Sūrat Ghāfir (al-Muʾmin)

سورۃ غافر

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ Bismillāhi l-Raḥmāni l-Raḥīm. In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.

حم

Ḥā Mīm.

This is among the Mutashābihāt (ambiguous letters) — it is a complete verse by itself.

تَنزِيلُ الْكِتَابِ مِنَ اللَّهِ الْعَزِيزِ الْعَلِيمِ

Tanzīlu l-kitābi mina llāhi l-ʿazīzi l-ʿalīm.

"The revelation of the Book is from Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing." (Ghāfir 40:2)

Tanzīlu l-kitābi mina llāhi — the sending down of this Book is from Allah — munzalun mina llāhi kitāb — this Book was sent down by Allah — al-ʿazīzu l-ʿalīmu — the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing — the All-Powerful and All-Knowing — He is the All-Knowing as well.

Translation: This is a Book that the All-Mighty, All-Knowing God has sent down.

غَافِرِ الذَّنبِ وَقَابِلِ التَّوْبِ شَدِيدِ الْعِقَابِ ذِي الطَّوْلِ ۖ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ إِلَيْهِ الْمَصِيرُ

Ghāfiri l-dhanbi wa-qābili l-tawbi shadīdi l-ʿiqābi dhī l-ṭawli lā ilāha illā huwa ilayhi l-maṣīr.

"Forgiver of sin, Accepter of repentance, severe in punishment, Possessor of bounty — there is no god except Him; to Him is the destination." (Ghāfir 40:3)

Ghāfiri l-dhanbi — the Forgiver of sin — He forgives sins, covers them with the cloak of mercy, conceals them — wa-qābili l-tawb — and the Accepter of repentance — He accepts repentance warmly — shadīdi l-ʿiqābi — and He is severe in punishment — He also punishes severely — dhī l-ṭawli — the Possessor of abundant grace and favour — lā ilāha illā hū — there is no god but Him — His is all sovereignty — ilayhi l-maṣīru — all return is to Him — the chain of need all runs back to Him.

Translation: He is the Forgiver of sins (and the Concealer of faults) and the Accepter of repentance — and severe in punishment — and the Possessor of great bounty — there is no god but Him — all ending is His.

مَا يُجَادِلُ فِي آيَاتِ اللَّهِ إِلَّا الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَلَا يَغْرُرْكَ تَقَلُّبُهُمْ فِي الْبِلَادِ

Mā yujādilu fī āyāti llāhi illā l-ladhīna kafarū fa-lā yaghrurkka taqallubuhum fī l-bilād.

"None disputes about the signs of Allah except those who disbelieve — so do not be deceived by their movement through the lands." (Ghāfir 40:4)

Mā yujādilu fī āyāti llāhi — no one disputes in the signs of Allah, quarrels and argues in them — illā l-ladhīna kafarū — except those who disbelieve — the disbelievers who are deniers of faith — fa-lā yaghrurkka taqallubuhum fī l-bilādi — so do not let their wandering through the lands deceive you — do not let them delude you — taqallubuhum fī l-bilādi — their going about in the cities.

Translation: No one disputes in the signs of Allah except the disbelievers — do not let their going about in cities delude you.

كَذَّبَتْ قَبْلَهُمْ قَوْمُ نُوحٍ وَالْأَحْزَابُ مِن بَعْدِهِمْ ۖ وَهَمَّتْ كُلُّ أُمَّةٍ بِرَسُولِهِمْ لِيَأْخُذُوهُ ۖ وَجَادَلُوا بِالْبَاطِلِ لِيُدْحِضُوا بِهِ الْحَقَّ فَأَخَذْتُهُمْ ۖ فَكَيْفَ كَانَ عِقَابِ

Kadhdhabat qablahum qawmu nūḥin wa-l-aḥzābu min baʿdihim wa-hammat kullu ummatin bi-rasūlihim li-yaʾkhudhūhu wa-jādalū bi-l-bāṭili li-yudḥiḍū bihi l-ḥaqqa fa-akhadhtuhum fa-kayfa kāna ʿiqāb.

"Those before them denied — the people of Nūḥ and the parties after them — and every community plotted against their messenger to seize him, and they disputed with falsehood to refute the truth — so I seized them, and how terrible was My punishment!" (Ghāfir 40:5)

Kadhdhabat qablahum — before them, those before them also used to deny — they used to think them lies — qawmu Nūḥin — the people of Nūḥ (upon him be peace) —

Wa-l-aḥzābu min baʿdihim — and the confederate parties after them — such as the peoples of ʿĀd and Thamūd and others — wa-hammat kullu ummatin bi-rasūlihim — and every community plotted concerning their own prophet — to arrest him, seize him — wa-jādalū bi-l-bāṭili — and they disputed with falsehood — they argued with wrong, absurd positions — li-yudḥiḍū bihi l-ḥaqqa — to eliminate the truth — to erase it through this — yet what happened? Fa-akhadhtuhum — then I seized them — I arrested them — fa-kayfa kāna ʿiqāb — then how was My punishment? (Do you know something about this?)

Translation: Before them, the people of Nūḥ and the confederate parties after them also used to deny — and every community plotted to arrest their prophet — they disputed with absurdities to defeat the truth — but I seized them — and what was My punishment (you know something of it)?

وَكَذَٰلِكَ حَقَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا أَنَّهُمْ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ

Wa-kadhālika ḥaqqat kalimatu rabbika ʿalā l-ladhīna kafarū annahum aṣḥābu l-nār.

"And thus the word of your Lord has been justified against those who disbelieved — that they are the companions of the Fire." (Ghāfir 40:6)

Wa-kadhālika ḥaqqat — and in the same way the word has been established — the decree of your Lord has been fulfilled — ʿalā l-ladhīna kafarū — upon those who disbelieve, upon those who deny — annahum aṣḥābu l-nāri — that they are the dwellers of the Fire — they are the Fire-dwellers.

Translation: And in the same way, the word of your Lord has been fulfilled against the disbelievers — that they are the dwellers of the Fire.

الَّذِينَ يَحْمِلُونَ الْعَرْشَ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهُ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَيُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا رَبَّنَا وَسِعْتَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ رَّحْمَةً وَعِلْمًا فَاغْفِرْ لِلَّذِينَ تَابُوا وَاتَّبَعُوا سَبِيلَكَ وَقِهِمْ عَذَابَ الْجَحِيمِ

Al-ladhīna yaḥmilūna l-ʿarsha wa-man ḥawlahu yusabbiḥūna bi-ḥamdi rabbihim wa-yuʾminūna bihi wa-yastaghfirūna li-lladhīna āmanū rabbanā wasiʿta kulla shayʾin raḥmatan wa-ʿilman fa-ghfir li-lladhīna tābū wa-ttabaʿū sabīlaka wa-qihim ʿadhāba l-jaḥīm.

"Those who carry the Throne, and those around it, glorify the praises of their Lord, believe in Him, and seek forgiveness for those who believe, saying: Our Lord, You have encompassed all things in mercy and knowledge — so forgive those who have repented and followed Your path, and protect them from the punishment of the Blaze." (Ghāfir 40:7)

Al-ladhīna yaḥmilūna l-ʿarsha — those angels who carry the Throne — who are upon the Divine Throne — wa-man ḥawlahu — and those around it — those people too who surround the Divine Throne — yusabbiḥūna bi-ḥamdi rabbihim — they glorify the praises of their Lord — what do they do? They glorify the praise of their Lord — they consider Him pure of all defects and offer Him due praise — wa-yuʾminūna bihi — and they have faith in Him — wa-yastaghfirūna li-lladhīna āmanū — and they seek forgiveness for the believers — these angels seek forgiveness for the believers — rabbanā wasiʿta kulla shayʾin raḥmatan wa-ʿilman — Our Lord, Your mercy and knowledge encompasses everything — fa-ghfir li-lladhīna tābū — so forgive those who repent — wa-ttabaʿū sabīlaka — and followed Your path — Your religion — wa-qihim ʿadhāba l-jaḥīm — and protect them from the punishment of Hell.

Translation: The Carriers of the Throne and those around it glorify their Lord's praises — they hold firm to faith and seek forgiveness for the believers — O our Lord! Your mercy and knowledge encompasses everything — so forgive those who repent and follow Your path — and protect them from the punishment of Hell.

رَبَّنَا وَأَدْخِلْهُمْ جَنَّاتِ عَدْنٍ الَّتِي وَعَدتَّهُمْ وَمَن صَلَحَ مِنْ آبَائِهِمْ وَأَزْوَاجِهِمْ وَذُرِّيَّاتِهِمْ ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ

Rabbanā wa-adkhilhum jannāti ʿadnin l-latī waʿadttahum wa-man ṣalaḥa min ābāʾihim wa-azwājihim wa-dhurriyyātihim innaka anta l-ʿazīzu l-ḥakīm.

"Our Lord, admit them to the Gardens of Eden which You have promised them, and whoever was righteous among their forefathers, spouses, and descendants — You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise." (Ghāfir 40:8)

Rabbanā wa-adkhilhum jannāti ʿadnin — Our Lord, and admit them to the Gardens of Eden — al-latī waʿadttahum — which You promised them — wa-man ṣalaḥa min ābāʾihim — and those among their fathers and forefathers who were righteous — wa-azwājihim wa-dhurriyyātihim — and also their wives and their children who were righteous — all who were righteous among their fathers, wives, and children. Innaka anta l-ʿazīzu l-ḥakīmu — You are certainly the All-Mighty — without doubt the All-Wise, the Possessor of wisdom.

Translation: O our Lord! Admit them into the Gardens of Eden You promised them — and also the righteous among their fathers, their wives, and their children — You are certainly the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

وَقِهِمُ السَّيِّئَاتِ ۚ وَمَن تَقِ السَّيِّئَاتِ يَوْمَئِذٍ فَقَدْ رَحِمْتَهُ ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ

Wa-qihimu l-sayyiʾāti wa-man taqī l-sayyiʾāti yawmaʾidhin fa-qad raḥimtahu wa-dhālika huwa l-fawzu l-ʿaẓīm.

"And protect them from the evil deeds — and whoever You protect from evil deeds that Day — You have indeed had mercy upon him. And that is the great attainment." (Ghāfir 40:9)

Wa-qihimu l-sayyiʾāti — here sayyiʾāt does not mean sins, but the unpleasant consequences — and protect those inhabitants of Paradise from the punishments — wa-man taqī l-sayyiʾāti yawmaʾidhin — and whoever You protect from those punishments on the Day of Resurrection — fa-qad raḥimtahu — You have indeed shown them mercy — wa-dhālika huwa l-fawzu l-ʿaẓīmu — and that is the great success — the great attainment, the supreme goal.

Translation: And protect them from punishments — and whoever You protect from punishments on the Day of Resurrection — You have indeed shown them mercy — and that is the great success and attainment.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا يُنَادَوْنَ لَمَقْتُ اللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ مِن مَّقْتِكُمْ أَنفُسَكُمْ إِذْ تُدْعَوْنَ إِلَى الْإِيمَانِ فَتَكْفُرُونَ

Inna l-ladhīna kafarū yunādawna la-maqtu llāhi akbaru min maqtikum anfusakum idh tudʿawna ilā l-īmāni fa-takfurūn.

"Indeed those who disbelieved will be called: The hatred of Allah toward you was greater than your self-hatred now, when you were called to faith and you disbelieved." (Ghāfir 40:10)

Inna l-ladhīna kafarū — indeed those who disbelieved — yunādawna — it will be announced — they will be called: la-maqtu llāhi akbaru — the displeasure and hatred of Allah is greater — min maqtikum anfusakum — than your self-hatred now — Allah's displeasure with you was even greater — idh tudʿawna ilā l-īmāni fa-takfurūna — when you were called toward faith in the world — and you used to deny and reject.

Translation: Indeed the disbelievers will be called out: Allah's hatred for you was even greater than your own self-hatred now — when you used to be called toward faith and used to reject.

قَالُوا رَبَّنَا أَمَتَّنَا اثْنَتَيْنِ وَأَحْيَيْتَنَا اثْنَتَيْنِ فَاعْتَرَفْنَا بِذُنُوبِنَا فَهَلْ إِلَىٰ خُرُوجٍ مِّن سَبِيلٍ

Qālū rabbanā amattanā thnatayin wa-aḥyaytanā thnatayin fa-ʿtarafnā bi-dhunūbinā fa-hal ilā khurūjin min sabīl.

"They will say: Our Lord, You caused us to die twice and gave us life twice — we have now confessed our sins — so is there a way out?" (Ghāfir 40:11)

Qālū — the disbelievers will say — rabbanā amattanā thnatayin — O our Lord! You gave us death twice — You kept us in a state of non-existence before birth — then again — wa-aḥyaytanā thnatayin — and You gave us life twice — then we came back to life in the world — these are the two deaths. Fa-ʿtarafnā bi-dhunūbinā — we now confess our sins — we acknowledge our own transgressions. Fa-hal ilā khurūjin min sabīl — so is there any way out from here? Any path of escape?

Translation: (Disbelievers) will say: O our Lord! You gave us death twice and life twice — we acknowledge our faults — now in this state, is there any way out from here?

