū innakum kuntum taʾtūnanā ʿani l-yamīn.
"They say: 'You used to come to us from the right side.'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:28)
Qālū innakum kuntum taʾtūnanā — they will say: you used to come to us. ʿAni l-yamīni — from the right side, always from the right direction. Your coming towards us was very forceful and powerful.
Translation: "They will say: 'You used to come to us from the right side (your coming was very powerful and dominant).'"
قَالُوا بَلْ لَّمْ تَكُونُوا مُؤْمِنِينَ
qālū bal lam takūnū muʾminīn.
"They will say: 'Rather, you were not believers.'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:29)
Qālū bal lam takūnū muʾminīna — they will say: no! You were not believers in the first place — you were not Muslims. Had you been believers your state of corruption would not have occurred. They had fine pots to collect from before — they used to take big strides.
Translation: "They will say: 'Rather, you were not Muslims at all from the outset.'"
وَمَا كَانَ لَنَا عَلَيْكُم مِّن سُلْطَانٍ بَلْ كُنتُمْ قَوْمًا طَاغِينَ
wa-mā kāna lanā ʿalaykum min sulṭānin bal kuntum qawman ṭāghīn.
"And we had no authority over you — rather, you were a transgressing people." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:30)
Wa-mā kāna lanā ʿalaykum min sulṭānin — and we had no authority over you, we had no domination over you. You used to follow us as we said. We did not forcibly impose ourselves. Bal kuntum qawman ṭāghīna — rather you yourselves were a people who had crossed all limits — greatly overreaching transgressors, fallen into tyranny.
Translation: "And we had no authority over you — rather you were people who had gone beyond all limits of rebellion."
فَحَقَّ عَلَيْنَا قَوْلُ رَبِّنَا إِنَّا لَذَائِقُونَ
fa-ḥaqqa ʿalaynā qawlu rabbinā innā la-dhāʾiqūn.
"So the word of our Lord has been fulfilled upon us — we are indeed going to taste it." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:31)
Fa-ḥaqqa ʿalaynā — so it has become established upon us. Qawlu rabbinā — the word of our Lord, His decree. Innā la-dhāʾiqūna — now we are certainly going to taste. We must savour our own punishment.
Translation: "Then the command of our Lord has been established — now we must taste it (His punishment)."
فَأَغْوَيْنَاكُمْ إِنَّا كُنَّا غَاوِينَ
fa-aghwaynākum innā kunnā ghāwīn.
"We led you astray — for we were indeed astray ourselves." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:32)
Fa-aghwaynākum — then we led you astray, we most certainly misled you. Innā kunnā ghāwīna — we were certainly astray — misguided, lost. We ourselves were on the wrong path, and we led you astray as well.
Translation: "(Then we led you astray) and we misled you — (but we did so because) we ourselves were astray (although Allah had given you intelligence, why did you heed us)."
فَإِنَّهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ فِي الْعَذَابِ مُشْتَرِكُونَ
fa-innahum yawmaʾidhim fī l-ʿadhābi mushtarikūn.
"So they, on that Day, will be sharers in the punishment." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:33)
Fa-innahum yawmaʾidhim fī l-ʿadhābi mushtarikūna — then all of them on that Day will be together in the punishment — they are sharers, there is no junior and no senior among them, no leader and no follower.
Translation: "And then all of them on that Day will remain sharers in the punishment."
إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَفْعَلُ بِالْمُجْرِمِينَ
innā kadhālika nafʿalu bi-l-mujrimīn.
"Indeed, it is thus We deal with the criminals." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:34)
Innā kadhālika naf ʿalu bi-l-mujrimīna — We certainly do this with the criminals. We deal with criminals exactly like this.
Translation: "We certainly do like this with criminals."
إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا إِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ
innahum kānū idhā qīla lahum lā ilāha illa llāhu yastakbirūn.
"Indeed, they were such that when it was said to them: 'There is no god but Allah,' they became arrogant." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:35)
Innahum kānū — indeed, they were these very people, without doubt. Idhā qīla lahum — when it was said to them. Lā ilāha illā llāhu — there is no god worthy of worship except Allah. Yastakbirūna — they became arrogant, they puffed up, they exalted themselves in pride, they took on airs of grandeur.
Translation: "Indeed, when these people were given the talqīn (exhortation) of lā ilāha illā llāh they would refuse it with arrogance."
وَيَقُولُونَ أَإِنَّا لَتَارِكُوا آلِهَتِنَا لِشَاعِرٍ مَّجْنُونٍ
wa-yaqūlūna a-innā la-tārikū ālihatinā li-shāʿirin majnūn.
"And they say: 'Shall we abandon our gods for a mad poet?'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:36)
Wa-yaqūlūna — and they say. A-innā la-tārikū ālihatinā — shall we abandon our own deities? Li-shāʿirin majnūnin — for a mad poet, on account of one who is a lunatic poet.
Translation: "And they say: shall we abandon our deities because of a mad poet?"
بَلْ جَاءَ بِالْحَقِّ وَصَدَّقَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ
bal jāʾa bi-l-ḥaqqi wa-ṣaddaqa l-mursalīn.
"Rather, he came with the truth and confirmed the Messengers." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:37)
Bal jāʾa bi-l-ḥaqqi — no! He is not a poet, he is not mad. He has come with truth. Wa-ṣaddaqa l-mursalīna — and the Prophets have declared Allah to be truthful.
Translation: "Rather, he came with the truth, and the Prophets have declared the truth of Allah."
إِنَّكُمْ لَذَائِقُو الْعَذَابِ الْأَلِيمِ
innakum la-dhāʾiqū l-ʿadhābi l-alīm.
"Indeed, you are going to taste the painful punishment." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:38)
Innakum la-dhāʾiqū — indeed you are certainly going to taste. The original form was min dhāʾiqūna — the nūn has been dropped as an addition. Al-ʿadhāba l-alīma — the painful punishment, the agonizing torment.
Translation: "Indeed, you will certainly taste the agonizing punishment."
وَمَا تُجْزَوْنَ إِلَّا مَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
wa-mā tujzawna illā mā kuntum taʿmalūn.
"And you will not be recompensed except for what you used to do." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:39)
Wa-mā tujzawna — and you will not be given recompense, you will not be punished. Illā mā kuntum taʿmalūna — except for the very deeds you used to do — for exactly those deeds, nothing more.
Translation: "And you will only be given the punishment that those deeds you were doing require."
إِلَّا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ الْمُخْلَصِينَ
illā ʿibāda llāhi l-mukhlaṣīn.
"Except the sincere servants of Allah." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:40)
Illā ʿibāda llāhi — except the servants of Allah. Al-mukhlaṣīna — those who are purely dedicated, the possessors of sincerity and devotion.
Translation: "From this punishment, only the pure and devoted servants of Allah are exempt."
أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ رِزْقٌ مَّعْلُومٌ
ulāʾika lahum rizqun maʿlūm.
"For those there is a known provision." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:41)
Ulāʾika lahum — for those people. Rizqun maʿlūmun — an appointed and fixed provision.
Translation: "For those people there is a fixed and appointed provision."
فَوَاكِهُ وَهُمْ مُّكْرَمُونَ
fawākihu wa-hum mukramūn.
"Fruits, and they are honoured." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:42)
Fawākihu — fruits — that is, provision of every variety and kind of fruit will be available. Wa-hum mukramūna — and they are honoured and esteemed, honoured with glory and dignity.
Translation: "Fruits, and they are honoured and dignified."
فِي جَنَّاتِ النَّعِيمِ
fī jannāti l-naʿīm.
"In Gardens of Bliss." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:43)
Fī jannātin — they will remain in gardens. Al-naʿīmi — of bliss, of blessings.
Translation: "They will dwell in the Gardens of Bliss."
عَلَىٰ سُرُرٍ مُّتَقَابِلِينَ
ʿalā sururin mutaqābilīn.
"On thrones, facing one another." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:44)
ʿAlā sururin — upon thrones. Mutaqābilīna — facing one another, face to face, meeting one another.
Translation: "(In Gardens of Paradise) upon thrones, they will sit face to face conversing."
يُطَافُ عَلَيْهِم بِكَأْسٍ مِّن مَّعِينٍ
yuṭāfu ʿalayhim bi-kaʾsin min maʿīn.
"Passed around among them is a cup of flowing wine." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:45)
Yuṭāfu ʿalayhim — circulated before them, brought round on trays. Bi-kaʾsin — a goblet, a glass. Min maʿīnin — of freely-flowing wine, from a flowing spring of pure drink.
Translation: "Before them will be circulated clean glasses (of drink)."
بَيْضَاءَ لَذَّةٍ لِّلشَّارِبِينَ
bayḍāʾa ladhdhatin li-l-shāribīn.
"White, a delight for those who drink." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:46)
Bayḍāʾa — those glasses will be white, bright and gleaming. Ladhdhatin li-l-shāribīna — extremely delightful and pleasing for those who drink.
Translation: "And those will be bright gleaming glasses, the most pleasant for those who drink."
لَا فِيهَا غَوْلٌ وَلَا هُمْ عَنْهَا يُنزَفُونَ
lā fīhā ghawlun wa-lā hum ʿanhā yunzafūn.
"No headache will be in it, nor will they be intoxicated by it." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:47)
Lā fīhā ghawlun — in its drinking, there will be no dizziness coming to the head, no headache. Wa-lā hum ʿanhā yunzafūna — and they will not lose their senses from it, they will not become drunk from it. Just as worldly drinking is — yanzifu means to behave in a foolish and wasteful manner.