ذَٰلِكُم بِأَنَّهُ إِذَا دُعِيَ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ كَفَرْتُمْ ۖ وَإِن يُشْرَكْ بِهِ تُؤْمِنُوا ۚ فَالْحُكْمُ لِلَّهِ الْعَلِيِّ الْكَبِيرِ

Dhālikum bi-annahu idhā duʿiya llāhu waḥdahu kafartum wa-in yushrak bihi tuʾminū fa-l-ḥukmu lillāhi l-ʿaliyyi l-kabīr.

"That is because when Allah was invoked alone, you disbelieved — but when partners were associated with Him, you believed. So the judgment belongs to Allah, the Most High, the Most Great." (Ghāfir 40:12)

Dhālikum bi-annahu — that is because of this — idhā duʿiya llāhu waḥdahu kafartum — when only Allah's name was called out before you — when only Allah's name was mentioned — you denied. Wa-in yushrak bihi tuʾminū — and when shirk was associated with Him you would accept it, believe in it. Fa-l-ḥukmu lillāhi l-ʿaliyyi l-kabīr — so now judgment belongs to Allah — Who is the Most High, the Elevated — al-kabīr — the Most Great.

Translation: This (punishment) is because when only Allah's name was called before you, you used to deny — and when shirk was associated with Him you used to accept. Now judgment belongs to Allah Who is the Most Exalted and Most Great.

هُوَ الَّذِي يُرِيكُمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُنَزِّلُ لَكُم مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ رِزْقًا ۚ وَمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ إِلَّا مَن يُنِيبُ

Huwa l-ladhī yurīkum āyātih wa-yunazzilu lakum mina l-samāʾi rizqan wa-mā yatadhakkaru illā man yunīb.

"He is the One who shows you His signs and sends down provision for you from the sky — and none takes heed except one who turns to Him." (Ghāfir 40:13)

Huwa l-ladhī yurīkum āyātih — He is the One Who shows you His signs — wa-yunazzilu lakum mina l-samāʾi rizqan — and He sends down provision for you from the sky — sustenance — wa-mā yatadhakkaru — and does not take heed — illā man yunību — except the one who turns toward Allah.

Translation: He it is Who shows you His signs and sends down sustenance for you from the sky — but only the one who turns toward Allah benefits from this counsel.

فَادْعُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْكَافِرُونَ

Fa-dʿū llāha mukhliṣīna lahu l-dīna wa-law kariha l-kāfirūn.

"So call upon Allah, being sincere to Him in religion — even if the disbelievers hate it." (Ghāfir 40:14)

Fa-dʿū llāha — so now call upon Allah — call on Him — mukhliṣīna lahu l-dīna — being sincere in your obedience and devotion toward Him — wa-law kariha l-kāfirūna — even if the disbelievers dislike it — even if the disbelievers hate this — what harm is there in their dislike?

Translation: Now call on Allah with complete, sincere devotion — even if the disbelievers find it unpleasant.

رَفِيعُ الدَّرَجَاتِ ذُو الْعَرْشِ يُلْقِي الرُّوحَ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ عَلَىٰ مَن يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ لِيُنذِرَ يَوْمَ التَّلَاقِ

Rafīʿu l-darajāti dhū l-ʿarshi yulqī l-rūḥa min amrih ʿalā man yashāʾu min ʿibādih li-yundhira yawma l-talāq.

"He is the Exalted in Degrees, the Possessor of the Throne — He casts the Spirit from His command upon whoever He wills of His servants, to warn of the Day of Meeting." (Ghāfir 40:15)

Rafīʿu l-darajāti — He is the Most High in ranks and degrees — dhū l-ʿarshi — the Possessor of the Throne — the sovereign of the Throne is in His hands. Yulqī l-rūḥa min amrih — He casts the Spirit — rūḥ meaning the waḥy (divine revelation), the faith and vital power — ʿalā man yashāʾu min ʿibādih — upon whomever He wills among His servants — li-yundhira yawma l-talāq — so that he may warn — so that he may frighten people — yawma l-talāq — of the Day of Meeting — the Day of Resurrection.

Translation: He is the Most Exalted in degrees — the Possessor of the Throne — He sends waḥy to whomever He wishes of His servants — to frighten people of the Day of Resurrection.

يَوْمَ هُم بَارِزُونَ ۖ لَا يَخْفَىٰ عَلَى اللَّهِ مِنْهُمْ شَيْءٌ ۚ لِّمَنِ الْمُلْكُ الْيَوْمَ ۖ لِلَّهِ الْوَاحِدِ الْقَهَّارِ

Yawma hum bāruzūna lā yakhfā ʿalā llāhi minhum shayʾun li-mani l-mulku l-yawma lillāhi l-wāḥidi l-qahhār.

"The Day when they will all be exposed — nothing about them will be hidden from Allah. Whose is the sovereignty this Day? It belongs to Allah, the One, the All-Subduing." (Ghāfir 40:16)

Yawma hum bāruzūna — the Day when they all stand fully exposed — all present before the Divine Court — lā yakhfā ʿalā llāhi minhum shayʾun — not a single hidden thing about them will escape Allah — li-mani l-mulku l-yawma — to whom does sovereignty belong today? — Allah Most High Himself will declare — lillāhi l-wāḥidi l-qahhār — to Allah the One, the All-Conquering, the All-Subduing.

Translation: The Day when everyone stands present — nothing about them will be hidden from Allah — to whom is sovereignty today? Solely to the one All-Conquering God.

الْيَوْمَ تُجْزَىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ ۚ لَا ظُلْمَ الْيَوْمَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ

Al-yawma tujzā kullu nafsin bi-mā kasabat lā ẓulma l-yawma inna llāha sarīʿu l-ḥisāb.

"Today every soul will be recompensed for what it has earned — no injustice today. Indeed, Allah is swift in account." (Ghāfir 40:17)

Al-yawma tujzā kullu nafsin — today every soul will be recompensed — bi-mā kasabat — for what it has earned — for what it used to do — lā ẓulma l-yawma — no injustice today — inna llāha sarīʿu l-ḥisābi — indeed Allah is swift in account — He takes account quickly.

Translation: Today every soul will be given recompense for its deeds — no injustice today — indeed Allah is very swift in taking account.

وَأَنذِرْهُمْ يَوْمَ الْآزِفَةِ إِذِ الْقُلُوبُ لَدَى الْحَنَاجِرِ كَاظِمِينَ ۚ مَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ حَمِيمٍ وَلَا شَفِيعٍ يُطَاعُ

Wa-andhirhum yawma l-āzifati idhi l-qulūbu ladā l-ḥanājiri kāẓimīna mā li-l-ẓālimīna min ḥamīmin wa-lā shafīʿin yuṭāʿ.

"And warn them of the Day of Imminent Approach, when hearts will be at the throats, suppressed in anguish — the wrongdoers will have no intimate friend and no intercessor who is obeyed." (Ghāfir 40:18)

Wa-andhirhum — O Prophet! Give them warning — yawma l-āzifah — of the approaching Day — the Day of Imminent Approach — idhi l-qulūbu ladā l-ḥanājiri — when hearts will come up to the throats — they will come to the mouths — swallowing in deep anguish and grief — kāẓimīna — swallowing and choking — mā li-l-ẓālimīna min ḥamīmin — the wrongdoers and disbelievers will have no warm friend at all — wa-lā shafīʿin yuṭāʿu — and no intercessor whose intercession is accepted — it will be as if there is no accepted intercession for them.

Translation: (O Prophet!) Give them warning of the imminent approaching Day — when hearts will come to the throats — swallowing in grief — the wrongdoers will have neither any friend nor any intercessor whose intercession is accepted.

يَعْلَمُ خَائِنَةَ الْأَعْيُنِ وَمَا تُخْفِي الصُّدُورُ

Yaʿlamu khāʾinata l-aʿyuni wa-mā tukhfī l-ṣudūr.

"He knows the treachery of the eyes, and what breasts conceal." (Ghāfir 40:19)

Yaʿlamu khāʾinata l-aʿyuni — He knows the betrayal of eyes — He is fully aware of the glances stolen in secret. Wa-mā tukhfī l-ṣudūru — and all that breasts conceal — whatever is hidden in the depths of hearts — He is fully aware of that too.

Translation: He is aware of the furtive glances of eyes and whatever the breasts conceal (He is all-knowing of even these).

وَاللَّهُ يَقْضِي بِالْحَقِّ ۖ وَالَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِ لَا يَقْضُونَ بِشَيْءٍ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ

Wa-llāhu yaqḍī bi-l-ḥaqqi wa-lladhīna yadʿūna min dūnih lā yaqḍūna bi-shayʾin inna llāha huwa l-samīʿu l-baṣīr.

"And Allah judges with truth — but those whom they invoke besides Him cannot judge anything. Indeed Allah is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing." (Ghāfir 40:20)

Wa-llāhu yaqḍī bi-l-ḥaqqi — and Allah judges with justice and truth — He passes judgment with full justice — wa-lladhīna yadʿūna min dūnih lā yaqḍūna bi-shayʾin — and those whom they call upon besides Allah cannot decide anything — they have no authority of judgment over any matter. Inna llāha huwa l-samīʿu l-baṣīru — indeed Allah is certainly the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.

Translation: And Allah judges with truth — and those they invoke besides Allah cannot decide anything. Indeed Allah is All-Hearing and All-Seeing.

أَوَلَمْ يَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَيَنظُرُوا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الَّذِينَ كَانُوا مِن قَبْلِهِمْ ۚ كَانُوا هُمْ أَشَدَّ مِنْهُمْ قُوَّةً وَآثَارًا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَأَخَذَهُمُ اللَّهُ بِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَمَا كَانَ لَهُم مِّنَ اللَّهِ مِن وَاقٍ

A-wa-lam yasīrū fī l-arḍi fa-yanẓurū kayfa kāna ʿāqibatu l-ladhīna kānū min qablihim kānū hum ashadda minhum quwwatan wa-āthāran fī l-arḍi fa-akhadha-humu llāhu bi-dhunūbihim wa-mā kāna lahum mina llāhi min wāq.

"Have they not travelled in the land and seen what was the end of those who were before them? They were stronger than them in might and left more traces on the earth — but Allah seized them for their sins, and they had no one to protect them from Allah." (Ghāfir 40:21)

A-wa-lam yasīrū fī l-arḍi — have they not traversed the earth? Have they not toured the lands of the earth? — fa-yanẓurū — and seen — kayfa kāna ʿāqibatu l-ladhīna kānū min qablihim — what was the end of those who were before them — kānū hum ashadda minhum quwwatan — they were even stronger and mightier — wa-āthāran fī l-arḍi — and left more traces on the earth — and there were many more remaining ancient signs — very great palaces were built — fa-akhadhahumu llāhu bi-dhunūbihim — but Allah seized them on account of their sins — arrested them — wa-mā kāna lahum mina llāhi min wāqin — and they had no one to protect them from Allah's wrath — there was no rescuer from it.

Translation: Did they not travel the earth and look — what was the end of those before them — they were stronger and mightier than these and left far greater marks on the earth — but Allah seized them on account of their sins — and there was no protector to save them from Allah.

ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَانَت تَّأْتِيهِمْ رُسُلُهُم بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ فَكَفَرُوا فَأَخَذَهُمُ اللَّهُ ۚ إِنَّهُ قَوِيٌّ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ

Dhālika bi-annahum kānat taʾtīhim rusuluhum bi-l-bayyināti fa-kafarū fa-akhadha-humu llāhu innahu qawiyyun shadīdu l-ʿiqāb.

"That was because their messengers used to come to them with clear proofs, but they disbelieved — so Allah seized them. Indeed, He is Strong, severe in punishment." (Ghāfir 40:22)

Dhālika bi-annahum — that was because of this — kānat taʾtīhim rusuluhum bi-l-bayyināti — their messengers used to come to them with clear proofs, bringing miracles and evident signs — fa-kafarū — yet they used to disbelieve, they denied and rejected — fa-akhadha-humu llāhu — so Allah seized them — innahu qawiyyun shadīdu l-ʿiqābi — He is indeed strong and all-powerful — and severe in punishment.

Translation: This was because their messengers used to come to them with clear proofs — but they never accepted — so Allah seized them — He is certainly severe in punishment.

Hence, indeed:

وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا مُوسَىٰ بِآيَاتِنَا وَسُلْطَانٍ مُّبِينٍ

Wa-laqad arsalnā mūsā bi-āyātinā wa-sulṭānin mubīn.

"And We certainly sent Mūsā with Our signs and a clear authority." (Ghāfir 40:23)

Wa-laqad arsalnā mūsā — and indeed We sent Mūsā — bi-āyātinā — with Our signs — Our clear miracles and evident proofs — wa-sulṭānin mubīnin — and with a clear authority — with open proof and manifest demonstration.

Translation: And indeed We sent Mūsā with Our clear signs and with open, manifest proof.

إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ وَهَامَانَ وَقَارُونَ فَقَالُوا سَاحِرٌ كَذَّابٌ

Ilā firʿawna wa-hāmāna wa-qārūna fa-qālū sāḥirun kadhdhāb.

"To Pharaoh, Hāmān, and Qārūn — but they said: A sorcerer and liar!" (Ghāfir 40:24)

Ilā firʿawna wa-hāmāna wa-qārūna — to Pharaoh and Hāmān and Qārūn — fa-qālū sāḥirun kadhdhābun — but then those people said: he is a sorcerer, a great liar.

Translation: He was sent to Pharaoh and Hāmān and Qārūn — and they said: he is a sorcerer and a liar.

فَلَمَّا جَاءَهُم بِالْحَقِّ مِنْ عِندِنَا قَالُوا اقْتُلُوا أَبْنَاءَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مَعَهُ وَاسْتَحْيُوا نِسَاءَهُمْ ۚ وَمَا كَيْدُ الْكَافِرِينَ إِلَّا فِي ضَلَالٍ

Fa-lammā jāʾahum bi-l-ḥaqqi min ʿindinā qālū uqtulū abnāʾa l-ladhīna āmanū maʿahu wa-staḥyū nisāʾahum wa-mā kaydu l-kāfirīna illā fī ḍalāl.

"So when he came to them with the truth from Us, they said: Kill the sons of those who believe with him and let their women live. But the plotting of disbelievers is only in error." (Ghāfir 40:25)

Fa-lammā jāʾahum bi-l-ḥaqqi min ʿindinā — so when the truth We had sent came to them — when Mūsā (upon him be peace) brought those people the true religion — qālū uqtulū abnāʾa l-ladhīna āmanū maʿahu — they said: kill the sons of those who have believed with him — kill the Muslim children along with him — wa-staḥyū nisāʾahum — and let their women live — wa-mā kaydu l-kāfirīna illā fī ḍalālin — and the plotting of the disbelievers is nothing but misguidance.

Translation: Then when (Mūsā) brought them the truth — the Pharaonites said: kill the sons of the Muslims — and let the women live — and all the disbelievers' planning is in misguidance.

وَقَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ ذَرُونِي أَقْتُلْ مُوسَىٰ وَلْيَدْعُ رَبَّهُ ۖ إِنِّي أَخَافُ أَن يُبَدِّلَ دِينَكُمْ أَوْ أَن يُظْهِرَ فِي الْأَرْضِ الْفَسَادَ

Wa-qāla firʿawnu dharūnī aqtul mūsā wa-lyadʿu rabbahu innī akhāfu an yubaddila dīnakum aw an yuẓhira fī l-arḍi l-fasād.

"And Pharaoh said: Let me kill Mūsā, and let him call upon his Lord — indeed I fear he will change your religion, or that he will cause corruption to appear on earth." (Ghāfir 40:26)

Wa-qāla firʿawnu dharūnī — and Pharaoh said: leave me alone — aqtul mūsā — let me kill Mūsā — wa-lyadʿu rabbahu — and let him call upon his Lord — innī akhāfu an yubaddila dīnakum — I fear that he will change your religion and your faith — aw an yuẓhira fī l-arḍi l-fasāda — or that he will spread corruption on the earth — cause disorder and corruption.

Translation: And Pharaoh said: leave me to kill Mūsā — let him call on his God — I fear that he will change your religion — or spread disorder on the earth.

وَقَالَ مُوسَىٰ إِنِّي عُذْتُ بِرَبِّي وَرَبِّكُم مِّن كُلِّ مُتَكَبِّرٍ لَّا يُؤْمِنُ بِيَوْمِ الْحِسَابِ

Wa-qāla mūsā innī ʿudhtu bi-rabbī wa-rabbikum min kulli mutakabbirin lā yuʾminu bi-yawmi l-ḥisāb.

"And Mūsā said: Indeed I seek refuge in my Lord and your Lord from every arrogant person who does not believe in the Day of Account." (Ghāfir 40:27)

Wa-qāla mūsā innī ʿudhtu — and Mūsā said: I take refuge — bi-rabbī wa-rabbikum — in my Lord and your Lord — min kulli mutakabbirin lā yuʾminu bi-yawmi l-ḥisāb — from every arrogant, haughty person — every boastful and tyrannical arrogant one — who does not believe in the Day of Account — the Day of Resurrection.

Translation: And Mūsā said: I seek refuge in my own Lord and your Lord — from every arrogant one who does not believe in the Day of Account (the Day of Reckoning).

وَقَالَ رَجُلٌ مُّؤْمِنٌ مِّنْ آلِ فِرْعَوْنَ يَكْتُمُ إِيمَانَهُ أَتَقْتُلُونَ رَجُلًا أَن يَقُولَ رَبِّيَ اللَّهُ

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وَقَالَ رَجُلٌ مُّؤْمِنٌ مِّنْ آلِ فِرْعَوْنَ يَكْتُمُ إِيمَانَهُ أَتَقْتُلُونَ رَجُلًا أَن يَقُولَ رَبِّيَ اللَّهُ وَقَدْ جَاءَكُم بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ مِن رَّبِّكُمْ ۚ وَإِن يَكُ كَاذِبًا فَعَلَيْهِ كَذِبُهُ ۖ وَإِن يَكُ صَادِقًا يُصِبْكُم بَعْضُ الَّذِي يَعِدُكُمْ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِي مَنْ هُوَ مُسْرِفٌ كَذَّابٌ

Wa-qāla rajulun muʾminun min āli firʿawna yaktumu īmānahu a-taqtulūna rajulan an yaqūla rabbiya llāhu wa-qad jāʾakum bi-l-bayyināti min rabbikum wa-in yaku kādhibhan fa-ʿalayhi kadhibuhu wa-in yaku ṣādiqan yuṣibkum baʿḍu l-ladhī yaʿidukum inna llāha lā yahdī man huwa musrifun kadhdhāb.

"And a believing man from the family of Pharaoh, who concealed his faith, said: Will you kill a man because he says: My Lord is Allah — while he has come to you with clear proofs from your Lord? If he is a liar, his lie is upon him — but if he is truthful, some of what he promises you will befall you. Indeed, Allah does not guide one who is a transgressor and liar." (Ghāfir 40:28)

Wa-qāla rajulun muʾminun min āli firʿawna — and a believing man from Pharaoh's household said — who was concealing his faith — yaktumu īmānahu — he had hidden his faith — a-taqtulūna rajulan an yaqūla rabbiya llāhu — are you going to kill a man only for saying My Lord is Allah — wa-qad jāʾakum bi-l-bayyināti min rabbikum — while he has brought you clear proofs from your Lord — wa-in yaku kādhibhan fa-ʿalayhi kadhibuhu — and if he is a liar, his lie falls upon himself — the lie's consequence will fall on him — wa-in yaku ṣādiqan yuṣibkum baʿḍu l-ladhī yaʿidukum — but if he is truthful, then some of what he promises you will come to pass — the punishment of which he warns you will reach you. Inna llāha lā yahdī man huwa musrifun kadhdhābun — indeed Allah does not guide one who transgresses the bounds and is a great liar.

Now, dear scholars, this is the person whose religion he concealed and was inwardly Muslim — the religion of the prophets (al-anbiyāʾ) is to convey — never concealing. How those with Ḥaḍrat Ḥusayn ibn ʿAlī (may Allah be pleased with him) gave their lives for the truth — and how Ḥaḍrat Ḥusayn (may Allah be pleased with him) is the finest example for us — they gave their lives, their children and companions were sacrificed — but a certain shamelessly wicked person who had come under the tyrannical authority of an unjust ruler used the pretext of the sharīʿa not to support the faith — if the religion is not protected even to this day Islam would have ended — Ḥajjāj ibn Yūsuf killed hundreds of thousands of Muslims — but praise be to Allah the Muslims of that era never uttered a single word against truth — all things are to be feared — it is death that one should not fear — why? Because —

Nāmardī o mardī qadam fāṣilah dārad (Between cowardice and courage there is just one step) Nāmard murtā roz hai (The coward dies every day) Mardoṅ kī maut ek bār hai (The brave die but once) Hargiznhīṅ martā hai jo (He never truly dies who) Marne ko tayyār hai (Is prepared to die)

يَا قَوْمِ لَكُمُ الْمُلْكُ الْيَوْمَ ظَاهِرِينَ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَمَن يَنصُرُنَا مِن بَأْسِ اللَّهِ إِن جَاءَنَا ۚ قَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ مَا أُرِيكُمْ إِلَّا مَا أَرَىٰ وَمَا أَهْدِيكُمْ إِلَّا سَبِيلَ الرَّشَادِ

Yā qawmi lakumu l-mulku l-yawma ẓāhirīna fī l-arḍi fa-man yanṣurunā min baʾsi llāhi in jāʾanā qāla firʿawnu mā urīkum illā mā arā wa-mā ahdīkum illā sabīla l-rashād.

"O my people, sovereignty today is yours — you are dominant in the land. But who will save us from the punishment of Allah if it comes to us? Pharaoh said: I only show you what I see, and I only guide you to the path of right conduct." (Ghāfir 40:29)

Yā qawm — O my people! Lakumu l-mulku l-yawma — today sovereignty and kingship is yours — ẓāhirīna fī l-arḍi — you are prevailing and dominant in the earth — your supremacy is paramount — fa-man yanṣurunā min baʾsi llāhi in jāʾanā — but who will save us from the punishment of Allah if it comes — qāla firʿawnu — Pharaoh replied — mā urīkum illā mā arā — I only show you what I myself see and think — what I consider beneficial I give you as counsel — wa-mā ahdīkum illā sabīla l-rashādi — and I only show you the right path — I only guide you toward the path of right conduct and welfare.

Translation: O people — today the kingship of this earth is yours — you are dominant — but who will save us when God's punishment comes — Pharaoh said: I only give you my own counsel (what I think right) — and I only guide you to the straight path.

وَقَالَ الَّذِي آمَنَ يَا قَوْمِ إِنِّي أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُم مِّثْلَ يَوْمِ الْأَحْزَابِ

Wa-qāla l-ladhī āmana yā qawmi innī akhāfu ʿalaykum mithla yawmi l-aḥzāb.

"And the one who believed said: O my people, I fear for you something like the day of the confederates." (Ghāfir 40:30)

Wa-qāla l-ladhī āmana — and that believing man who had been concealing his faith now came forward — yā qawm — O my people! Innī akhāfu ʿalaykum — I fear for you — my concern is for you — mithla yawmi l-aḥzābi — something like the Day of the Confederates — similar to the day of the confederate peoples — meaning the day of suffering of the previous communities — your situation may also become just like theirs!

Translation: And the believing man who was concealing his faith came forward — O people! I have a daily grave concern about you — that your situation may become like those previous nations and communities!

مِثْلَ دَأْبِ قَوْمِ نُوحٍ وَعَادٍ وَثَمُودَ وَالَّذِينَ مِن بَعْدِهِمْ ۚ وَمَا اللَّهُ يُرِيدُ ظُلْمًا لِّلْعِبَادِ

Mithla daʾbi qawmi nūḥin wa-ʿādin wa-thamūda wa-lladhīna min baʿdihim wa-mā llāhu yurīdu ẓulman li-l-ʿibād.

"Like the way of the people of Nūḥ, and ʿĀd, and Thamūd, and those after them — and Allah does not intend injustice for His servants." (Ghāfir 40:31)

Mithla daʾbi qawmi nūḥin wa-ʿādin wa-thamūda — like the conduct and fate of the people of Nūḥ (upon him be peace) and ʿĀd and Thamūd — wa-lladhīna min baʿdihim — and those after them — wa-mā llāhu yurīdu ẓulman li-l-ʿibādi — and Allah does not want injustice for His servants — He does not will cruelty and oppression for anyone.

Translation: Like the fate of the people of Nūḥ, and ʿĀd, and Thamūd, and those after them — Allah does not desire injustice for His servants.

Tafsīr-e-Ṣiddīqī by Bahrul Uloom Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui Rahmatullah Alaih

The commentary continues from the speech of the Believer of Pharaoh's household (Āl Firʿawn) — the man of sincere faith who counselled his people. The preceding context established that they — like the people of Nūḥ, ʿĀd, and Thamūd — were given every chance, yet persisted in their transgression. Allah does not desire injustice for His servants; His will is mercy, not oppression. The Believer continues his earnest warning:

وَيَقَوْمِ إِنِّي أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ يَوْمَ التَّنَادِ

Wa-yā qawmi innī akhāfu ʿalaykum yawma l-tanād.

"And O my people, I fear for you the Day of Mutual Calling." (Ghāfir 40:32)

Wa-yā qawm — "And O my people!" He addresses them with tender concern. Innī akhāfu ʿalaykum — "I have a fear on your behalf" — a foreboding dread grips his heart. Yawma l-tanād — the Day of Mutual Calling, the Day of Resurrection, when people will call out to one another from all sides; the condemned will call for aid, but none will answer; the cries of the people of Paradise and the people of the Fire will resound, yet no one's call on that day will avail them anything. The noise and commotion on that day will be overwhelming — shouts and cries rising on every side — yet no helper will come.

Translation: "And O my brethren! I have a fear for you regarding the Day of Resurrection — the day of Mutual Calling — when people will be calling to one another; in the Resurrection, the dead will cry out to each other from one region to another; they will call, but no one will come; shouting and clamour will fill the air, yet nothing will avail."