Translation: "From this drink, neither will the head spin nor will any senseless drunkenness occur."
وَعِندَهُمْ قَاصِرَاتُ الطَّرْفِ عِينٌ
wa-ʿindahum qāṣirātu l-ṭarfi ʿīn.
"And with them will be wide-eyed women of restrained gaze." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:48)
Wa-ʿindahum — and with them in Paradise are women. Qāṣirātu l-ṭarfi — of downcast gaze, of lowered eyes — shy-eyed. ʿInun — very large eyes, big brilliant eyes.
Translation: "With the people of Paradise there are women of downcast gaze with large beautiful eyes."
كَأَنَّهُنَّ بَيْضٌ مَّكْنُونٌ
ka-annahunna bayḍun maknūn.
"As if they were hidden eggs." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:49)
Ka-annahunna — as if they are women. Bayḍun — eggs. Maknūnun — carefully preserved, hidden, concealed. The Arabs considered the color of ostrich eggs to be very beautiful and precious — maknūn means carefully protected and preserved.
Translation: "As if they are carefully preserved hidden eggs."
فَأَقْبَلَ بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ يَتَسَاءَلُونَ
fa-aqbala baʿḍuhum ʿalā baʿḍin yatasāʾalūn.
"Then some of them turn to others, asking questions." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:50)
Fa-aqbala baʿḍuhum ʿalā baʿḍin — then some of the people of Paradise turn towards others, facing each other. Yatasāʾalūna — they ask and inquire of one another.
Translation: "Then some (of the people of Paradise) turn towards one another, face to face conversing and inquiring."
قَالَ قَائِلٌ مِّنْهُمْ إِنِّي كَانَ لِي قَرِينٌ
qāla qāʾilun minhum innī kāna lī qarīn.
"One of them says: 'I had a companion.'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:51)
Qāla qāʾilun minhum — one of them says, a speaker from among them says. Innī kāna lī qarīnun — I had a companion, a close friend, a confidant and intimate.
Translation: "One of them says: 'Among us, there was one who used to say: I had a close companion.'"
يَقُولُ أَإِنَّكَ لَمِنَ الْمُصَدِّقِينَ
yaqūlu a-innaka la-mina l-muṣaddiqīn.
"He used to say: 'Are you really among those who confirm?'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:52)
Yaqūlu — he will ask even this. A-innaka la-mina l-muṣaddiqīna — surely you are among those who affirm the Day of Judgement? Are you really among those who confirm it?
Translation: "He used to say: 'Do you really affirm the Day of Judgement (do you accept it)?'"
أَإِذَا مِتْنَا وَكُنَّا تُرَابًا وَعِظَامًا أَإِنَّا لَمَدِينُونَ
a-idhā mitnā wa-kunnā turāban wa-ʿiẓāman a-innā la-madīnūn.
"When we are dead and become dust and bones — will we really be held to account?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:53)
A-idhā mitnā — when we die. Wa-kunnā turāban wa-ʿiẓāman — and when we have become dust and earth and bones. A-innā la-madīnūna — will we really be held accountable? Will we then remain deserving of punishment?
Translation: "When we die and become dust and bones — will we really deserve punishment?"
قَالَ هَلْ أَنتُمْ مُّطَّلِعُونَ
qāla hal antum muṭṭaliʿūn.
"He says: 'Will you look down?'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:54)
Qāla hal antum muṭṭaliʿūna — he will say: do you want to see? He wants to get their information. He wants to find out and show them.
Translation: "He will say: 'Do you want to find out?'"
فَاطَّلَعَ فَرَآهُ فِي سَوَاءِ الْجَحِيمِ
fa-ṭṭalaʿa fa-raʾāhu fī sawāʾi l-jaḥīm.
"So he looks down and sees him in the midst of Hell." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:55)
Fa-ṭṭalaʿa — then he cranes his neck and looks — he surveys. Fa-raʾāhu — and he catches sight of his companion. Fī sawāʾi l-jaḥīmi — in the very middle, in the heart of Hell.
Translation: "Then he cranes his neck and looks — and sees his companion in the very depths of Hell."
قَالَ تَاللَّهِ إِن كِدتَّ لَتُرْدِينِ
qāla ta-llāhi in kidtta la-turdīn.
"He says: 'By Allah, you nearly destroyed me!'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:56)
Qāla — he will say to his companion. Ta-llāhi — by Allah, I swear by Allah. In kidtta la-turdīna — you were very nearly about to destroy me — you were on the verge of ruining me. The original was la-turdīyunī — the yāʾ has been dropped as an addition.
Translation: "He will say: By Allah — you were nearly about to cast me into a pit (destroying me — you were quite ready to cast me down)."
وَلَوْلَا نِعْمَةُ رَبِّي لَكُنتُ مِنَ الْمُحْضَرِينَ
wa-lawlā niʿmatu rabbī la-kuntu mina l-muḥḍarīn.
"And had it not been for the grace of my Lord, I would have been among those brought forward." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:57)
Wa-lawlā niʿmatu rabbī — and had it not been for the mercy, the grace and beneficence of my Lord. La-kuntu mina l-muḥḍarīna — then I too would have been among those who were seized and brought — to those people who have been taken captive and brought to account.
Translation: "And if it had not been for the grace and mercy of my Lord, I would have been seized and brought to the Divine Court."
أَفَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَيِّتِينَ
a-fa-mā naḥnu bi-mayyitīn.
"Then will we not die?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:58)
A-fa-mā naḥnu bi-mayyitīna — then have we not died? Will we not die? Just as the ignorant and heedless deny the Resurrection — they also deny the events after death.
Translation: "Then will we not die again?"
إِلَّا مَوْتَتَنَا الْأُولَىٰ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمُعَذَّبِينَ
illā mawtatanā l-ūlā wa-mā naḥnu bi-muʿadhdhābīn.
"Except our first death — and we shall not be punished?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:59)
Illā mawtatanā l-ūlā — except only our first death — meaning they thought death came only once, the world has passed, we passed through it once. Wa-mā naḥnu bi-muʿadhdhābīna — and we are not deserving of punishment — and be mindful: there is no soul (rūḥ) that will be subjected to punishment; with every person their deeds stay attached.
Translation: "Except only our first death — and we are not deserving of any punishment."
Some people interpret by this verse that we will say: we will now go to Paradise once more — we will die only once more. And now we will not be subjected to any punishment.
إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ
inna hādhā la-huwa l-fawzu l-ʿaẓīm.
"Indeed, this is truly the greatest success." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:60)
Inna hādhā la-huwa l-fawzu l-ʿaẓīmu — without doubt, this is certainly the great and supreme success, the greatest achievement — the ultimate destination.
Translation: "This is truly the greatest success."
لِمِثْلِ هَٰذَا فَلْيَعْمَلِ الْعَامِلُونَ
li-mithli hādhā fa-l-yaʿmali l-ʿāmilūn.
"For the like of this, let those who work, work." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:61)
Li-mithli hādhā — for such success. Fa-l-yaʿmali l-ʿāmilūna — then the workers should work with effort — working for this very same day.
Translation: "Those who want such success should do good deeds."
أَذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ نُّزُلًا أَمْ شَجَرَةُ الزَّقُّومِ
a-dhālika khayrun nuzulan am shajaratu l-zaqqūm.
"Is that better as entertainment, or the tree of Zaqqūm?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:62)
A-dhālika khayrun — is that good, what a welcome it is. Nuzulan — a hospitality, a feast. Am shajaratu l-zaqqūmi — or the tree of Zaqqūm — the thorn-tree?
Translation: "Is this a good hospitality or the hospitality of the thorn-tree?"
إِنَّا جَعَلْنَاهَا فِتْنَةً لِّلظَّالِمِينَ
innā jaʿalnāhā fitnatan li-l-ẓālimīn.
"Indeed, We have made it a trial for the wrongdoers." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:63)
Innā jaʿalnāhā — We have certainly made this thorn-tree. Fitnatan li-l-ẓālimīna — a punishment and trial for the wrongdoers — a torment, an affliction.
Translation: "We have certainly made this (thorn-tree or thorn) a punishment and torment for the wrongdoers."
إِنَّهَا شَجَرَةٌ تَخْرُجُ فِي أَصْلِ الْجَحِيمِ
innahā shajaratun takhruju fī aṣli l-jaḥīm.
"Indeed, it is a tree that emerges from the base of the Hellfire." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:64)
Innahā shajaratun — it is without doubt a tree, certainly a tree. Takhruju — it comes out. Fī aṣli l-jaḥīmi — from the lowest depths of Hell.
Translation: "Without doubt it is a tree that emerges from the depths of Hell."
طَلْعُهَا كَأَنَّهُ رُءُوسُ الشَّيَاطِينِ
ṭalʿuhā ka-annahū ruʾūsu l-shayāṭīn.
"Its fruit is as if it were the heads of the devils." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:65)
Ṭalʿuhā — its blossom, its flower, its fruiting — and this is its fruit as it opens. Ka-annahū ruʾūsu l-shayāṭīni — as if it is the head of serpents. It seems that it is something like the heads of snakes — it is a tree of evil.
Translation: "Its flower is like a serpent's head."
فَإِنَّهُمْ لَآكِلُونَ مِنْهَا فَمَالِئُونَ مِنْهَا الْبُطُونَ
fa-innahum la-ākdilūna minhā fa-māliʾūna minhā l-buṭūn.