يَوْمَ تُوَلُّونَ مُدْبِرِينَ مَا لَكُمْ مِنَ اللَّهِ مِنْ عَاصِمٍ وَمَنْ يُضْلِلِ اللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُ مِنْ هَادٍ

Yawma tuwallūna mudbirīna mā lakum mina llāhi min ʿāṣimin wa-man yuḍlili llāhu fa-mā lahu min hād.

"The day you will turn and flee — you will have no protector from Allah; and whoever Allah leads astray has no guide." (Ghāfir 40:33)

Yawma tuwallūna mudbirīn — the day when you will turn your backs and flee in retreat. Mā lakum mina llāhi min ʿāṣim — no one can protect you from Allah's decree, no hand can hold back His punishment. Wa-man yuḍlili llāhu fa-mā lahu min hād — whoever Allah allows to go astray and places on the path of deviation — who can guide him? No one can put him on the right road, and then whoever Allah seals within misguidance — who can guide such a one?

Translation: "When you will flee turning your backs — the hand of Allah will not release any of you, and no one can protect you from Him. And whoever Allah leads astray — who can guide such a person?"

وَلَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ يُوسُفُ مِنْ قَبْلُ بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ فَمَا زِلْتُمْ فِي شَكٍّ مِمَّا جَاءَكُمْ بِهِ حَتَّى إِذَا هَلَكَ قُلْتُمْ لَنْ يَبْعَثَ اللَّهُ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ رَسُولًا كَذَلِكَ يُضِلُّ اللَّهُ مَنْ هُوَ مُسْرِفٌ مُرْتَابٌ

Wa-laqad jāʾakum Yūsufu min qablu bi-l-bayyināti fa-mā ziltum fī shakkin mimmā jāʾakum bihi ḥattā idhā halaka qultum lan yabʿatha llāhu min baʿdihi rasūlan — kadhālika yuḍillu llāhu man huwa musrifun murtāb.

"And certainly Yūsuf came to you before with clear proofs, but you remained in doubt concerning what he brought you — until when he died, you said: 'Allah will never send a messenger after him.' Thus does Allah lead astray one who is a transgressor, deeply in doubt." (Ghāfir 40:34)

Wa-laqad jāʾakum Yūsuf — without question, Yūsuf (upon him be peace) came to you. Min qabl — before Mūsā. Bi-l-bayyināt — with clear signs, manifest proofs and miracles. Fa-mā ziltum fī shakk — yet you remained perpetually in doubt and suspicion. You were forever in doubt and hesitation about this religion which he brought — always doubting, never believing. Ḥattā idhā halaka — until when he passed away, when his departure occurred, you then said — qultum lan yabʿatha llāhu min baʿdihi rasūlā — "Allah will certainly not send any prophet after him." And in this manner Allah leads astray — kadhālika yuḍillu llāhu man huwa musrifun murtāb — such a person who has crossed all bounds and has sunk deep into doubt and suspicion; this is one who has exceeded the limit of disbelief. The one who has overstepped all bounds and is mired in doubt — is held captive by suspicion and excess.

The commentary continues: Allah leads such a one further astray — he who has turned away from the divine messenger, rejected his proofs, and upon the messenger's passing declared that no further messenger would come — keeping himself and others in a state of perpetual disbelief and obstruction.

Translation: "And without doubt Yūsuf came to you before with clear proofs and miracles; yet you remained forever in doubt and suspicion concerning this religion he brought. When he passed away, you said: 'Allah will certainly not send any prophet after him.' And Allah leads astray in this manner the one who has exceeded all bounds and is trapped in doubt — the person who has gone beyond the limit of disbelief and is ensnared in suspicion."

الَّذِينَ يُجَادِلُونَ فِي آيَاتِ اللَّهِ بِغَيْرِ سُلْطَانٍ أَتَاهُمْ كَبُرَ مَقْتًا عِنْدَ اللَّهِ وَعِنْدَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كَذَلِكَ يَطْبَعُ اللَّهُ عَلَى كُلِّ قَلْبِ مُتَكَبِّرٍ جَبَّارٍ

Alladhīna yujādilūna fī āyāti llāhi bi-ghayri sulṭānin atāhum — kabura maqtan ʿinda llāhi wa-ʿinda lladhīna āmanū — kadhālika yaṭbaʿu llāhu ʿalā kulli qalbi mutakabbirin jabbār.

"Those who dispute concerning the signs of Allah without any authority that has come to them — how great is their abhorrence in the sight of Allah and in the sight of those who believe! Thus does Allah set a seal upon every heart of an arrogant tyrant." (Ghāfir 40:35)

Al-ladhīna yujādilūna — those who quarrel and argue, who fight and contest. Fī āyāti llāh — concerning the signs of Allah. Bi-ghayri sulṭānin atāhum — without any authority or proof that has come to them from Allah's side. This is extremely hateful and deeply displeasing. Kabura maqtan ʿinda llāh — it is a source of immense disgust in the sight of Allah; it is profoundly detestable to the believers as well. Wa-ʿinda lladhīna āmanū — and with the believers too. Kadhālika yaṭbaʿu llāhu ʿalā kulli qalbi mutakabbirin jabbār — thus Allah sets a seal and imprint upon every arrogant, tyrannical heart — on the heart of the overbearing oppressor — so that faith cannot enter it and disbelief cannot depart from it.

Translation: "Those who — without any proof or authority from Allah — dispute over the divine signs: this is enormously hateful and repugnant to Allah and to the believers. Allah in this manner sets a seal upon every arrogant and tyrannical heart."

وَقَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ يَا هَامَانُ ابْنِ لِي صَرْحًا لَعَلِّي أَبْلُغُ الْأَسْبَابَ

Wa-qāla Firʿawnu yā Hāmānu bni lī ṣarḥan laʿallī ablughu l-asbāb.

"And Pharaoh said: 'O Hāmān, build for me a lofty tower that I may reach the means.'" (Ghāfir 40:36)

Wa-qāla Firʿawn — and Pharaoh said this. Yā Hāmān — O Hāmān, who was Pharaoh's minister and vizier. Ibni lī ṣarḥan — build for me a tall and lofty palace, a great structure. Laʿallī ablughu l-asbāb — perhaps through it I may reach the means — the pathways — to ascend. Bahrul Uloom Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui Rahmatullah Alaih remarks here that scholars describe this as a metaphorical chain (isnād majāzī) — just as we say "the river has given life to all the land" — for Hāmān was the intermediary agent; Allah's power is the ultimate cause. This is because all such chains of causation are ultimately metaphorical — the real cause is Allah. The connection to idolatry and disbelief means that Islam's basis is the understanding that these apparent causes are all merely metaphorical — for the Muslim this is a sign of monotheism (tawḥīd).

Laʿallī ablughu l-asbāb — "perhaps I may reach the means" — and here the word laʿallī indicates a shred of doubt; even Pharaoh was uncertain, though he built this tower out of arrogance. Ablaghu l-asbāb — the means, the pathways and routes to the heavens.

Translation: "And Pharaoh said to Hāmān: 'Build for me a lofty tower, so that I may reach the pathways and ascend to the heavens, and look upon the God of Mūsā — though I consider him a liar.'"

The commentary explains the full import of the passage. Pharaoh then elaborated on his grandiose ambition: Asbāb al-samāwāt — the means and pathways of the heavens — fa-aṭṭaliʿa ilā ilāhi Mūsā — so that I may look upon the God of Mūsā — wa-innī la-aẓunnuhu kādhiban — and I certainly consider him a liar. And thus were Pharaoh's evil deeds made fair-seeming to him — wa-kadhālika zuyyina li-Firʿawna — the evil of his conduct was beautified for him. Wa-ṣudda ʿan al-sabīl — and he was barred from the right path, blocked from the way. Wa-mā kaydu Firʿawna illā fī tabāb — and the scheming of Pharaoh was nothing but utter ruin; all his planning came to nothing and was destroyed.

أَسْبَابَ السَّمَاوَاتِ فَأَطَّلِعَ إِلَى إِلَهِ مُوسَى وَإِنِّي لَأَظُنُّهُ كَاذِبًا وَكَذَلِكَ زُيِّنَ لِفِرْعَوْنَ سُوءُ عَمَلِهِ وَصُدَّ عَنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَا كَيْدُ فِرْعَوْنَ إِلَّا فِي تَبَابٍ

Asbāba l-samāwāti fa-aṭṭaliʿa ilā ilāhi Mūsā wa-innī la-aẓunnuhu kādhiban — wa-kadhālika zuyyina li-Firʿawna sūʾu ʿamalihi wa-ṣudda ʿan al-sabīli wa-mā kaydu Firʿawna illā fī tabāb.

"The pathways of the heavens, that I may look upon the God of Mūsā — though I certainly consider him a liar. And thus were Pharaoh's evil deeds made to seem fair to him, and he was barred from the path; and the scheming of Pharaoh was only in ruin." (Ghāfir 40:37)

Translation: "Look at the heavens — I shall look upon the God of Mūsā, and I truly consider him a liar. And in this manner Pharaoh's evil deeds were made to appear beautiful to him, so his bad deeds appeared to be good; and he was barred from the path — blocked from the straight way — and all the schemes of Pharaoh were nothing but inevitable ruin."

وَقَالَ الَّذِي آمَنَ يَا قَوْمِ اتَّبِعُونِ أَهْدِكُمْ سَبِيلَ الرَّشَادِ

Wa-qāla lladhī āmana yā qawmi ttabiʿūni ahdikum sabīla l-rashād.

"And the one who believed said: 'O my people, follow me — I will guide you to the path of right guidance.'" (Ghāfir 40:38)

Wa-qāla lladhī āmana — and that man of sincere faith said; that believer — the righteous person — called out to the people. Yā qawm — O my people! Brethren! Ittabiʿūn — follow me, walk in my footsteps. Ahdikum — I will guide you, I will lead you, I will walk with you and bring you. Sabīla l-rashād — to the path of right guidance and sound conduct, to the way of righteousness and goodness.

Translation: "This believing person said: 'O my brethren! Follow me — I will put you on the path of success and right guidance (the straight and true road).'"

يَا قَوْمِ إِنَّمَا هَذِهِ الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا مَتَاعٌ وَإِنَّ الْآخِرَةَ هِيَ دَارُ الْقَرَارِ

Yā qawmi innamā hādhihi l-ḥayātu l-dunyā matāʿun wa-inna l-ākhirata hiya dāru l-qarār.

"O my people, this worldly life is nothing but a passing enjoyment, and indeed the Hereafter — that is the abode of permanence." (Ghāfir 40:39)

Yā qawm — O my people! O my dear friends! Innamā hādhihi l-ḥayātu l-dunyā matāʿ — this worldly life is nothing but a brief article of enjoyment — a passing pleasure, lasting only a few days. Wa-inna l-ākhirata hiya dāru l-qarār — and the Hereafter is the real abode, the permanent station, the dwelling of stability and residence — the true home.

Translation: "O people! This worldly life is only a few days of enjoyment — and the Hereafter is the permanent abode of settlement."

مَنْ عَمِلَ سَيِّئَةً فَلَا يُجْزَى إِلَّا مِثْلَهَا وَمَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَى وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَأُولَئِكَ يَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ يُرْزَقُونَ فِيهَا بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ

Man ʿamila sayyiʾatan fa-lā yujzā illā mithlahā wa-man ʿamila ṣāliḥan min dhakarin aw unthā wa-huwa muʾminun fa-ulāʾika yadkhulūna l-jannata yūrzaqūna fīhā bi-ghayri ḥisāb.

"Whoever does an evil deed will not be recompensed except by its like; but whoever acts righteously — male or female — while being a believer, those will enter Paradise, being provided therein without account." (Ghāfir 40:40)

Man ʿamila sayyiʾatan — whoever commits an evil deed; whoever does a bad thing. Fa-lā yujzā illā mithlahā — he will not be given any recompense except exactly its equal — the exact same measure, just that, no more. Wa-man ʿamila ṣāliḥan — and whoever does a good deed and performs righteous works. Min dhakarin aw unthā — whether male or female. Wa-huwa muʾmin — provided the condition is met that he or she is a believer, a Muslim. Fa-ulāʾika yadkhulūna l-janna — those people will enter Paradise. Yūrzaqūna fīhā bi-ghayri ḥisāb — they will be granted provision in it, all their necessities will be given — bi-ghayri ḥisāb — without limit, without measure, boundlessly.

Translation: "Whoever does a bad deed will be repaid only its exact equivalent; but whoever does good works — whether man or woman — provided that person is a Muslim, they will enter Paradise, and they will be given provision in it without limit and without measure."

وَيَا قَوْمِ مَا لِيَ أَدْعُوكُمْ إِلَى النَّجَاةِ وَتَدْعُونَنِي إِلَى النَّارِ

Wa-yā qawmi mā lī adʿūkum ilā l-najāti wa-tadʿūnanī ilā l-nār.

"And O my people, what is the matter with me — I call you to salvation, yet you call me toward the Fire?" (Ghāfir 40:41)

Wa-yā qawm — and O my people! My dear friends! Mā lī — what has happened to me — what is this strange situation? Adʿūkum ilā l-najāt — I am calling you toward salvation, toward rescue and deliverance. Wa-tadʿūnanī ilā l-nār — and you are calling me toward the Fire, inviting me to Hell.

Translation: "O people — what is the matter — I call you toward salvation and you call me toward the Fire!"

تَدْعُونَنِي لِأَكْفُرَ بِاللَّهِ وَأُشْرِكَ بِهِ مَا لَيْسَ لِي بِهِ عِلْمٌ وَأَنَا أَدْعُوكُمْ إِلَى الْعَزِيزِ الْغَفَّارِ

Tadʿūnanī li-akfura bi-llāhi wa-ushrika bihi mā laysa lī bihi ʿilmun wa-anā adʿūkum ilā l-ʿAzīzi l-Ghaffār.

"You call me to disbelieve in Allah and to associate with Him what I have no knowledge of, while I call you to the All-Mighty, the All-Forgiving." (Ghāfir 40:42)

Tadʿūnanī — you are calling me, inviting me persistently. Li-akfura bi-llāh — to reject and disbelieve in Allah. Wa-ushrika bihi — and to associate partners with Him. Mā laysa lī bihi ʿilm — that of which I have no knowledge, no proof, no basis whatsoever. Wa-anā adʿūkum — and I am calling you — guiding you. Ilā l-ʿAzīzi l-Ghaffār — toward the God Who is possessed of all might and also of forgiveness; He is immensely powerful and immensely forgiving.

Translation: "You call me to disbelieve in Allah and to commit shirk with Him — though I have no basis or proof for this (you are calling me toward shirk) — and I am calling you toward the God who is Exalted in Might and also the Most Forgiving."

لَا جَرَمَ أَنَّمَا تَدْعُونَنِي إِلَيْهِ لَيْسَ لَهُ دَعْوَةٌ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَلَا فِي الْآخِرَةِ وَأَنَّ مَرَدَّنَا إِلَى اللَّهِ وَأَنَّ الْمُسْرِفِينَ هُمْ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ

Lā jarama annamā tadʿūnanī ilayhi laysa lahu daʿwatun fī l-dunyā wa-lā fī l-ākhirati wa-anna maraddanā ilā llāhi wa-anna l-musrifīna hum aṣḥābu l-nār.

"Assuredly, what you call me toward has no response in this world nor in the Hereafter; and our return is indeed to Allah, and indeed the transgressors — they are the companions of the Fire." (Ghāfir 40:43)

Lā jarama — without doubt, certainly, assuredly. Annamā tadʿūnanī ilayhi — that to which you call me. Laysa lahu daʿwatun fī l-dunyā — it has no right to be called upon in this world; it has no reality and no power to respond — it is unworthy of prayer and supplication. Wa-lā fī l-ākhira — and neither in the Hereafter. Wa-anna maraddanā ilā llāh — and that our return is to Allah — we will all come before the Court of Allah. Wa-anna l-musrifīna hum aṣḥābu l-nār — and those who transgress all bounds, those who have gone to excess in disbelief and are extravagant in sin — they are the people of the Fire, the dwellers of Hell.

Translation: "Certainly that which you call me to worship is not worth calling upon either in this world or the Hereafter — and we must all come before the presence of Allah — and those who have gone beyond all bounds are indeed the companions of Hell!"

فَسَتَذْكُرُونَ مَا أَقُولُ لَكُمْ وَأُفَوِّضُ أَمْرِي إِلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَصِيرٌ بِالْعِبَادِ

Fa-satadh̲h̲kurūna mā aqulu lakum wa-ufawwiḍu amrī ilā llāhi inna llāha baṣīrun bi-l-ʿibād.

"So you will soon remember what I say to you, and I commit my affair to Allah — indeed Allah is Seeing of the servants." (Ghāfir 40:44)

Fa-satadh̲h̲kurūn — very soon you will remember, you will call to mind. Mā aqulu lakum — what I am saying to you now. Wa-ufawwiḍu amrī ilā llāh — and I entrust and commit all my affairs to Allah; I place my full reliance and trust in Him. Inna llāha baṣīrun bi-l-ʿibād — indeed Allah is All-Seeing of His servants; He is fully cognisant of them, watching over all their conditions — all of them are in His sight, under His full gaze.

Translation: "Soon you will remember what I am saying — and I entrust all my affairs to Allah (committing everything to His charge, placing my full reliance in Him) — for Allah, without doubt, has all His servants under His watchful gaze."

فَوَقَاهُ اللَّهُ سَيِّئَاتِ مَا مَكَرُوا وَحَاقَ بِآلِ فِرْعَوْنَ سُوءُ الْعَذَابِ

Fa-waqāhu llāhu sayyiʾāti mā makarū wa-ḥāqa bi-āli Firʿawna sūʾu l-ʿadhāb.

"So Allah protected him from the evil consequences of what they plotted, and the people of Pharaoh were enveloped by the worst punishment." (Ghāfir 40:45)

Fa-waqāhu llāh — then Allah saved him and guarded him, protecting the Believer from among the household of Pharaoh. Sayyiʾāti mā makarū — from the evil consequences and harms of the schemes they were devising — for they were plotting grievous schemes against him. Wa-ḥāqa bi-āli Firʿawn — and the family of Pharaoh were encircled and overtaken. Sūʾu l-ʿadhāb — the worst kind of punishment, the most severe and grievous torment fell upon them.

Translation: "Then Allah saved (the believer, the Muslim) from the evil of their schemes — and upon the people of Pharaoh the worst torment descended (their own evil plans collapsed upon them in the most severe punishment)."

النَّارُ يُعْرَضُونَ عَلَيْهَا غُدُوًّا وَعَشِيًّا وَيَوْمَ تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ أَدْخِلُوا آلَ فِرْعَوْنَ أَشَدَّ الْعَذَابِ

Al-nāru yuʿraḍūna ʿalayhā ghuduwwan wa-ʿashiyyan wa-yawma taqūmu l-sāʿatu adkhilū āla Firʿawna ashadda l-ʿadhāb.

"The Fire — they are exposed to it morning and evening; and on the Day the Hour is established: 'Admit the people of Pharaoh into the severest punishment.'" (Ghāfir 40:46)

Al-nār — the Fire of Hell. Yuʿraḍūna ʿalayhā — they are presented before it, the Fire is shown to them — morning and evening. Ghuduwwan wa-ʿashiyyā — morning and evening. Between death and the Day of Resurrection is the interval of the grave and the intermediate state (barzakh); in this interval, just as one who holds government office has his position and rank on display, and one who is a criminal is imprisoned and disgraced — so the condemned soul, prior to being cast into Hell, is shown the Fire morning and evening in the barzakh. Wa-yawma taqūmu l-sāʿah — and when the Day of Resurrection arrives, when the final decision is made — adkhilū āla Firʿawn — it will be commanded: "Let the people of Pharaoh enter!" Ashadda l-ʿadhāb — into the most severe and the harshest of punishments.

Translation: "Morning and evening the Fire is shown to them. When the Day of Resurrection comes, they will be told: 'Enter the people of Pharaoh into the most severe torment.'"

وَإِذْ يَتَحَاجُّونَ فِي النَّارِ فَيَقُولُ الضُّعَفَاءُ لِلَّذِينَ اسْتَكْبَرُوا إِنَّا كُنَّا لَكُمْ تَبَعًا فَهَلْ أَنْتُمْ مُغْنُونَ عَنَّا نَصِيبًا مِنَ النَّارِ

Wa-idh yataḥājjūna fī l-nāri fa-yaqūlu l-ḍuʿafāʾu li-lladhīna stakbarū innā kunnā lakum tabaʿan fa-hal antum mughnūna ʿannā naṣīban mina l-nār.

"And when they will argue with one another in the Fire, the weak will say to those who were arrogant: 'We were indeed your followers — so will you spare us a portion of the Fire?'" (Ghāfir 40:47)

Wa-idh yataḥājjūn fī l-nār — and when the disbelievers will be wrangling and disputing together in the Fire. Fa-yaqūlu l-ḍuʿafāʾ — then the weak and lowly people will speak — the followers will say. Li-lladhīna stakbarū — to those who were arrogant and proud — the great ones. Innā kunnā lakum tabaʿan — indeed we were your followers; we used to follow you. Fa-hal antum mughnūna ʿannā naṣīban mina l-nār — can you now spare us even some portion of the Fire's torment, deflect some of it from us?

Translation: "And when (these disbelievers) are wrangling in the Fire — the weak and the followers will say to the arrogant and proud ones: 'We were indeed your followers — can you not deflect some share of the punishment of the Fire from us?'"

قَالَ الَّذِينَ اسْتَكْبَرُوا إِنَّا كُلٌّ فِيهَا إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ حَكَمَ بَيْنَ الْعِبَادِ

Qāla lladhīna stakbarū innā kullun fīhā inna llāha qad ḥakama bayna l-ʿibād.

"Those who were arrogant will say: 'We are all in it — indeed Allah has already judged between the servants.'" (Ghāfir 40:48)

Qāla lladhīna stakbarū — those who used to behave with arrogance and self-importance will reply. Innā kullun fīhā — we are all in it — we are all here in the Fire. Inna llāha qad ḥakama bayna l-ʿibād — indeed Allah has already issued His judgment concerning the servants — He had already given the commandment regarding them, had already issued the decision as to what was to be done with the servants.

Translation: "Those who considered themselves superior will say: 'We are all here in the Fire — and Allah has already given His judgment regarding the servants.'"

وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ فِي النَّارِ لِخَزَنَةِ جَهَنَّمَ ادْعُوا رَبَّكُمْ يُخَفِّفْ عَنَّا يَوْمًا مِنَ الْعَذَابِ

Wa-qāla lladhīna fī l-nāri li-khazanati jahannama udʿū rabbakum yukhaffif ʿannā yawman mina l-ʿadhāb.

"And those in the Fire will say to the keepers of Hell: 'Call upon your Lord to lighten for us a day of the punishment.'" (Ghāfir 40:49)

Wa-qāla lladhīna fī l-nār — and the people in the Fire will say this. Li-khazanati jahannam — to the wardens and keepers of Jahannam, those appointed as its guards. Udʿū rabbakum — pray to your Lord, make supplication on our behalf to Allah. Yukhaffif ʿannā — that He lighten for us and reduce our suffering, remove some of it from us. Yawman mina l-ʿadhāb — even just for a single day, one day's worth of the torment.

Translation: "The people of the Fire will say to the keepers of Hell: 'Pray to your Lord, entreat Him on our behalf — that He reduce our punishment for even one day!'"

قَالُوا أَوَلَمْ تَكُ تَأْتِيكُمْ رُسُلُكُمْ بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ قَالُوا بَلَى قَالُوا فَادْعُوا وَمَا دُعَاءُ الْكَافِرِينَ إِلَّا فِي ضَلَالٍ

Qālū a-wa-lam taku taʾtīkum rusulukum bi-l-bayyināti qālū balā qālū fa-dʿū wa-mā duʿāʾu l-kāfirīna illā fī ḍalāl.

"They will say: 'Did your messengers not come to you with clear proofs?' They will say: 'Yes.' They will say: 'Then call out — for the supplication of the disbelievers is only in error.'" (Ghāfir 40:50)

Qālū — the keepers of Hell will say. A-wa-lam taku taʾtīkum rusulukum — did your messengers not come to you? Bi-l-bayyināt — with clear proofs, manifest signs and miracles. Qālū balā — they will say: Yes, of course they did come — the condemned will confirm this, for they cannot deny it. Qālū fa-dʿū — then call out (now, if you wish); pray to your own gods if you can. Wa-mā duʿāʾu l-kāfirīna illā fī ḍalāl — but the supplication of the disbelievers is in nothing but error; it is mere wandering astray, of no avail. Calling upon one's false gods is utterly fruitless.

Translation: "The wardens will say to them: 'Did not the messengers come to you with clear signs and miracles?' They will say: 'Yes.' The wardens will say: 'Then call upon your gods — but the supplication of the disbelievers yields nothing except going astray.'"

إِنَّا لَنَنْصُرُ رُسُلَنَا وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَيَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْأَشْهَادُ

Innā la-nanṣuru rusulanā wa-lladhīna āmanū fī l-ḥayāti l-dunyā wa-yawma yaqūmu l-ashhād.

"Indeed, We will surely support Our messengers and those who have believed, in the life of this world and on the Day when the witnesses will stand." (Ghāfir 40:51)

Innā la-nanṣur — We will certainly, absolutely, grant victory. Rusulanā — to Our prophets, Our messengers. Wa-lladhīna āmanū — and to those who believed, the Muslims as well. Fī l-ḥayāti l-dunyā — in this worldly life, in the life of the present world. Wa-yawma yaqūmu l-ashhād — and on the Day of Resurrection as well, the day when all the witnesses will rise and stand — when the witnesses are called and all stand watching.

Translation: "Indeed We will certainly give victory to Our messengers and to the Muslims — in this worldly life and also on the Day of Resurrection, when all witnesses will rise and stand."

يَوْمَ لَا يَنْفَعُ الظَّالِمِينَ مَعْذِرَتُهُمْ وَلَهُمُ اللَّعْنَةُ وَلَهُمْ سُوءُ الدَّارِ

Yawma lā yanfaʿu l-ẓālimīna maʿdhiratuhum wa-lahumu l-laʿnatu wa-lahum sūʾu l-dār.