"For they will certainly eat from it and fill their bellies with it." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:66)
Fa-innahum la-ākilūna minhā — then those people will certainly be made to eat from it — they must certainly eat it. Fa-māliʾūna minhā l-buṭūna — and after eating from it, their belly will be filled to bursting.
Translation: "Then the people of Hell will be forced to eat it — filling their bellies to bursting."
ثُمَّ إِنَّ لَهُمْ عَلَيْهَا لَشَوْبًا مِّنْ حَمِيمٍ
thumma inna lahum ʿalayhā la-shawban min ḥamīm.
"Then indeed, for them upon it is a mixture of boiling water." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:67)
Thumma inna lahum — then for those people. ʿAlayhā — on top of this tree. La-shawban — is a hot pus-filled pus of Hell; the boiling pus. Min ḥamīmin — of boiling hot water.
Translation: "And then for those people there is boiling-hot scorching water upon it."
ثُمَّ إِنَّ مَرْجِعَهُمْ لَإِلَى الْجَحِيمِ
thumma inna marjiʿahum la-ilā l-jaḥīm.
"Then indeed, their return is to the Hellfire." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:68)
Thumma inna marjiʿahum — then certainly their return and abode. La-ilā l-jaḥīmi — is certainly towards Jaḥīm, the Hellfire. (This position warrants attention — the lām is for emphasis — do not use a lā here — this lām with the alif on it has the mark of a letter (X) — mark it and do not read it as waw.)
Translation: "Then their return is certainly to Hell."
إِنَّهُمْ أَلْفَوْا آبَاءَهُمْ ضَالِّينَ
innahum alfaw ābāʾahum ḍāllīn.
"Indeed, they found their forefathers astray." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:69)
Innahum alfaw — certainly they found their elders. Ābāʾahum — their forefathers and ancestors. Ḍāllīna — astray, on the wrong path, misguided — swerved from truth, fallen deep into misguidance.
Translation: "Without doubt they found their forefathers and ancestors to be misguided."
فَهُمْ عَلَىٰ آثَارِهِمْ يُهْرَعُونَ
fa-hum ʿalā āthārihim yuhrʿaūn.
"And they go racing after their footsteps." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:70)
Fa-hum ʿalā āthārihim — then these people follow step by step in their footsteps. Yuhrʿaūna — they run and hasten after them.
Translation: "And then these people go step by step following their footsteps."
وَلَقَدْ ضَلَّ قَبْلَهُمْ أَكْثَرُ الْأَوَّلِينَ
wa-laqad ḍalla qablahum aktharu l-awwalīn.
"And indeed, before them, most of the former peoples went astray." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:71)
Wa-laqad ḍalla — and before them misguidance has already occurred. Qablahum — before them. Aktharu l-awwalīna — most of the former peoples have already gone astray.
Translation: "And many people before them from earlier generations have already gone astray."
وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا فِيهِم مُّنذِرِينَ
wa-laqad arsalnā fīhim mundhirīn.
"And indeed, We sent among them warners." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:72)
Wa-laqad arsalnā — and We certainly sent. Fīhim — among them. Mundhirīna — those who warn, the Prophets.
Translation: "And We certainly sent among them those who warn (the Prophets)."
فَانظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الْمُنذَرِينَ
fa-nẓur kayfa kāna ʿāqibatu l-mundhirīn.
"Then observe what was the end of those who were warned." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:73)
Fa-nẓur — then look carefully O listener. Kayfa kāna — what was it. ʿĀqibatu l-mundhirīna — the final end of those who were warned — the conclusion of those people who were given warnings.
Translation: "Look! What was the final outcome of those who were warned?"
إِلَّا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ الْمُخْلَصِينَ
illā ʿibāda llāhi l-mukhlaṣīn.
"Except the sincere servants of Allah." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:74)
Illā ʿibāda llāhi — except the servants of Allah. Al-mukhlaṣīna — those who are pure and chosen, who are elect and selected.
Translation: "Except the chosen servants of Allah."
وَلَقَدْ نَادَانَا نُوحٌ فَلَنِعْمَ الْمُجِيبُونَ
wa-laqad nādānā nūḥun fa-la-niʿma l-mujībūn.
"And indeed, Nūḥ called upon Us — and how excellent were those who respond!" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:75)
Wa-laqad nādānā nūḥun — and certainly Nūḥ (upon him be peace) called upon Us, he cried to Us. Fa-la-niʿma l-mujībūna — how excellent is the response! We gave a very good answer — good are those who respond. We are always at his service, answering every prayer, replying to every supplication from the earth, so to speak, sky and earth alike all give answer.
Translation: "And We also answered Nūḥ (upon him be peace) when he called Us in a most excellent way."
وَنَجَّيْنَاهُ وَأَهْلَهُ مِنَ الْكَرْبِ الْعَظِيمِ
wa-najjaynāhu wa-ahlahū mina l-karbi l-ʿaẓīm.
"And We saved him and his family from the great distress." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:76)
Wa-najjaynāhu wa-ahlahū — and We gave Nūḥ and all those associated with him salvation. Mina l-karbi l-ʿaẓīmi — from a tremendous misfortune — a terrible calamity, an unbearable distress and affliction.
Translation: "And We gave salvation to him (Nūḥ) and those associated with him from a terrible calamity."
وَجَعَلْنَا ذُرِّيَّتَهُ هُمُ الْبَاقِينَ
wa-jaʿalnā dhurriyyatahū humu l-bāqīn.
"And We made his progeny the ones who remained." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:77)
Wa-jaʿalnā dhurriyyatahū — and We made it so that the offspring, the progeny of Nūḥ alone remained. Humu l-bāqīna — they are the ones who are remaining — that they are the survivors. (All the people of the world are his offspring — for this reason they call him the second Adam.)
Translation: "And We made only the offspring and progeny of Nūḥ to survive (all the people of the world are his progeny — for this reason they call him the second Adam)."
وَتَرَكْنَا عَلَيْهِ فِي الْآخِرِينَ
wa-taraknā ʿalayhi fī l-ākhirīn.
"And We left upon him a blessed mention among later peoples." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:78)
Wa-taraknā ʿalayhi — and We left upon him as well, keeping his name alive, or his people continued as offspring. Fī l-ākhirīna — among the later peoples — meaning the people who come after. He has remained in later peoples — peace be upon Nūḥ among all peoples.
Translation: "And We kept his name (as a blessed remembrance) among all later peoples."
سَلَامٌ عَلَىٰ نُوحٍ فِي الْعَالَمِينَ
salāmun ʿalā nūḥin fī l-ʿālamīn.
"Peace be upon Nūḥ among all the worlds." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:79)
Salāmun ʿalā nūḥin — peace upon Nūḥ (upon him be peace). Fī l-ʿālamīna — in all the worlds.
Translation: "Peace throughout the entire world is upon Nūḥ."
إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ
innā kadhālika najzī l-muḥsinīn.
"Indeed, it is thus We reward the doers of good." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:80)
Innā kadhālika — We certainly do exactly like this. Najzī l-muḥsinīna — We reward those who do good deeds well.
Translation: "We necessarily give such reward to the doers of good."
إِنَّهُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
innahū min ʿibādinā l-muʾminīn.
"Indeed, he was one of Our believing servants." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:81)
Innahū min ʿibādinā — he is certainly from Our servants, without doubt. Al-muʾminīna — the believers, the faithful.
Translation: "He was certainly from Our believing servants."
ثُمَّ أَغْرَقْنَا الْآخَرِينَ
thumma aghraqnā l-ākhirīn.
"Then We drowned the others." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:82)
Thumma aghraqnā — then We drowned. Al-ākhirīna — the others — the rest of them.
Translation: "And then We drowned all the others."
وَإِنَّ مِن شِيعَتِهِ لَإِبْرَاهِيمَ
wa-inna min shīʿatihi la-ibrāhīm.
"And indeed, from his followers was Ibrāhīm." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:83)
Wa-inna min shīʿatihi — and certainly Nūḥ's followers and those associated with him. La-ibrāhīmu — certainly Ibrāhīm (upon him be peace).
Translation: "And certainly Ibrāhīm also belongs to the same group as Nūḥ."
إِذْ جَاءَ رَبَّهُ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍ
idh jāʾa rabbahū bi-qalbin salīm.
"When he came to his Lord with a sound heart." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:84)
Idhā jāʾa rabbahū — when he came to his Lord, remember! When he was present before his Lord. Bi-qalbin salīmin — with a pure and sound heart — with a clean and correct heart.
Translation: "When he came before his Lord with a pure and sound heart."
إِذْ قَالَ لِأَبِيهِ وَقَوْمِهِ مَاذَا تَعْبُدُونَ
idh qāla li-abīhi wa-qawmihi mādhā taʿbudūn.
"When he said to his father and his people: 'What do you worship?'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:85)
Idh qāla — remember when Ibrāhīm (upon him be peace) said. Li-abīhi wa-qawmihi — to his father or his stepfather. Wa-qawmihi — and to his people and community. Mādhā taʿbudūna — what deity do you worship? What are you worshipping?
Translation: "When Ibrāhīm said to his father and his people: 'Whom do you worship?'"
Esteemed readers, the word "ab" (father) is also used for the stepfather. This is stated by Ḥaḍrat ʿAbbās (may Allah be pleased with him), the uncle of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ — he says hādhā min baqiyyati ābāʾī — meaning the stepfather maintained remaining. That is to say, Ḥaḍrat ﷺ said in praise of his ancestors: "wa-taqallubuka fī l-sājidīn" — you come through those who prostrate to God — meaning the Prophet ﷺ had come through lines of all who prostrated to Allah, and all the ancestors of Ḥaḍrat ﷺ were worshippers of Allah. Therefore Ḥaḍrat Ibrāhīm's father was a worshipper of Allah too — his name was not "Āzar" but rather his father's name.