"The day their excuse will not benefit the wrongdoers, and theirs will be the curse, and theirs will be the evil abode." (Ghāfir 40:52)

Yawma lā yanfaʿu l-ẓālimīn — on that Day it will be of no avail to the wrongdoers. Maʿdhiratuhum — their excuses, all their pretexts and justifications — none will come to any use. Wa-lahumu l-laʿna — and upon them will be the curse of Allah; He will publicly rebuke and condemn them. Wa-lahum sūʾu l-dār — and for them is the evil abode — the worst of dwellings.

Translation: "On that Day the excuses of the wrongdoers (and those who sinned) will avail them nothing — the curse of Allah will be upon them — and for them is the worst abode (Hell)."

وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا مُوسَى الْهُدَى وَأَوْرَثْنَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ الْكِتَابَ

Wa-laqad ātaynā Mūsā l-hudā wa-awrathnā Banī Isrāʾīla l-kitāb.

"And verily We gave Mūsā the guidance, and We made the Children of Israel inheritors of the Book." (Ghāfir 40:53)

Wa-laqad ātaynā Mūsā l-hudā — and We certainly gave Mūsā guidance and good direction; We bestowed upon him the Torah. Wa-awrathnā Banī Isrāʾīla l-kitāb — and We made the Children of Isrāʾīl the inheritors of the Book — meaning We made Banū Isrāʾīl the custodians and heirs of the Torah as a Book.

Translation: "And We certainly bestowed guidance upon Mūsā and made the Children of Isrāʾīl the inheritors of the Book."

هُدًى وَذِكْرَى لِأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ

Hudan wa-dhikrā li-ulī l-albāb.

"A guidance and a reminder for those of understanding." (Ghāfir 40:54)

Hudā wa-dhikrā — that Book was a full source of guidance and admonition and counsel. Li-ulī l-albāb — but for whom? For ulū l-albāb — lubb — the kernel, the innermost core — the sound intellect; for those who possess truly sound and keen understanding.

Translation: "That Book was a complete guidance and admonition — but only for those who possess truly sound intellect."

فَاصْبِرْ إِنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ حَقٌّ وَاسْتَغْفِرْ لِذَنْبِكَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ بِالْعَشِيِّ وَالْإِبْكَارِ

Fa-ṣbir inna waʿda llāhi ḥaqqun wa-staghfir li-dhanbika wa-sabbiḥ bi-ḥamdi rabbika bi-l-ʿashiyyi wa-l-ibkār.

"So be patient — indeed the promise of Allah is true — and seek forgiveness for your sin and glorify the praise of your Lord in the evening and the morning." (Ghāfir 40:55)

Fa-ṣbir — then O Prophet, exercise patience! Show steadfastness and endurance. Inna waʿda llāhi ḥaqq — indeed Allah's promise is absolutely true — that is a certain truth. Wa-staghfir li-dhanbik — and seek forgiveness for your sins; seek the forgiveness of Allah, asking Him to save and protect you from sins where possible, and where one finds oneself in circumstances of weakness and helplessness before sin, then seek the shelter of His mercy. Wa-sabbiḥ bi-ḥamdi rabbika — and engage in the tasbīḥ of your Lord — declare His absolute purity and glorification, perform His praise. Bi-l-ʿashiyyi wa-l-ibkār — at evening and at dawn; morning and dusk.

Translation: "So be patient — Allah's promise is absolutely true — and seek forgiveness (from Allah for your own state as representative of your community) and you are absolutely incapable of grasping its full significance — and glorify your Lord's praise morning and evening."

The commentary on Sūrat al-Muʾmin continues. Bahrul Uloom Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui Rahmatullah Alaih resumes after the verse of tasbīḥ, explaining the full import of patience and glorification enjoined upon the Prophet ﷺ:

Translation of the preceding passage: "Then O Prophet, be patient — seek forgiveness from Allah for your mistakes — and morning and evening engage in the glorification and praise of your Lord."

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُجَادِلُونَ فِي آيَاتِ اللَّهِ بِغَيْرِ سُلْطَانٍ أَتَاهُمْ إِنْ فِي صُدُورِهِمْ إِلَّا الْكِبْرُ مَا هُمْ بِبَالِغِيهِ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ

Inna lladhīna yujādilūna fī āyāti llāhi bi-ghayri sulṭānin atāhum in fī ṣudūrihim illā l-kibru mā hum bi-bālighhī fa-staʿidh bi-llāhi innahu huwa l-samīʿu l-baṣīr.

"Indeed, those who dispute concerning the signs of Allah without any authority that has come to them — in their breasts is nothing but pride; they will never attain it. So seek refuge in Allah — indeed He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing." (Ghāfir 40:56)

Inna lladhīna yujādilūna — indeed those people who argue and dispute, who engage in polemical wrangling, who quarrel contentiously. Fī āyāti llāh — concerning the signs of Allah, regarding the divine verses. Bi-ghayri sulṭānin atāhum — without any authority, any proof or evidence that has come to them from Allah's side. In fī ṣudūrihim illā l-kibr — there is nothing in their breasts save arrogance and pride — their hearts are filled with conceit and self-importance; the arrogance of arrogance fills their chests — mā hum bi-bālighhī — and they will never attain what they seek; they will never reach it with their inflated self-esteem. Fa-staʿidh bi-llāh — so seek refuge in Allah, recite aʿūdhu bi-llāh. Innahu huwa l-samīʿu l-baṣīr — indeed He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing — He hears everything and sees everything.

Translation: "Without doubt those people who — without any authority or proof — dispute over Allah's verses: there is nothing in their hearts but arrogance — yet they will never attain what they desire with their arrogance. So seek Allah's refuge — (aʿūdhu bi-llāhi) — He is certainly the All-Hearing and the All-Seeing."

لَخَلْقُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ أَكْبَرُ مِنْ خَلْقِ النَّاسِ وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

La-khalqu l-samāwāti wa-l-arḍi akbaru min khalqi l-nāsi wa-lākinna akthara l-nāsi lā yaʿlamūn.

"The creation of the heavens and the earth is certainly greater than the creation of mankind — but most people do not know." (Ghāfir 40:57)

La-khalqu l-samāwāti wa-l-arḍ — the creation of the heavens and the earth is certainly — akbaru min khalqi l-nās — greater than the creation of human beings. How many billions upon billions are the heavens? Allah alone knows their multitude. When God creates them with billions upon billions of stars and planets alongside them, and creates the heavens and the earth — la-khalqu l-samāwāti akbaru — the creation of the heavens and the earth is certainly greater and more immense than the creation of humanity — can you not see and reflect? Wa-lākinna akthara l-nāsi lā yaʿlamūn — but most people are unaware and ignorant; they are heedless and inattentive.

Translation: "Certainly the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the creation of human beings — but most people do not know anything."

وَمَا يَسْتَوِي الْأَعْمَى وَالْبَصِيرُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَلَا الْمُسِيءُ قَلِيلًا مَا تَتَذَكَّرُونَ

Wa-mā yastawī l-aʿmā wa-l-baṣīru wa-lladhīna āmanū wa-ʿamilū l-ṣāliḥāti wa-lā l-musīʾu — qalīlan mā tatadh̲h̲dharūn.

"And not equal are the blind and the seeing, nor those who believe and do righteous deeds and the evildoer. How little do you reflect!" (Ghāfir 40:58)

Wa-mā yastawī l-aʿmā wa-l-baṣīr — and the blind and the seeing are not equal — the blind person and the one with sight. Wa-lladhīna āmanū wa-ʿamilū l-ṣāliḥāt — and those who believe — who keep Allah in their hearts with certainty and who perform righteous deeds — believers who work good deeds. Wa-lā l-musīʾ — and the evildoer — the one who commits bad deeds. Qalīlan mā tatadh̲h̲dharūn — how very little you reflect; though much admonition is given, very few people take heed — most people do not accept the counsel; a great deal of admonition is delivered but very few people listen.

Translation: "And the blind and the seeing are not equal — and those who believe and do good deeds, and the evildoer — (No, they are not equal!) — but very few people think and reflect."

إِنَّ السَّاعَةَ لَآتِيَةٌ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهَا وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

Inna l-sāʿata la-ātiyatun lā rayba fīhā wa-lākinna akthara l-nāsi lā yuʾminūn.

"Indeed the Hour is certainly coming — there is no doubt in it — but most people do not believe." (Ghāfir 40:59)

Inna l-sāʿata la-ātiya — the Hour of Resurrection is certainly approaching and will arrive; it will certainly come. Lā rayba fīhā — there is no doubt or suspicion in it. Wa-lākinna akthara l-nāsi lā yuʾminūn — but the majority of people do not believe; they do not accept, they have no faith in it.

Translation: "Certainly the Resurrection is coming — there is no doubt in it — but most people do not believe in it."

وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِي سَيَدْخُلُونَ جَهَنَّمَ دَاخِرِينَ

Wa-qāla rabbukum udʿūnī astajib lakum inna lladhīna yastakbirūna ʿan ʿibādatī sa-yadkhulūna jahannama dākhirīn.

"And your Lord said: 'Call upon Me — I will respond to you. Indeed those who are too proud to worship Me will enter Hell, humiliated.'" (Ghāfir 40:60)

Wa-qāla rabbukum — and your Lord — your Sustainer and Nourisher — declared and commanded. Udʿūnī — call upon Me, make supplication to Me, ask from Me — I accept supplication. Astajib lakum — I will respond to you, I will grant you, I will answer you. Inna lladhīna yastakbirūna — indeed those who are arrogant and consider themselves great. ʿAn ʿibādatī — from My worship — regarding My devotion, considering themselves too great and elevated for it. Sa-yadkhulūna jahannama — they will soon enter Jahannam; they are on the verge of entering Hell. Dākhirīn — humiliated and disgraced, debased and wretched.

Bahrul Uloom Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui Rahmatullah Alaih offers an important observation here: the purpose of supplication is that the servant considers himself to be needy and in want; this is the essence of servitude and worship. One who earnestly seeks something from Allah — what happens? Allah does not send him back empty-handed. Whatever you ask for, that is what He grants — but sometimes the appropriate compensation will be better for you; at other times what you requested is given. In any case, the servant is never left wanting. This is why supplication (duʿāʾ) is the very crown of worship; it is the reality of ʿubūdiyya. The servant should never stop asking, for asking itself is the very essence of his connection to his Lord.

Translation: "And your Lord said: 'Call upon Me — I will respond to you (accept your prayers) — but those who are too arrogant for My worship will enter Hell, humiliated and debased.'"

اللَّهُ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ اللَّيْلَ لِتَسْكُنُوا فِيهِ وَالنَّهَارَ مُبْصِرًا إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَذُو فَضْلٍ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَشْكُرُونَ

Allāhu lladhī jaʿala lakumu l-layla li-taskunū fīhi wa-l-nahāra mubṣiran inna llāha la-dhū faḍlin ʿalā l-nāsi wa-lākinna akthara l-nāsi lā yashkurūn.

"Allah is He Who made for you the night that you may rest in it, and the day giving sight — indeed Allah is full of bounty to mankind, but most people do not give thanks." (Ghāfir 40:61)

Allāhu lladhī jaʿala lakumu l-layl — Allah is He Who created the night for you — li-taskunū fīhī — so that you may find rest and peace in it; He made the night a time of rest and tranquillity. Wa-l-nahāra mubṣiran — and He made the day bright and luminous — every object that shows itself visible. Inna llāha la-dhū faḍl — indeed Allah is truly immensely generous and gracious. ʿAlā l-nās — toward all people, abundantly bestowing His blessings. Wa-lākinna akthara l-nāsi lā yashkurūn — but most people do not give thanks; they are ungrateful and do not acknowledge His beneficence.

Translation: "Allah it is Who created the night so that you may rest in it, and made the day bright and visible — indeed Allah is certainly most generous and gracious toward people — but most people do not offer thanks."

ذَلِكُمُ اللَّهُ رَبُّكُمْ خَالِقُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ فَأَنَّى تُؤْفَكُونَ

Dhālikumu llāhu rabbukum khāliqu kulli shayʾin lā ilāha illā huwa fa-annā tuʾfakūn.

"That is Allah — your Lord, the Creator of all things. There is no deity except Him — so how are you turned away?" (Ghāfir 40:62)

Dhālikumu llāhu rabbukum — that very God is your Lord — your Sustainer and Nourisher. Khāliqu kulli shayʾ — He is the Creator of all things, the Originator of everything. Lā ilāha illā hū — there is no object worthy of worship except Him; none exists besides Him as a true deity. Fa-annā tuʾfakūn — then where are you going astray? Where are you wandering?

Translation: "That very God is your Lord — the Creator of all things — there is no deity save Him — then where are you wandering astray?"

كَذَلِكَ يُؤْفَكُ الَّذِينَ كَانُوا بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ يَجْحَدُونَ

Kadhālika yuʾfaku lladhīna kānū bi-āyāti llāhi yajḥadūn.

"Thus are turned away those who were denying the signs of Allah." (Ghāfir 40:63)

Kadhālika yuʾfaku lladhīna — in this manner — in this way — are led astray those people who. Kānū bi-āyāti llāhi yajḥadūn — were denying the signs of Allah; they refused to acknowledge them, rejecting and denying the verses of God.