أَإِفْكًا آلِهَةً دُونَ اللَّهِ تُرِيدُونَ
a-ifkan ālihatan dūna llāhi turīdūn.
"Do you desire false invented gods beside Allah?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:86)
A-ifkan — is it a fabrication, is it false? The idols he calls false. Ālihatan — gods, idols, fabricated deities. Dūna llāhi — leaving Allah aside. Turīdūna — you intend, you desire.
Translation: "In your hearts you are content with fabricated idols alone."
فَمَا ظَنُّكُم بِرَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
fa-mā ẓannukum bi-rabbi l-ʿālamīn.
"Then what is your opinion of the Lord of all the worlds?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:87)
Fa-mā ẓannukum — then what are your thoughts? What do you think? Bi-rabbi l-ʿālamīna — about the Lord of all the worlds?
Translation: "Then what thoughts do you hold about the Lord of all the worlds?"
فَنَظَرَ نَظْرَةً فِي النُّجُومِ
fa-naẓara naẓratan fī l-nujūm.
"And he looked a look into the stars." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:88)
Fa-naẓara naẓratan — then Ibrāhīm (upon him be peace) looked once with a glance. Fī l-nujūmi — towards the stars.
Translation: "Then Ibrāhīm looked once at the stars."
فَقَالَ إِنِّي سَقِيمٌ
fa-qāla innī saqīm.
"And he said: 'I am sick.'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:89)
Fa-qāla innī saqīmun — then he said: I am certainly sick — I am unwell. Be mindful of this — this is a matter of keeping in mind that no one can fall sick to keep away from millions. It is astonishing that Ḥaḍrat Ibrāhīm (upon him be peace) at this time said he was ill.
Translation: "Then Ibrāhīm said: I am sick at this time (and all the people went away without him)."
فَتَوَلَّوْا عَنْهُ مُدْبِرِينَ
fa-tawallau ʿanhu mudbirīn.
"So they turned away from him, retreating." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:90)
Fa-tawallau ʿanhu — then in short they left him and went away. Mudbirīna — turning their backs, retreating.
Translation: "(In short) they all left him (Ibrāhīm) and went away."
فَرَاغَ إِلَىٰ آلِهَتِهِمْ فَقَالَ أَلَا تَأْكُلُونَ
fa-rāgha ilā ālihatihim fa-qāla a-lā taʾkulūn.
"Then he turned stealthily to their gods and said: 'Will you not eat?'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:91)
Fa-rāgha — then he slipped quietly to them. Ilā ālihatihim — to their idols and deities, sneaking up to them, going silently and discreetly. Fa-qāla a-lā taʾkulūna — then he addressed the idols and asked: why do you not eat?
Translation: "Then he went stealthily to their idols and asked: 'Why don't you eat?'"
مَا لَكُمْ لَا تَنطِقُونَ
mā lakum lā tanṭiqūn.
"What is the matter with you that you do not speak?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:92)
Mā lakum — what is the matter with you, what has happened to you? Lā tanṭiqūna — you do not speak — nothing is spoken, what has happened to your logic?
Translation: "What is the matter — you say nothing?"
فَرَاغَ عَلَيْهِمْ ضَرْبًا بِالْيَمِينِ
fa-rāgha ʿalayhim ḍarban bi-l-yamīn.
"Then he fell upon them, striking with the right hand." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:93)
Fa-rāgha ʿalayhim — then he turned towards them. Ḍarban bi-l-yamīni — striking from the right hand — he began striking with the right hand.
Translation: "Then he began striking at them with his right hand."
فَأَقْبَلُوا إِلَيْهِ يَزِفُّونَ
fa-aqbalū ilayhi yaziffūn.
"Then they came towards him, rushing." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:94)
Fa-aqbalū ilayhi — then those people turned towards Ibrāhīm. Yaziffūna — they began running, they rushed and came. They hurried and stampeded.
Translation: "Then the people (of Ibrāhīm) came stampeding towards him."
قَالَ أَتَعْبُدُونَ مَا تَنْحِتُونَ
qāla a-taʿbudūna mā tanḥitūn.
"He said: 'Do you worship what you carve?'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:95)
Qāla — Ibrāhīm (upon him be peace) said. A-taʿbudūna mā tanḥitūna — do you worship what you yourselves carved — what you yourselves carved and chiseled? How absurd — your idols are a creation of your own hands — do you actually think these are your gods?
Translation: "He said: 'Do you worship the ones you yourselves carve — are these the creations of your own hands?'"
وَاللَّهُ خَلَقَكُمْ وَمَا تَعْمَلُونَ
wa-llāhu khalaqakum wa-mā taʿmalūn.
"And Allah created you and what you make." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:96)
Wa-llāhu khalaqakum — and Allah has created you. Wa-mā taʿmalūna — and all the deeds you do, not even a single action of your deeds can take place without the command of Allah.
Translation: "And in any case Allah created you and everything you do as well."
قَالُوا ابْنُوا لَهُ بُنْيَانًا فَأَلْقُوهُ فِي الْجَحِيمِ
qālū bnū lahū bunyānan fa-alqūhu fī l-jaḥīm.
"They said: 'Build a structure for him, then throw him into the blazing fire!'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:97)
Qālū — then those stubborn people and tyrants said. Ibnū lahū bunyānan — build a place for them, construct an enclosure. Fa-alqūhu fī l-jaḥīmi — then throw Ibrāhīm into it — throw him into the roaring flames. Watching the blazing fire.
Translation: "Those people said: 'Build an enclosure for them and then throw them into the blazing fire.'"
فَأَرَادُوا بِهِ كَيْدًا فَجَعَلْنَاهُمُ الْأَسْفَلِينَ
fa-arādū bihi kaydan fa-jaʿalnāhumu l-asfalīn.
"So they devised a plot against him, but We made them the lowest." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:98)
Fa-arādū bihi kaydan — then those people devised schemes and plots to destroy Ibrāhīm (upon him be peace). Fa-jaʿalnāhumu l-asfalīna — then We made them the lowest, We humiliated and defeated them.
Translation: "Then those people made plots against him (Ibrāhīm) — but We humiliated and defeated them."
وَقَالَ إِنِّي ذَاهِبٌ إِلَىٰ رَبِّي سَيَهْدِينِ
wa-qāla innī dhāhibun ilā rabbī sa-yahdīn.
"And he said: 'I am going to my Lord — He will guide me.'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:99)
Wa-qāla — and Ibrāhīm (upon him be peace) said. Innī dhāhibun — I am going, I am headed. Ilā rabbī — towards my Lord. Sa-yahdīni — He will guide me — He will show me the right way.
Translation: "And he said: I am going towards my Lord — He will guide me (He will show me the way — what shall I do now?)."
رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
rabbi hab lī mina l-ṣāliḥīn.
"My Lord, grant me a righteous child." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:100)
Rabbi hib lī — O my Lord, give me as a gift. Mina l-ṣāliḥīna — from the righteous — good people, both physical and spiritual offspring.
Translation: "(As a prayer) O my Lord, give me good children."
فَبَشَّرْنَاهُ بِغُلَامٍ حَلِيمٍ
fa-bashsharnāhu bi-ghulāmin ḥalīm.
"So We gave him the good news of a forbearing boy." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:101)
Fa-bashsharnāhu — then We gave good news to them. Bi-ghulāmin ḥalīmin — of a sensible, forbearing and gentle big lad — meaning Ismāʿīl (upon him be peace) was born.
Translation: "Then We gave him the good news of the birth of a forbearing and gentle lad."
فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ السَّعْيَ قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ إِنِّي أَرَىٰ فِي الْمَنَامِ أَنِّي أَذْبَحُكَ فَانظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَىٰ قَالَ يَا أَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ سَتَجِدُنِي إِن شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ
fa-lammā balagha maʿahu l-saʿya qāla yā bunayya innī arā fī l-manāmi annī adhbaḥuka fa-nẓur mādhā tarā qāla yā abati fʿal mā tuʾmaru sa-tajidunī in shāʾa llāhu mina l-ṣābirīn.
"And when he reached the age of working with him, he said: 'O my son, I see in a dream that I am sacrificing you — so see what you think.' He said: 'O my father, do what you have been commanded — you will find me, if Allah wills, among the patient.'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:102)
Fa-lammā balagha — then when he reached the age. Maʿahu l-saʿya — of walking with his father. Qāla yā bunayya — he said: O my dear son! Innī arā fī l-manāmi — I see in a dream. Annī adhbaḥuka — that I am slaughtering you. Fa-nẓur mādhā tarā — then think carefully, what is your opinion? Ismāʿīl (upon him be peace) said: yā abati fʿal mā tuʾmaru — Father! Proceed with what you have been commanded. Sa-tajidunī in shāʾa llāhu mina l-ṣābirīna — you will certainly find me, if Allah wishes, among the patient.
Translation: "Then when Ismāʿīl (upon him be peace) reached the age of walking with his father, (Ibrāhīm) said: My dear son! I saw in a dream that I am slaughtering you. Think carefully — what is your view? (Ismāʿīl) said: Father! Carry out what you have been commanded — if Allah wishes you will certainly find me patient."
فَلَمَّا أَسْلَمَا وَتَلَّهُ لِلْجَبِينِ
fa-lammā aslamā wa-tallahū li-l-jabīn.
"And when they had both submitted, and he had laid him down on his forehead." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:103)
Fa-lammā aslamā — then when both father and son submitted to the command of Allah and were ready for carrying it out. Wa-tallahū li-l-jabīni — and the father laid the son face down on his forehead (on the ground).
Translation: "Then when both submitted to the command and the son (the father) laid him (the son) flat on his forehead."
وَنَادَيْنَاهُ أَن يَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ
wa-nādaynāhu an yā ibrāhīm.
"And We called out to him: 'O Ibrāhīm!'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:104)
Wa-nādaynāhu — and We called out to them — how Allah ensures that His devout servants are never left to suffer loss. An yā ibrāhīmu — O Ibrāhīm!
Translation: "And We also called out to them: O Ibrāhīm!"
قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ الرُّءْيَا إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ
qad ṣaddaqta l-ruʾyā innā kadhālika najzī l-muḥsinīn.
"You have fulfilled the dream — indeed, it is thus We reward the doers of good." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:105)
Qad ṣaddaqta l-ruʾyā — you certainly fulfilled the dream — you actually did the sacrificing in the dream. You proved your vision was true. Innā kadhālika — We certainly do like this. Najzī l-muḥsinīna — We reward the doers of good well. We reward good people in this very way.
Translation: "You certainly fulfilled the dream truthfully — We give such reward to good people (We save them from affliction)."
إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ الْبَلَاءُ الْمُبِينُ
inna hādhā la-huwa l-balāʾu l-mubīn.
"Indeed, this was a clear trial." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:106)
Inna hādhā la-huwa l-balāʾu l-mubīnu — without doubt, this is certainly a manifest trial. It was an open trial, it had become apparent — it was an open trial for both father and son.
Translation: "Without doubt this was a clear and manifest trial."
وَفَدَيْنَاهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيمٍ
wa-fadaynāhu bi-dhbḥin ʿaẓīm.
"And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:107)
Wa-fadaynāhu — and We gave ransom for them, We substituted in their sacrifice. Bi-dhbḥin ʿaẓīmin — with a great sacrifice — a large fresh animal was brought for their sacrifice — a great ram, a lamb, the worthy sacrificial animal.
Translation: "And We gave them the ransom of a fresh large animal for their sacrifice."
وَتَرَكْنَا عَلَيْهِ فِي الْآخِرِينَ
wa-taraknā ʿalayhi fī l-ākhirīn.
"And We left upon him a blessed mention among later peoples." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:108)
Wa-taraknā ʿalayhi — and We left for them a blessed remembrance for later peoples. Fī l-ākhirīna — among the people who follow.
Translation: "And We kept their name (as a blessed remembrance) among all the later peoples (their memory of goodness was preserved)."
سَلَامٌ عَلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ
salāmun ʿalā ibrāhīm.
"Peace be upon Ibrāhīm." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:109)
Salāmun ʿalā ibrāhīma — peace upon Ibrāhīm (upon him be peace).
Translation: "Peace be upon Ibrāhīm."
كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ
kadhālika najzī l-muḥsinīn.
"Thus We reward the doers of good." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:110)
Kadhālika — in this way. Najzī l-muḥsinīna — We give reward to the doers of good.
Translation: "We give reward to the doers of good in this way."
إِنَّهُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
innahū min ʿibādinā l-muʾminīn.
"Indeed, he was of Our believing servants." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:111)
Innahū — certainly Ibrāhīm (upon him be peace). Min ʿibādinā l-muʾminīna — from Our believing servants, from Our faithful and trusted servants.
Translation: "Without doubt he was from Our believing servants."
وَبَشَّرْنَاهُ بِإِسْحَاقَ نَبِيًّا مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
wa-bashsharnāhu bi-isḥāqa nabiyyan mina l-ṣāliḥīn.
"And We gave him the glad tidings of Isḥāq — a Prophet from the righteous." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:112)
Wa-bashsharnāhu — and We also gave Ibrāhīm a second glad tiding. Ismāʿīl had already been born — bi-isḥāqa — of Isḥāq. Nabiyyan — as a Prophet, making him a Prophet. Mina l-ṣāliḥīna — from the righteous, from the doers of good.
Translation: "And We also gave him (Ibrāhīm) the good news of the birth of Isḥāq — making him a Prophet from the righteous."
وَبَارَكْنَا عَلَيْهِ وَعَلَىٰ إِسْحَاقَ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِهِمَا مُحْسِنٌ وَظَالِمٌ لِّنَفْسِهِ مُبِينٌ
wa-bāraknā ʿalayhi wa-ʿalā isḥāqa wa-min dhurriyyatihimā muḥsinun wa-ẓālimun li-nafsihi mubīn.
"And We blessed him and Isḥāq — and from their progeny are those who do good, and those who openly wrong themselves." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:113)
Wa-bāraknā ʿalayhi wa-ʿalā isḥāqa — and We gave blessing to them, to Ibrāhīm and Isḥāq (upon them be peace). Wa-min dhurriyyatihimā — and from their offspring. Muḥsinun — some are doers of good. Wa-ẓālimun li-nafsihi mubīnun — and some are apparent self-wrongdoers, obviously transgressing.
Translation: "And We gave blessing to them (Ibrāhīm) and Isḥāq and from their offspring some are doers of good and some are openly harming themselves."
وَلَقَدْ مَنَنَّا عَلَىٰ مُوسَىٰ وَهَارُونَ
wa-laqad manannā ʿalā mūsā wa-hārūn.
"And indeed, We bestowed favour upon Mūsā and Hārūn." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:114)
Wa-laqad manannā — and We have certainly bestowed favour and shown great generosity. ʿAlā mūsā wa-hārūna — upon Mūsā and Hārūn (upon them both be peace).
Translation: "We have certainly shown great favour upon Mūsā and Hārūn."
وَنَجَّيْنَاهُمَا وَقَوْمَهُمَا مِنَ الْكَرْبِ الْعَظِيمِ
wa-najjaynāhumā wa-qawmahumā mina l-karbi l-ʿaẓīm.
"And We saved both of them and their people from the tremendous distress." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:115)
Wa-najjaynāhumā — and We gave both of them salvation. Wa-qawmahumā — and also all their people. Mina l-karbi l-ʿaẓīmi — from a tremendous hardship and great distress.
Translation: "And We also gave salvation to them and their people from terrible hardship and distress."
وَنَصَرْنَاهُمْ فَكَانُوا هُمُ الْغَالِبِينَ
wa-naṣarnāhum fa-kānū humu l-ghālibīn.
"And We helped them, and they were the victorious." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:116)
Wa-naṣarnāhum — and We helped Mūsā and Hārūn and their people by giving victory and triumph. Fa-kānū humu l-ghālibīna — then they all came out victorious.
Translation: "And We gave them victory and triumph — and they all came out victorious."
وَآتَيْنَاهُمَا الْكِتَابَ الْمُسْتَبِينَ
wa-ātaynāhumā l-kitāba l-mustabīn.
"And We gave them both the clearly illuminating Book." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:117)
Wa-ātaynāhumā — and We gave them both. Al-kitāba l-mustabīna — the clear Book — meaning the Torah.
Translation: "And We gave them both the clear Book (i.e. the Torah)."
وَهَدَيْنَاهُمَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
wa-hadaynāhumā l-ṣirāṭa l-mustaqīm.
"And We guided both of them to the straight path." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:118)
Wa-hadaynāhumā — and We guided both of them. Al-ṣirāṭa l-mustaqīma — the straight path.
Translation: "And We also directed them both to the straight path."
وَتَرَكْنَا عَلَيْهِمَا فِي الْآخِرِينَ
wa-taraknā ʿalayhimā fī l-ākhirīn.
"And We left upon both of them a blessed mention among later peoples." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:119)
Wa-taraknā ʿalayhimā — and We left upon them both a blessed remembrance. Fī l-ākhirīna — among the later peoples. We kept the honoured name of both of them among later peoples.
Translation: "And We kept the honoured name of them both among all the later peoples."
سَلَامٌ عَلَىٰ مُوسَىٰ وَهَارُونَ
salāmun ʿalā mūsā wa-hārūn.
"Peace be upon Mūsā and Hārūn." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:120)
Salāmun ʿalā mūsā wa-hārūna — peace upon Mūsā and Hārūn (upon them both be peace).
Translation: "Peace be upon Mūsā and Hārūn."
إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ
innā kadhālika najzī l-muḥsinīn.
"Indeed, it is thus We reward the doers of good." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:121)
Innā kadhālika — certainly We in exactly this manner. Najzī l-muḥsinīna — reward the doers of good deeds.
Translation: "We certainly give such reward to the doers of good."
إِنَّهُمَا مِنْ عِبَادِنَا الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
innahumā min ʿibādinā l-muʾminīn.
"Indeed, they were both from Our believing servants." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:122)
Innahumā — certainly both of them, Mūsā and Hārūn (upon them be peace). Min ʿibādinā l-muʾminīna — from Our believing servants.
Translation: "Without doubt they were both from Our faithful believers."
وَإِنَّ إِلْيَاسَ لَمِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ
wa-inna ilyāsa la-mina l-mursalīn.
"And indeed, Ilyās was certainly of the Messengers." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:123)
Wa-inna ilyāsa — and certainly Ilyās (upon him be peace). La-mina l-mursalīna — is from the Messengers, from the Prophets.
Translation: "And certainly Ilyās (Elias) is from the Prophets."
إِذْ قَالَ لِقَوْمِهِ أَلَا تَتَّقُونَ
idh qāla li-qawmihi a-lā tattaqūn.