Translation: "In this way, those people who used to deny the verses of Allah are led astray."

اللَّهُ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ قَرَارًا وَالسَّمَاءَ بِنَاءً وَصَوَّرَكُمْ فَأَحْسَنَ صُوَرَكُمْ وَرَزَقَكُمْ مِنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ ذَلِكُمُ اللَّهُ رَبُّكُمْ فَتَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ

Allāhu lladhī jaʿala lakumu l-arḍa qarāran wa-l-samāʾa binā'an wa-ṣawwarakum fa-aḥsana ṣuwarakum wa-razaqakum mina l-ṭayyibāti — dhālikumu llāhu rabbukum fa-tabāraka llāhu rabbu l-ʿālamīn.

"Allah is He Who made for you the earth a resting place and the sky a structure, and formed you and made your forms excellent, and provided you with good things. That is Allah, your Lord — so blessed be Allah, Lord of the worlds." (Ghāfir 40:64)

Allāhu lladhī jaʿala lakumu l-arḍa qarāran — Allah is He Who created the earth as a place of settling and dwelling, a firm resting station — li-taskunū, for you to settle in. Wa-l-samāʾa binā'an — and made the sky a structure, like a great building, a vast canopy. Wa-ṣawwarakum fa-aḥsana ṣuwarakum — and He shaped you — He gave you form — and made your forms beautiful; He gave the human being a beautiful shape. Wa-razaqakum mina l-ṭayyibāt — and He provided you with good and lawful things to eat, good wholesome nourishment. Dhālikumu llāhu rabbukum — that same God is your Lord, your Sustainer. Fa-tabāraka llāhu rabbu l-ʿālamīn — how greatly blessed and exalted is Allah — the Lord of all the worlds — immensely blessed, the Master and Sustainer of all creation.

Translation: "Allah it is Who created the earth as a dwelling place for you, and made the sky a structure — and gave you a good and beautiful form — and gave you wholesome things to eat and drink — that very God is your Lord — how greatly blessed and exalted is Allah, the Lord of all the worlds."

هُوَ الْحَيُّ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ فَادْعُوهُ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

Huwa l-ḥayyu lā ilāha illā huwa fa-dʿūhu mukhlisīna lahu l-dīna al-ḥamdu li-llāhi rabbi l-ʿālamīn.

"He is the Ever-Living — there is no deity except Him — so call upon Him, making the religion sincerely for Him. All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds." (Ghāfir 40:65)

Huwa l-ḥayy — He is the Ever-Living, the permanently and intrinsically living — He is forever alive. Lā ilāha illā hū — there is no deity but He — no worthy object of worship save Him. Fa-dʿūhu — so call upon Him, worship Him, turn to Him with supplication. Mukhlisīna lahu l-dīn — with sincere devotion to Him alone — with full sincerity, genuine obedience and submission — keeping all religious practice purely for His sake alone. Al-ḥamdu li-llāhi rabbi l-ʿālamīn — all praise is for Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, Who nurtures and sustains all creation.

Translation: "He is the Ever-Living (self-subsistingly alive) — there is no deity save Him — so call upon Him (worship Him), keeping all devotion purely for His sake — with sincere obedience — praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds."

قُلْ إِنِّي نُهِيتُ أَنْ أَعْبُدَ الَّذِينَ تَدْعُونَ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ لَمَّا جَاءَنِي الْبَيِّنَاتُ مِنْ رَبِّي وَأُمِرْتُ أَنْ أُسْلِمَ لِرَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

Qul innī nuhītu an aʿbuda lladhīna tadʿūna min dūni llāhi lammā jāʾanī l-bayyinātu min rabbī wa-umirtu an uslima li-rabbi l-ʿālamīn.

"Say: 'I have been forbidden to worship those you call upon besides Allah, when clear proofs have come to me from my Lord; and I have been commanded to submit to the Lord of the worlds.'" (Ghāfir 40:66)

Qul — say, O Prophet. Innī nuhītu — I have been forbidden, the prohibition has been issued to me. An aʿbuda lladhīna tadʿūna min dūni llāh — to worship those whom you call upon other than Allah — gods which you worship instead of abandoning Allah. Lammā jāʾanī l-bayyināt — when clear and evident proofs came to me — and the miracles that came to me from my Lord arrived. Wa-umirtu an uslima li-rabbi l-ʿālamīn — and I have been given the command to submit and surrender myself — to hand over the reins of obedience to the Lord of all the worlds.

Translation: "Say: I have been forbidden from worshipping those whom you worship besides Allah — when clear proofs and miracles have come to me from my Lord — and I have been commanded to submit to the Lord of all the worlds (and to embrace Islam)."

Translation: "Say: those people whose worship I have been forbidden — the people whom you call upon, setting Allah aside — when clear proofs and miracles have already come to me from my Lord — and I have been commanded to submit to the Lord of all the worlds (to practise obedience)."

هُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ مِنْ تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ مِنْ نُطْفَةٍ ثُمَّ مِنْ عَلَقَةٍ ثُمَّ يُخْرِجُكُمْ طِفْلًا ثُمَّ لِتَبْلُغُوا أَشُدَّكُمْ ثُمَّ لِتَكُونُوا شُيُوخًا وَمِنْكُمْ مَنْ يُتَوَفَّى مِنْ قَبْلُ وَلِتَبْلُغُوا أَجَلًا مُسَمًّى وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ

Huwa lladhī khalaqakum min turābin thumma min nuṭfatin thumma min ʿalaqatin thumma yukhrijukum ṭiflan thumma li-tablughū ashuddakum thumma li-takūnū shuyūkhan wa-minkum man yutawaffā min qablu wa-li-tablughū ajalan musamman wa-laʿallakum taʿqilūn.

"He it is Who created you from dust, then from a drop, then from a clinging clot, then He brings you out as a child — then that you may reach your full maturity — then that you may become old men; and among you is one who is taken before that — and that you may reach an appointed time, and that you may use reason." (Ghāfir 40:67)

Huwa lladhī khalaqakum min turāb — He it is Who created you from dust, from soil. Thumma min nuṭfa — then from a single drop, a fine drop of water, a blood clot of fine water. Thumma min ʿalaqa — then from a clot of blood. Thumma yukhrijukum ṭiflā — then He brings you out as an infant child, draws you out from your mother's womb as a newborn. Thumma li-tablughū ashuddakum — then that you may reach the full power and strength of your maturity — the prime of your strength and vigour. Thumma li-takūnū shuyūkhā — then that you may become old men and aged; you grow old and grow white-haired. Wa-minkum man yutawaffā min qabl — and among you there are those who pass away before this — before reaching old age, their allotted time arrives early. Wa-li-tablughū ajalan musamman — and so that you may reach your appointed, fixed term. Wa-laʿallakum taʿqilūn — and perhaps, so that you may reflect and think; so that you may use your reason — think carefully about all these things — think a little!

Translation: "He it is Who created you from dust — then from a drop — then from a clot of blood — then brought you out as a child — kept you alive to reach your full power — then you grow old — and some of you pass away before reaching old age — (all this happens) so that you may reach your appointed time — and so that you may use your intellect (think carefully about all of this!)."

هُوَ الَّذِي يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ فَإِذَا قَضَى أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُ كُنْ فَيَكُونُ

Huwa lladhī yuḥyī wa-yumītu fa-idhā qaḍā amran fa-innamā yaqūlu lahu kun fa-yakūn.

"He is the One Who gives life and causes death; and when He decrees a matter, He only says to it: 'Be!' and it is." (Ghāfir 40:68)

Huwa lladhī yuḥyī — He it is Who gives life; He is the One Who grants life. Wa-yumīt — and causes death; He is also the One who brings death. Fa-idhā qaḍā amran — and when any task's fixed time arrives, when the appointed moment for anything to occur comes. Fa-innamā yaqūlu lahu kun — He merely says in regard to it — (kun) — "Be!" — He says this in relation to it, to the thing. Fa-yakūn — and it comes into being, it simply becomes what it was decreed to be.

Translation: "He is the One Who gives life and takes life — and when the time for any matter arrives, He merely says to it 'Be!' and it comes into being (at His mere will, the matter, willed by Providence, takes place)."

The Beginning of Sūra 13 (Muʿānaqa — Embrace Passage)

Note: The page header reads "Muʿānaqa 13" alongside "al-Muʾmin 40". This notation refers to the practice of pausing at a specific point in the Qurʾān during recitation.

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ يُجَادِلُونَ فِي آيَاتِ اللَّهِ أَنَّى يُصْرَفُونَ

A-lam tara ilā lladhīna yujādilūna fī āyāti llāhi annā yuṣrafūn.

"Do you not see those who dispute concerning the signs of Allah — how they are turned away?" (Ghāfir 40:69)

A-lam tara — O Prophet! Do you not see? Have you not observed? Ilā lladhīna — to those people. Yujādilūna — who dispute, who quarrel and argue — who contest the verses of Allah. Fī āyāti llāh — concerning the signs of God, in the things of Allah. Annā yuṣrafūn — how they are being led astray! Where are they wandering?

Translation: "(O Prophet!) Do you not see those people who argue and quarrel with Allah's verses — where are they heading? Where are they wandering?"

الَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا بِالْكِتَابِ وَبِمَا أَرْسَلْنَا بِهِ رُسُلَنَا فَسَوْفَ يَعْلَمُونَ

Alladhīna kadh̲h̲habū bi-l-kitābi wa-bimā arsalnā bihi rusulanā fa-sawfa yaʿlamūn.

"Those who have denied the Book and what We sent Our messengers with — they will soon come to know." (Ghāfir 40:70)

Al-ladhīna kadh̲h̲habū bi-l-kitāb — those people who denied the Book of Allah, who rejected and repudiated it. Wa-bimā arsalnā bihi rusulanā — and also those commands and ordinances which We sent with Our prophets and messengers — whom We dispatched. Fa-sawfa yaʿlamūn — they will very soon know, the outcome of their affair will very soon become clear to them.

Translation: "Those people who denied the Book of Allah and all the commandments with which We sent Our prophets — they will very soon know everything."

إِذِ الْأَغْلَالُ فِي أَعْنَاقِهِمْ وَالسَّلَاسِلُ يُسْحَبُونَ

Idhi l-aghlālu fī aʿnāqihim wa-l-salāsilu yusḥabūn.

"When the shackles are on their necks and the chains — they will be dragged." (Ghāfir 40:71)

Idhi l-aghlālu fī aʿnāqihim — when collars of iron will be around their necks — shackles. Wa-l-salāsil — and chains, iron chains will be around them too. Yusḥabūn — they will be dragged and pulled along.

Translation: "When their necks are in collars and chains — they will be dragged along."

فِي الْحَمِيمِ ثُمَّ فِي النَّارِ يُسْجَرُونَ

Fī l-ḥamīmi thumma fī l-nāri yusjarūn.

"Into the scalding water — then in the Fire they will be burned." (Ghāfir 40:72)

Fī l-ḥamīm — into the scalding, boiling water — thumma fī l-nāri yusjarūn — and then in the Fire they will be burned and stoked, thrust into the flames.

Translation: "(They will be dragged) into the scalding water — then they will be flung into the Fire."

ثُمَّ قِيلَ لَهُمْ أَيْنَ مَا كُنْتُمْ تُشْرِكُونَ

Thumma qīla lahum ayna mā kuntum tushrikūn.

"Then it will be said to them: 'Where are those you used to associate?'" (Ghāfir 40:73)

Thumma qīla lahum — then it will be said to them, the condemned will be told. Ayna mā kuntum tushrikūn — where are those deities now? Where are those objects of worship with whom you used to commit shirk?

Translation: "Then they will be asked: 'Where are those gods whom you used to worship?'"

مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ قَالُوا ضَلُّوا عَنَّا بَلْ لَمْ نَكُنْ نَدْعُوا مِنْ قَبْلُ شَيْئًا كَذَلِكَ يُضِلُّ اللَّهُ الْكَافِرِينَ

Min dūni llāhi qālū ḍallū ʿannā bal lam nakun nadʿū min qablu shayʾan — kadhālika yuḍillu llāhu l-kāfirīn.

"Besides Allah — they will say: 'They have lost us' — nay, we did not call upon anything at all before. Thus does Allah lead the disbelievers astray." (Ghāfir 40:74)

Min dūni llāh — other than Allah. Qālū ḍallū ʿannā — they will say in reply: those gods have abandoned us — they have all been lost to us. Bal lam nakun nadʿū min qablu shayʾan — nay — in truth — we were not worshipping anything at all before; we were calling upon nothing. For the reality was that those gods were nothing. Kadhālika yuḍillu llāhu l-kāfirīn — in this manner Allah leads the disbelievers astray — He sends them astray.

Translation: "Setting aside Allah — they will say: they have all abandoned us and become lost — in truth we were not even calling upon anything before. Allah leads the disbelievers astray in this way!"

ذَلِكُمْ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَفْرَحُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ وَبِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَمْرَحُونَ

Dhālikum bi-mā kuntum tafraḥūna fī l-arḍi bi-ghayri l-ḥaqqi wa-bimā kuntum tamraḥūn.