"When he said to his people: 'Will you not fear Allah?'" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:124)
Idh qāla li-qawmihi — when he said to his own people. A-lā tattaqūna — do you not fear Allah, do you not choose taqwā? Do you not fear Allah?
Translation: "When he said to his people: 'Why do you not fear Allah?'"
أَتَدْعُونَ بَعْلًا وَتَذَرُونَ أَحْسَنَ الْخَالِقِينَ
a-tadʿūna baʿlan wa-tadhharūna aḥsana l-khāliqīn.
"Do you call upon Baʿl and leave the best of creators?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:125)
A-tadʿūna — do you call upon, do you invoke? Baʿlan — Baʿl, an idol. Wa-tadhharūna — and you leave aside. Aḥsana l-khāliqīna — the best of creators, the best of all those who bring into being.
Translation: "Do you call upon the idol Baʿl and leave the Most Excellent Creator?"
Tafsīr-e-Ṣiddīqī by Bahrul Uloom Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui Rahmatullah Alaih, Volume 5.
اللَّهُ رَبُّكُمْ وَرَبُّ آبَائِكُمُ الْأَوَّلِينَ
Allāhu Rabbukum wa-Rabbu ābāʾikumu l-awwalīn.
"Allah is your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers of old." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:126)
Allāhu Rabbukum — Allah is your Lord; wa-Rabbu ābāʾikumu l-awwalīn — and the Lord of your ancestors who came before you. That is to say: you forsake Allah who is your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers of old.
فَكَذَّبُوهُ فَإِنَّهُمْ لَمُحْضَرُونَ
Fa-kadhdhabūhu fa-innahum la-muḥḍarūn.
"But they denied him, and so they will indeed be brought to account." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:127)
Fa-kadhdhabūhu — Then those people denied him (Ilyās, upon him be peace), and regarded his message as a lie. Fa-innahum la-muḥḍarūn — So they shall be seized and brought to the court of Allah, compelled and bound.
إِلَّا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ الْمُخْلَصِينَ
Illā ʿibāda llāhi l-mukhlaṣīn.
"Except the chosen servants of Allah." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:128)
Illā ʿibāda llāhi — all except the servants of Allah; al-mukhlaṣīn — those who are elected and chosen, the people of sincere devotion (ikhlāṣ).
وَتَرَكْنَا عَلَيْهِ فِي الْآخِرِينَ
Wa-taraknā ʿalayhi fī l-ākhirīn.
"And We left for him [a legacy of praise] among those who came after." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:129)
Wa-taraknā ʿalayhi — and We left his remembrance and name; fī l-ākhirīn — for those who came after him. That is: We preserved for Ilyās (upon him be peace) an honoured name for all subsequent generations.
سَلَامٌ عَلَى إِلْ يَاسِينَ
Salāmun ʿalā Il Yāsīn.
"Peace be upon Ilyāsīn (the followers of Ilyās)." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:130)
Salāmun — peace be; ʿalā Ilyāsīn — upon Ilyās and his followers and those connected to him.
إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ
Innā kadhālika najzī l-muḥsinīn.
"Indeed, thus do We reward the doers of good." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:131)
Innā kadhālika — indeed, in this very manner; najzī l-muḥsinīn — We recompense those who perform righteous deeds. That is: We most certainly reward those who do good in this very way.
إِنَّهُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
Innahu min ʿibādinā l-muʾminīn.
"Indeed, he was one of Our faithful servants." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:132)
Innahu — indeed he, meaning Ilyās (upon him be peace); min ʿibādinā l-muʾminīn — is from among Our believing servants, Our faithful bondsmen.
وَإِنَّ لُوطًا لَمِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ
Wa-inna Lūṭan la-mina l-mursalīn.
"And indeed Lūṭ was truly one of the Messengers." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:133)
Wa-inna Lūṭan — and indeed Lūṭ (upon him be peace); la-mina l-mursalīn — was assuredly among the Messengers, one of the sent Prophets.
إِذْ نَجَّيْنَاهُ وَأَهْلَهُ أَجْمَعِينَ
Idh najjaynāhu wa-ahlahu ajmaʿīn.
"When We delivered him and his entire household." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:134)
Idh najjaynāhu — when We granted him deliverance; wa-ahlahu ajmaʿīn — and all his household and dependants in their entirety.
إِلَّا عَجُوزًا فِي الْغَابِرِينَ
Illā ʿajūzan fī l-ghābirīn.
"Except an old woman who remained among those who stayed behind." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:135)
Illā ʿajūzan — except one old woman; fī l-ghābirīn — she remained among those left behind — that is, among those who stayed and perished.
ثُمَّ دَمَّرْنَا الْآخَرِينَ
Thumma dammarnā l-ākhirīn.
"Then We utterly destroyed the others." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:136)
Thumma dammarnā — then We annihilated and reduced to nothing; al-ākhirīn — the rest, the others. That is: We obliterated the others completely.
وَإِنَّكُمْ لَتَمُرُّونَ عَلَيْهِمْ مُصْبِحِينَ
Wa-innakum la-tamurrūna ʿalayhim muṣbiḥīn.
"And indeed you pass by their ruins in the morning." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:137)
Wa-innakum — and indeed you O people; la-tamurrūna ʿalayhim — most certainly pass by their ruins; muṣbiḥīn — in the morning hour. That is: you pass by those ruins in the morning.
وَبِاللَّيْلِ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ
Wa-bi-l-layli a-fa-lā taʿqilūn.
"And at night as well — do you then not reason?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:138)
Wa-bi-l-layli — and at night also; a-fa-lā taʿqilūn — will you then never reflect and employ your reason? That is: even at night you pass by their ruins — do you not even then take heed?
وَإِنَّ يُونُسَ لَمِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ
Wa-inna Yūnusa la-mina l-mursalīn.
"And indeed Yūnus was truly one of the Messengers." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:139)
Wa-inna Yūnusa — and indeed Yūnus (upon him be peace); la-mina l-mursalīn — was assuredly among the sent Messengers.
إِذْ أَبَقَ إِلَى الْفُلْكِ الْمَشْحُونِ
Idh abaqa ilā l-fulki l-mashḥūn.
"When he fled to the laden ship." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:140)
Idh abaqa — when he made his departure, hastening away; ilā l-fulki — towards the ship; al-mashḥūn — which was laden and full to capacity — that is, he went toward the fully laden vessel.
فَسَاهَمَ فَكَانَ مِنَ الْمُدْحَضِينَ
Fa-sāhama fa-kāna mina l-mudḥaḍīn.
"Then lots were cast and he was among those who lost." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:141)
Fa-sāhama — then lots were cast; fa-kāna mina l-mudḥaḍīn — and he (Yūnus) was among the ones vanquished and overcome, the lot having fallen against him.
فَالْتَقَمَهُ الْحُوتُ وَهُوَ مُلِيمٌ
Fa-ltaqamahu l-ḥūtu wa-huwa mulīm.
"Then the whale swallowed him, and he was blameworthy [in his own sight]." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:142)
Fa-ltaqamahu l-ḥūtu — then a great fish swallowed him whole, engulfing him; wa-huwa mulīmun — and he was in a state of self-reproach. That is: a large fish swallowed him and he found himself deserving of blame — blaming himself for departing without leave.
فَلَوْلَا أَنَّهُ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُسَبِّحِينَ
Fa-lawlā annahu kāna mina l-musabbiḥīn.
"And had he not been among those who exalt [Allah]." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:143)
Fa-lawlā — then if it were not; annahu kāna — that he was; mina l-musabbiḥīn — among those who glorify and exalt Allah. That is: had he not been among those who abundantly engage in tasbīḥ (glorification).
That is: had Yūnus (upon him be peace) not been in the habit of performing tasbīḥ — reciting lā ilāha illā Anta subḥānaka innī kuntu mina l-ẓālimīn — he would not have been forgiven.
لَلَبِثَ فِي بَطْنِهِ إِلَى يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ
La-labitha fī baṭnihi ilā yawmi yubʿathūn.
"He would have remained in its belly until the Day of Resurrection." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:144)
La-labitha fī baṭnihi — he would most certainly have remained in its belly; ilā yawmi yubʿathūn — until the Day when the dead are raised from their graves. That is: he would have stayed inside the fish until the Day of Resurrection.
فَنَبَذْنَاهُ بِالْعَرَاءِ وَهُوَ سَقِيمٌ
Fa-nabadhnāhu bi-l-ʿarāʾi wa-huwa saqīm.
"Then We cast him onto the open shore, and he was ill." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:145)
Fa-nabadhnāhu — then We cast him out; bi-l-ʿarāʾi — onto the open, bare plain, a place bare of vegetation, an open expanse; wa-huwa saqīmun — and he was at that moment ailing and weak. That is: We cast him out onto the open ground and he was ill and enfeebled.
وَأَنبَتْنَا عَلَيْهِ شَجَرَةً مِّن يَقْطِينٍ
Wa-anbatnā ʿalayhi shajaratan min yaqṭīn.
"And We caused to grow over him a plant of gourd." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:146)
Wa-anbatnā ʿalayhi — and We caused to grow upon him; shajaratan min yaqṭīnin — a tree of yaqṭīn, which is the gourd-vine (kadū). That is: We caused a gourd-plant to grow over him for his shelter and protection.
وَأَرْسَلْنَاهُ إِلَى مِائَةِ أَلْفٍ أَوْ يَزِيدُونَ
Wa-arsalnāhu ilā miʾati alfin aw yazīdūn.
"And We sent him to a people of one hundred thousand or more." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:147)
Wa-arsalnāhu — and We sent him, that is Yūnus (upon him be peace); ilā miʾati alfin — to a people numbering one hundred thousand; aw yazīdūn — or even more than that. That is: We sent him as a prophet to a people of one hundred thousand or even exceeding that number.
فَآمَنُوا فَمَتَّعْنَاهُمْ إِلَى حِينٍ
Fa-āmanū fa-mattaʿnāhum ilā ḥīn.
"So they believed, and We gave them enjoyment for a time." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:148)
Fa-āmanū — then they all believed and embraced faith; fa-mattaʿnāhum — so We gave them comfort and well-being, keeping them in ease and felicity; ilā ḥīnin — until an appointed time. That is: they all brought faith and We gave them provision and benefit for an appointed season.
The Story of the Prophet Yūnus (upon him be peace) — An Extended Commentary
My honoured readers (ṣāḥibō)! Some commentators have written that the Prophet Yūnus (upon him be peace) addressed his community, warning them: "Repent swiftly, otherwise the punishment of Allah will descend upon you." He waited for some time, but when no signs of punishment appeared, some of the simpletons among his community began to taunt and mock him. He then became grieved by his community. When he saw that no punishment was coming and the people of his community continued in their heedlessness and mockery, Yūnus (upon him be peace) departed, proceeding toward the seashore — for it had become clear to him that the punishment was indeed approaching. He left the community to their fate, went to the shore, boarded a ship, and set out to sea.
My honoured readers! Understand well that the movement of Yūnus (upon him be peace) is in reality a manifestation of his love and longing (maḥabbat wa-niyāz) for his Beloved. Beware of attributing any sin to a Prophet — every Prophet is innocent (maʿṣūm) and pure. He is the exemplar for his community and the model — to attribute any moral failing to a Prophet destroys the faith of a community in that Prophet.
After the ship had sailed some distance from shore, a great storm broke out and the ship began to be tossed about. It was the custom in those waters that when a storm descended and a slave was on board, they would throw the slave into the sea. Now lots were drawn to see who would be thrown, and the lot fell upon Yūnus (upon him be peace). He was therefore cast into the sea — and in the sea he found a great fish. The fish swallowed him. He was inside the belly of the fish, and there he began reciting: Lā ilāha illā Anta subḥānaka innī kuntu mina l-ẓālimīn — "There is no god but You, glory be to You, indeed I was among the wrongdoers." The Raḥmān had mercy upon him. The fish, after a short while, spat him out upon the shore. By this act the body of Yūnus (upon him be peace) had been affected — the skin of his blessed body was delicate, and when he emerged from the belly of the fish, his body was exposed and tender. For his recovery and the restoration of his health, Allah caused a gourd-plant (yaqṭīn) to grow for him — giving shelter to his blessed body. When his body had recovered, his skin had strengthened, and he had regained full health — then he returned to his people. When he arrived back, he found that all of them had accepted Islam and become Muslims, and they had repented from their earlier haste.
My honoured readers! The movement of Yūnus (upon him be peace) is in truth the secret of the beloved one, the mystery of love and of need for the Beloved. Be wary of attributing even a figurative sin to him — every Prophet is pure and innocent of sin. He is the model and exemplar for his community; to attribute moral failings to a Prophet is an act of impudence (sūʾ al-adab) that destroys a community's faith.
فَاسْتَفْتِهِمْ أَلِرَبِّكَ الْبَنَاتُ وَلَهُمُ الْبَنُونَ
Fa-staftihim a-li-Rabbika l-banātu wa-lahumu l-banūn.
"So ask them: are daughters for your Lord while sons are for them?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:149)
Fa-staftihim — so ask them, seek their verdict; a-li-Rabbika l-banātu — are daughters for your Lord? Wa-lahumu l-banūn — while sons are theirs? That is: ask them — they attribute daughters to Allah and claim sons for themselves; this is a deeply shameful and disgraceful claim.
أَمْ خَلَقْنَا الْمَلَائِكَةَ إِنَاثًا وَهُمْ شَاهِدُونَ
Am khalaqnā l-malāʾikata ināthān wa-hum shāhidūn.
"Or did We create the angels as females while they were witnesses?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:150)
Am khalaqnā — or did We create? al-malāʾikata — the angels; ināthān — as females, as daughters; wa-hum shāhidūn — and they were there observing? That is: did We create the angels as females — daughters — and were they present and witnessing this creation?
— and they were present looking on?
Translation: — Did We create females from the angels and were they present witnessing?
أَلَا إِنَّهُمْ مِنْ إِفْكِهِمْ لَيَقُولُونَ وَلَدَ اللَّهُ وَإِنَّهُمْ لَكَاذِبُونَ
Alā innahum min ifkihim la-yaqūlūn. Walada llāhu wa-innahum la-kādhibūn.
"Behold! It is from their own fabrication that they say: Allah has begotten — and indeed they are liars." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:151–152)
Alā innahum — indeed, without doubt, these people; min ifkihim — from their own fabrication and falsehood; it is their invented lie, the perversion of their own hearts and minds. La-yaqūlūn — they say it: walada llāhu — that Allah has begotten offspring. Wa-innahum la-kādhibūna — and indeed, without any doubt, these people are utter liars.
Translation: — Indeed, that which they say is falsehood — that Allah has begotten — and they are utterly without doubt liars.
أَصْطَفَى الْبَنَاتِ عَلَى الْبَنِينَ
Aṣṭafā l-banāti ʿalā l-banīn.
"Has He chosen daughters over sons?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:153)
Aṣṭafā l-banāti — has He chosen daughters, preferring them; ʿalā l-banīna — over sons? That is: has Allah preferred and chosen daughters over sons? (A rhetorical indictment of their absurd claim.)
مَا لَكُمْ كَيْفَ تَحْكُمُونَ
Mā lakum kayfa taḥkumūn.
"What is the matter with you — how do you judge?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:154)
Mā lakum — what has come over you? Kayfa taḥkumūna — how do you render such a judgment? What basis do you have for this? How do you issue such a ruling — what evidence leads you to such a false conclusion?
Translation: — What has happened to you — how do you pass judgments?
أَفَلَا تَذَكَّرُونَ
Afa-lā tadhakkarūn.
"Do you then not reflect?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:155)
Afa-lā tadhakkarūna — do you then never reflect and ponder? Do you not take any thought? Do you not consider even a little?
Translation: — Do you not reflect upon anything?
أَمْ لَكُمْ سُلْطَانٌ مُّبِينٌ
Am lakum sulṭānun mubīn.
"Or do you have a clear authority [for this claim]?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:156)
Am lakum — or do you have? Sulṭānun mubīnun — a clear authority, some evident proof, a strong document, or some conclusive argument?
Translation: — Or do you have any strong proof or convincing evidence?
فَأْتُوا بِكِتَابِكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ
Fa'tū bi-kitābikum in kuntum ṣādiqīn.
"Then bring your scripture, if you are truthful." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:157)
Fa'tū bi-kitābikum — then bring your scripture, produce your book — where does it say this? In kuntum ṣādiqīna — if you are truthful. That is: produce your scripture and indicate to us where this is found (if you are telling the truth).
Translation: — Then bring your book (and show where it says this) if you are truthful.
وَجَعَلُوا بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَ الْجِنَّةِ نَسَبًا وَلَقَدْ عَلِمَتِ الْجِنَّةُ إِنَّهُمْ لَمُحْضَرُونَ
Wa-jaʿalū baynahu wa-bayna l-jinnati nasaban wa-laqad ʿalimat al-jinnatu innahum la-muḥḍarūn.
"And they have established a kinship between Him and the jinn — yet the jinn themselves know well that they will indeed be brought to judgment." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:158)
Wa-jaʿalū — and they have fixed and affirmed; baynahu — between Him, that is, between Allah; wa-bayna l-jinnati — and between the jinn; nasaban — a relationship, a kinship, a connection. Yet wa-laqad ʿalimat al-jinnatu — and the jinn most certainly know well; innahum la-muḥḍarūna — that they themselves will assuredly be brought and presented for judgment.
Translation: — And they have established kinship between Allah and the jinn — while the jinn know well that they shall certainly be brought to account.
سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ
Subḥāna llāhi ʿammā yaṣifūn.
"Exalted is Allah above what they attribute to Him." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:159)
Subḥāna llāhi — Allah is pure and exalted; ʿammā yaṣifūna — above the attributes that these people ascribe to Him. That is: Allah is utterly transcendent and above the descriptions that these people assign to Him.
Translation: — Allah is pure of and exalted above the attributes they attribute to Him.
إِلَّا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ الْمُخْلَصِينَ
Illā ʿibāda llāhi l-mukhlaṣīn.
"Except the chosen servants of Allah." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:160)
Illā ʿibāda llāhi — all except the servants of Allah; al-mukhlaṣīna — those elected and chosen, who have been selected for the special proximity of Allah. That is: save those servants of Allah who are chosen and selected.
Translation: — But the chosen servants of Allah are excepted.
فَإِنَّكُمْ وَمَا تَعْبُدُونَ
Fa-innakum wa-mā taʿbudūn.
"Indeed, you and what you worship." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:161)
Fa-innakum — indeed you; wa-mā taʿbudūna — and all those idols and objects that you worship. That is: you and all your objects of worship.
Translation: — And you and all your objects of worship.
مَا أَنتُمْ عَلَيْهِ بِفَاتِنِينَ
Mā antum ʿalayhi bi-fātinīn.