"That is because you used to rejoice in the earth without right and because you used to exult." (Ghāfir 40:75)

Dhālikum — this punishment is on account of — bi-mā kuntum tafraḥūn — because you used to be excessively joyful and jubilant, greatly pleased. Fī l-arḍ — in the earth — upon the earth. Bi-ghayri l-ḥaqq — on account of wrongdoing and falsehood — on baseless pretexts. Wa-bimā kuntum tamraḥūn — and because you used to exult with arrogance and swagger in the earth, strutting about arrogantly.

Translation: "This (punishment) is because you used to rejoice excessively on false grounds in the earth — and because you used to exult arrogantly."

ادْخُلُوا أَبْوَابَ جَهَنَّمَ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا فَبِئْسَ مَثْوَى الْمُتَكَبِّرِينَ

Udkhulū abwāba jahannama khālidīna fīhā fa-biʾsa mathwā l-mutakabbirīn.

"Enter the gates of Hell, abiding therein — how wretched is the abode of the arrogant!" (Ghāfir 40:76)

Udkhulū abwāba jahannam — enter through the gates of Hell, come through the doors. Khālidīna fīhā — remaining therein permanently, abiding forever. Fa-biʾsa mathwā l-mutakabbirīn — how terrible is the abode of the arrogant and overbearing ones; how wretched a station it is for those who used to show arrogance and pride.

Translation: "Enter the gates of Jahannam — and remain in it forever — how evil is the abode of the arrogant!"

فَاصْبِرْ إِنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ حَقٌّ فَإِمَّا نُرِيَنَّكَ بَعْضَ الَّذِي نَعِدُهُمْ أَوْ نَتَوَفَّيَنَّكَ فَإِلَيْنَا يُرْجَعُونَ

Fa-ṣbir inna waʿda llāhi ḥaqqun fa-immā nuriyannaka baʿḍa lladhī naʿiduhum aw natawaffayannaka fa-ilaynā yurjaʿūn.

"So be patient — indeed Allah's promise is true. Whether We show you some of what We have promised them, or We take you away — to Us they will be returned." (Ghāfir 40:77)

Fa-ṣbir — so, O Prophet, exercise patience — hold firm for a little while. Inna waʿda llāhi ḥaqq — indeed Allah's promise is absolutely true; it is certainly the truth. Fa-immā nuriyannaka baʿḍa lladhī naʿiduhum — either We will show you in this worldly life some of what We have promised them — We will show you some portion of the punishment We have warned them of. Aw natawaffayannaka — or your passing may come first, your departure may occur earlier. Fa-ilaynā yurjaʿūn — then all must return to Us, they will have to come before Our presence; all must appear at Our court.

Translation: "O Prophet, exercise patience — Allah's promise is certainly true — either We will show you some of what We are promising them in this world — or if your appointed time arrives first — then all must return to Us (come before Us)."

وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلًا مِنْ قَبْلِكَ مِنْهُمْ مَنْ قَصَصْنَا عَلَيْكَ وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ لَمْ نَقْصُصْ عَلَيْكَ وَمَا كَانَ لِرَسُولٍ أَنْ يَأْتِيَ بِآيَةٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ فَإِذَا جَاءَ أَمْرُ اللَّهِ قُضِيَ بِالْحَقِّ وَخَسِرَ هُنَالِكَ الْمُبْطِلُونَ

Wa-laqad arsalnā rusulan min qablika minhum man qaṣaṣnā ʿalayka wa-minhum man lam naqṣuṣ ʿalayka wa-mā kāna li-rasūlin an yaʾtiya bi-āyatin illā bi-idhni llāhi fa-idhā jāʾa amru llāhi quḍiya bi-l-ḥaqqi wa-khasira hunālika l-mubṭilūn.

"And certainly We sent messengers before you — among them those whose stories We have related to you, and among them those whose stories We have not related to you. And it was not for any messenger to bring a sign except by Allah's leave; but when the command of Allah comes, it is decided with truth, and there the falsifiers will lose." (Ghāfir 40:78)

Wa-laqad arsalnā rusulān min qablik — and We certainly sent messengers before you, several prophets. Minhum man qaṣaṣnā ʿalayk — among them there are those whose accounts and stories We have related to you — some of them We have narrated their circumstances to you. Wa-minhum man lam naqṣuṣ ʿalayk — and there are others whose accounts We have not related — some prophets are such that We have not narrated their events to you. Wa-mā kāna li-rasūlin an yaʾtiya bi-āya — and it was not in any messenger's power to bring miracles and signs of himself — no prophet can bring a miracle on his own. Illā bi-idhni llāh — except by Allah's leave and permission — only with His command. Fa-idhā jāʾa amru llāh — but when the command and judgment of Allah arrives, when punishment and retribution draws near. Quḍiya bi-l-ḥaqq — it will be decided according to justice — the decree in accordance with truth will be fulfilled. Wa-khasira hunālika l-mubṭilūn — and at that point the falsifiers — those who cling to falsehood and deceit — will be ruined.

Translation: "And We certainly sent messengers before you — some of them We have narrated to you, others We have not related to you — and it is not in any prophet's power to bring miracles by himself — it can only be done by Allah's leave — but when the command of Allah arrives, judgement is given in accordance with justice — and those who deal in falsehood will suffer loss."

اللَّهُ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَنْعَامَ لِتَرْكَبُوا مِنْهَا وَمِنْهَا تَأْكُلُونَ

Allāhu lladhī jaʿala lakumu l-anʿāma li-tarkabū minhā wa-minhā taʾkulūn.

"Allah is He Who made for you the livestock so that you may ride some of them and from some of them you eat." (Ghāfir 40:79)

Allāhu lladhī jaʿala lakumu l-anʿām — Allah it is Who created the livestock for you — the four-footed animals. Li-tarkabū minhā — so that you may ride some of them, making use of them as conveyances. Wa-minhā taʾkulūn — and from others of them you eat; some you may ride and from others you eat.

Translation: "Allah it is Who created the livestock for you — to ride some of them and to eat from others."

وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَنَافِعُ وَلِتَبْلُغُوا عَلَيْهَا حَاجَةً فِي صُدُورِكُمْ وَعَلَيْهَا وَعَلَى الْفُلْكِ تُحْمَلُونَ

Wa-lakum fīhā manāfiʿu wa-li-tablughū ʿalayhā ḥājatan fī ṣudūrikum wa-ʿalayhā wa-ʿalā l-fulki tuḥmalūn.

"And for you in them are benefits, and that through them you may fulfill a need that is in your hearts; and upon them and upon ships you are carried." (Ghāfir 40:80)

Wa-lakum fīhā manāfiʿ — and there are many other benefits for you in these animals. Wa-li-tablughū ʿalayhā ḥājatan fī ṣudūrikum — and to fulfil by means of them a desire that is within your hearts — any purpose and need that you require. Wa-ʿalayhā wa-ʿalā l-fulki tuḥmalūn — and upon them — the livestock — and upon the ships also you are carried and transported.

Translation: "And there are other benefits for you in them too — and through them you may fulfil all the desires in your hearts — and upon them (livestock) and upon ships you are carried."

وَيُرِيكُمْ آيَاتِهِ فَأَيَّ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ تُنْكِرُونَ

Wa-yurīkum āyātihi fa-ayya āyāti llāhi tunkirūn.

"And He shows you His signs — so which of Allah's signs do you deny?" (Ghāfir 40:81)

Wa-yurīkum āyātih — and Allah shows you all His signs — He manifests His signs before you. Fa-ayya āyāti llāhi tunkirūn — then which signs of Allah will you deny? Which of Allah's signs do you have the ability to reject?

Translation: "Allah shows you His own signs — so which signs of Allah will you deny?"

أَفَلَمْ يَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَيَنْظُرُوا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ

A-fa-lam yasīrū fī l-arḍi fa-yanẓurū kayfa kāna ʿāqibatu lladhīna min qablihim.

"Did they not travel through the earth and look at how was the end of those before them?" (Ghāfir 40:82)

A-fa-lam yasīrū fī l-arḍ — have they not travelled through the earth — did they not walk in the earth? Is this earth not toured by them? Fa-yanẓurū — so that they may look and see. Kayfa kāna ʿāqibatu lladhīna min qablihim — what was the end of the people before them, those nations that came earlier? Kānū akthara minhum wa-ashadda quwwatan wa-āthāran fī l-arḍ — they were greater in number than these, and far stronger in power, and left more traces and monuments in the earth — fa-mā aghnā ʿanhum mā kānū yaksibūn — yet what they used to earn and amass availed them nothing.

Translation: "Have they not travelled the earth (as tourists) to look at the fate of the earlier nations? They were greater in number than these and stronger in power and left more monuments in the earth — yet nothing they earned availed them."

كَانُوا أَكْثَرَ مِنْهُمْ وَأَشَدَّ قُوَّةً وَآثَارًا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَمَا أَغْنَى عَنْهُمْ مَا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ

Kānū akthara minhum wa-ashadda quwwatan wa-āthāran fī l-arḍi fa-mā aghnā ʿanhum mā kānū yaksibūn.

"They were more numerous than them, and greater in strength, and in traces upon the earth — yet what they used to earn did not avail them at all." (Ghāfir 40:82)

Translation: "Those earlier peoples — they were greater in number than these and possessed more power and strength — and their monuments and traces in the earth were more imposing — yet when Allah's punishment came, nothing they used to do availed them."

فَلَمَّا جَاءَتْهُمْ رُسُلُهُمْ بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ فَرِحُوا بِمَا عِنْدَهُمْ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ وَحَاقَ بِهِمْ مَا كَانُوا بِهِ يَسْتَهْزِئُونَ

Fa-lammā jāʾathum rusuluhum bi-l-bayyināti fariḥū bi-mā ʿindahum mina l-ʿilmi wa-ḥāqa bihim mā kānū bihi yastahziʾūn.

"But when their messengers came to them with clear proofs, they rejoiced in what knowledge was with them — and they were enveloped by what they used to mock." (Ghāfir 40:83)

Fa-lammā jāʾathum rusuluhum bi-l-bayyināt — then when their messengers came to them with clear proofs, bringing manifest signs. Fariḥū bi-mā ʿindahum mina l-ʿilm — they became pleased and took pride in their own knowledge, becoming arrogant on account of the knowledge they possessed — they prided themselves greatly on their own science. Wa-ḥāqa bihim mā kānū bihi yastahziʾūn — and the very thing they used to mock was turned upon them in punishment; the thing they used to ridicule was made to fall upon them as retribution.

Translation: "Then when the messengers came to them with clear proofs, they became arrogant about their own knowledge — and the very thing they used to mock descended upon them as punishment."

فَلَمَّا رَأَوْا بَأْسَنَا قَالُوا آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَحْدَهُ وَكَفَرْنَا بِمَا كُنَّا بِهِ مُشْرِكِينَ

Fa-lammā raʾaw baʾsanā qālū āmannā bi-llāhi waḥdahu wa-kafarnā bi-mā kunnā bihi mushrikīn.

"Then when they saw Our punishment they said: 'We believe in Allah alone, and we disbelieve in what we used to associate with Him.'" (Ghāfir 40:84)

Fa-lammā raʾaw baʾsanā — then when they saw Our punishment — when the people saw Our severe torment come upon them. Qālū āmannā bi-llāhi waḥdah — they said: we now believe in Allah alone — we bring faith in Allah, associating no one with Him. Wa-kafarnā bi-mā kunnā bihi mushrikīn — and we now reject and disbelieve in those whom we used to associate with Allah in worship, those with whom we used to commit shirk.

فَلَمْ يَكُ يَنْفَعُهُمْ إِيمَانُهُمْ لَمَّا رَأَوْا بَأْسَنَا سُنَّةَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي قَدْ خَلَتْ فِي عِبَادِهِ وَخَسِرَ هُنَالِكَ الْكَافِرُونَ

Fa-lam yaku yanfaʿuhum īmānuhum lammā raʾaw baʾsanā — sunnata llāhi llatī qad khalat fī ʿibādihī wa-khasira hunālika l-kāfirūn.

"But their faith was of no benefit to them when they saw Our punishment — this being the established Way of Allah that has run its course with His servants; and there the disbelievers are lost." (Ghāfir 40:85)

Fa-lam yaku yanfaʿuhum īmānuhum — then their faith could not avail them; their belief at that moment was of no benefit to them at all. Lammā raʾaw baʾsanā — when they saw Our punishment with their own eyes — sunnata llāh — this is the established Way and custom of Allah, the Divine Sunnah. Allatī qad khalat fī ʿibādih — the Way that has run its course through the generations of His servants, which has been in continuous operation. Wa-khasira hunālika l-kāfirūn — and at that point the disbelievers are ruined and destroyed, utterly lost.

Translation: "Then their faith could not avail them when they saw Our punishment — this is the Way of Allah that has continued through His servants — and at that point the disbelievers suffer utter loss."

Here Bahrul Uloom Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadeer Siddiqui Rahmatullah Alaih remarks with profound counsel: "Friends! Faith at its proper time, before punishment comes, is absolutely necessary for salvation. When the arresting officers come and the judge is ready to pronounce sentence — at that point no excuse is accepted. Whatever one has to do, do it before the arrest. Repent beforehand — express contrition — ask someone's forgiveness — whatever must be done, do it today:

'That which must be done — do it now — tomorrow will be too late.'"