"You cannot lead anyone against Him into temptation." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:162)
Mā antum — you are not; ʿalayhi — against Him, against Allah; bi-fātinīna — those who can lead astray or beguile. That is: you cannot mislead anyone from Allah's path against His will.
Translation: — You cannot lead anyone astray from Allah.
إِلَّا مَنْ هُوَ صَالِ الْجَحِيمِ
Illā man huwa ṣāl al-jaḥīm.
"Except he who is destined to enter the Hellfire." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:163)
Illā man huwa — save he who; ṣāl al-jaḥīmi — is destined to enter the Hellfire, one who is consigned to it. That is: save the one who is destined for Hell — and that one may well be led astray.
Translation: — Except the one who is consigned to Hellfire (he may be misled).
وَمَا مِنَّا إِلَّا لَهُ مَقَامٌ مَّعْلُومٌ
Wa-mā minnā illā lahu maqāmun maʿlūm.
"And there is none among us but has a known station." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:164)
Wa-mā minnā — (the angels say) and there is none among us; illā lahu maqāmun maʿlūmun — but that he has an appointed station, a known degree and rank. That is: every one of us angels has a designated place and grade.
Translation: — And there is none of us but he has an appointed rank and station.
وَإِنَّا لَنَحْنُ الصَّافُّونَ
Wa-innā la-naḥnu l-ṣāffūn.
"And indeed it is we who stand arrayed in rows." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:165)
Wa-innā la-naḥnu — and indeed we; al-ṣāffūna — are the ones who stand in ranks, bound in formation. That is: we stand in the court of Allah in perfect, ordered rows.
Translation: — And indeed we (in the divine court) stand in ordered ranks.
وَإِنَّا لَنَحْنُ الْمُسَبِّحُونَ
Wa-innā la-naḥnu l-musabbiḥūn.
"And indeed it is we who glorify [Allah]." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:166)
Wa-innā la-naḥnu — and indeed we; al-musabbiḥūna — are the ones who engage in glorification (tasbīḥ), proclaiming the purity of Allah and declaring Him exalted above all deficiency. That is: indeed we are the ones who glorify Allah, pronouncing Him free of all imperfection.
Translation: — And indeed we are the ones who glorify Allah and proclaim His purity.
وَإِن كَانُوا لَيَقُولُونَ
Wa-in kānū la-yaqūlūn.
"And indeed they used to say." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:167)
Wa-in kānū — and indeed those people were; la-yaqūlūna — surely saying, persistently asserting. That is: those people indeed said.
Translation: — And those people certainly used to say.
لَوْ أَنَّ عِندَنَا ذِكْرًا مِّنَ الْأَوَّلِينَ
Law anna ʿindanā dhikran mina l-awwalīn.
"If only we had a reminder from the people of old." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:168)
Law anna ʿindanā — if there were with us; dhikran — a reminder, a scripture, a record; mina l-awwalīna — from the earlier peoples. That is: if only we had some book of counsel in the manner of former peoples.
Translation: — If we had some scripture of the kind that the former peoples had.
لَكُنَّا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ الْمُخْلَصِينَ
La-kunnā ʿibāda llāhi l-mukhlaṣīn.
"We would have been among the chosen servants of Allah." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:169)
La-kunnā — then we would have been; ʿibāda llāhi — servants of Allah; al-mukhlaṣīna — the elected and chosen ones, the selected and purified. That is: we would also have been among the chosen servants of Allah.
Translation: — We would also have been among the chosen servants of Allah.
فَكَفَرُوا بِهِ فَسَوْفَ يَعْلَمُونَ
Fa-kafarū bihi fa-sawfa yaʿlamūn.
"But they disbelieved in it — so they shall soon come to know." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:170)
Fa-kafarū bihi — then those people denied it, rejected the Qur'an and refused to acknowledge its truth; fa-sawfa yaʿlamūna — so very soon they shall know, and the outcome will become clear to them. That is: they denied it — they will soon find out what the consequence is.
Translation: — Then they denied it — they will soon come to know (the outcome).
وَلَقَدْ سَبَقَتْ كَلِمَتُنَا لِعِبَادِنَا الْمُرْسَلِينَ
Wa-laqad sabaqat kalimatunā li-ʿibādinā l-mursalīn.
"And Our word had already gone forth to Our servants, the Messengers." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:171)
Wa-laqad sabaqat kalimatunā — and Our word had already been given and decreed before this; li-ʿibādinā l-mursalīna — for Our servants, those sent as Prophets and Messengers.
Translation: — And We had already given Our word to Our special servants who are Prophets.
إِنَّهُمْ لَهُمُ الْمَنصُورُونَ
Innahum la-humu l-manṣūrūn.
"Indeed it is they who shall be aided and victorious." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:172)
Innahum — indeed those people; la-humu l-manṣūrūna — are assuredly the ones aided, the ones who have been given victory, the successful and the helped.
Translation: — Indeed these are the people of success, victory, and divine help.
وَإِنَّ جُندَنَا لَهُمُ الْغَالِبُونَ
Wa-inna jundanā la-humu l-ghālibūn.
"And indeed Our host — it is they who shall prevail." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:173)
Wa-inna jundanā — and indeed Our army, Our soldiers; la-humu l-ghālibūna — it is assuredly they who shall be the victorious ones — jund here signifies a gathered company of soldiers.
Translation: — And indeed Our army will certainly be the one that prevails.
فَتَوَلَّ عَنْهُمْ حَتَّىٰ حِينٍ
Fa-tawalla ʿanhum ḥattā ḥīn.
"So turn away from them for a time." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:174)
Fa-tawalla ʿanhum — so turn aside from them, disregard their futile talk, do not be grieved by them; ḥattā ḥīnin — until a time — for a while, a period, a little while.
Translation: — So for now be undisturbed by them (pay no regard to them and do not grieve them).
وَأَبْصِرْهُمْ فَسَوْفَ يُبْصِرُونَ
Wa-abṣirhum fa-sawfa yubṣirūn.
"And watch them — for they shall soon see." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:175)
Wa-abṣirhum — and keep watching them; fa-sawfa yubṣirūna — for they shall very soon see and witness what is to come.
Translation: — And watch them — they too shall see what comes (what will happen).
أَفَبِعَذَابِنَا يَسْتَعْجِلُونَ
Afa-bi-ʿadhābinā yastaʿjilūn.
"Do they seek to hasten Our punishment?" (al-Ṣāffāt 37:176)
Afa-bi-ʿadhābinā — are they in haste for Our punishment? Yastaʿjilūna — they seek to hurry it, they demand it urgently? That is: are these people in a rush to receive Our punishment?
Translation: — Are they in a hurry to receive Our punishment?
فَإِذَا نَزَلَ بِسَاحَتِهِمْ فَسَاءَ صَبَاحُ الْمُنذَرِينَ
Fa-idhā nazala bi-sāḥatihim fa-sāʾa ṣabāḥu l-mundhirīn.
"So when it descends into their courtyard, grievous shall be the morning of those who were warned." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:177)
Fa-idhā nazala bi-sāḥatihim — then when Our punishment descends into their open yard, arrives, and falls upon them; fa-sāʾa — wretched and dire will it be; ṣabāḥu l-mundhirīna — the morning of those who were warned. That is: when Our punishment descends upon them, the morning of those who had been warned and who had disregarded the warning will be terrible.
Translation: — When Our punishment descends upon them, the morning of those who were warned shall be terrible and woeful.
وَتَوَلَّ عَنْهُمْ حَتَّىٰ حِينٍ
Wa-tawalla ʿanhum ḥattā ḥīn.
"And turn away from them for a time." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:178)
Wa-tawalla ʿanhum — and you, O Messenger of Allah, turn aside from them, pay no regard to them; ḥattā ḥīnin — until a time, for a little while.
Translation: — And you, turn away from them for a short while (ignore them).
وَأَبْصِرْ فَسَوْفَ يُبْصِرُونَ
Wa-abṣir fa-sawfa yubṣirūn.
"And watch — for they too shall soon see." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:179)
Wa-abṣir — and you too watch carefully; fa-sawfa yubṣirūna — for they also shall presently see and witness what shall befall them.
Translation: — And you (O Prophet!) watch — they too shall see what is to come.
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّكَ رَبِّ الْعِزَّةِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ
Subḥāna Rabbika Rabbi l-ʿizzati ʿammā yaṣifūn.
"Exalted is your Lord, the Lord of Might, above what they describe." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:180)
Subḥāna Rabbika — your Lord is pure and exalted; Rabbi l-ʿizzati — the Lord of Power and Dominion, the Lord of all glory and majesty; ʿammā yaṣifūna — above the descriptions and attributes that these people assign to Him, the unbecoming descriptions they fabricate.
Translation: — Your Lord — the Lord of Might — is pure of and exalted above the unbecoming attributes they ascribe to Him.
وَسَلَامٌ عَلَى الْمُرْسَلِينَ
Wa-salāmun ʿalā l-mursalīn.
"And peace be upon the Messengers." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:181)
Wa-salāmun — and peace be; ʿalā l-mursalīna — upon the Messengers, upon the Prophets.
Translation: — And peace be upon all the Prophets.
وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
Wa-l-ḥamdu lillāhi Rabbi l-ʿālamīn.
"And all praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds." (al-Ṣāffāt 37:182)
Wa-l-ḥamdu lillāhi — and all praise and gratitude belongs to Allah alone; Rabbi l-ʿālamīna — the Lord of all the worlds.
Translation: — And praise and gratitude belong solely to the Lord of all the worlds.