Sūrat Sabaʾ
سورۃ سبا
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Sūrat Sabaʾ — Revealed in Makkah, containing 54 verses and 6 rukūʿ.
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ ۚ وَهُوَ الْحَكِيمُ الْخَبِيرُ
Al-ḥamdu li-Llāhi l-ladhī lahu mā fī l-samāwāti wa-mā fī l-arḍi wa-lahu l-ḥamdu fī l-ākhirati — wa-Huwa l-Ḥakīmu l-Khabīr.
"Praise be to Allah, to Whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth — and to Him belongs praise in the Hereafter — and He is the All-Wise, the All-Aware." (Sabaʾ 34:1)
Al-ḥamdu li-Llāhi — praise is for Allah alone — how is He? Al-ladhī — He it is. Lahu mā fī l-samāwāti wa-mā fī l-arḍi — to Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth — wa-lahu l-ḥamdu fī l-ākhirati — and the praise of Allah also belongs to Him in the Hereafter — concluding the praise of Allah for its own purpose is He — wa-Huwa l-Ḥakīmu l-Khabīru — and He is the Most Wise and Most Informed.
Translation: Praise is for Allah alone — whatever is in the skies and on the earth is His — and concluding praise belongs to Allah — He does everything with wisdom and is informed of every thing.
يَعْلَمُ مَا يَلِجُ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَمَا يَخْرُجُ مِنْهَا وَمَا يَنزِلُ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ وَمَا يَعْرُجُ فِيهَا ۚ وَهُوَ الرَّحِيمُ الْغَفُورُ
Yaʿlamu mā yaliju fī l-arḍi wa-mā yakhruju minhā wa-mā yanzilu mina l-samāʾi wa-mā yaʿruju fīhā — wa-Huwa l-Raḥīmu l-Ghafūr.
"He knows what enters the earth and what comes forth from it, and what descends from the sky and what ascends into it — and He is the Ever Merciful, the Ever Forgiving." (Sabaʾ 34:2)
Yaʿlamu mā yaliju fī l-arḍi — He knows what enters the earth — Arabs say "wallaja wa-wullija" — meaning: to enter — and whoever he is who enters — man jadda wa-man lajja — meaning the one who made effort and the one who insisted in his effort. Wa-mā yakhruju minhā — and what comes out from it — what exits. Wa-mā yanzilu mina l-samāʾi — and what descends from the sky — what comes down. Wa-mā yaʿruju fīhā — and what ascends into the sky — goes up. Wa-Huwa l-Raḥīmu l-Ghafūru — and He is Very Merciful, Most Forgiving — He accepts repentance — He forgives sins.
Translation: He knows all that enters the earth and what exits from it — and what descends from the sky and what ascends into it — and He is Merciful and is pardoning.
وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لَا تَأْتِينَا السَّاعَةُ ۖ قُلْ بَلَىٰ وَرَبِّي لَتَأْتِيَنَّكُمْ عَالِمِ الْغَيْبِ ۖ لَا يَعْزُبُ عَنْهُ مِثْقَالُ ذَرَّةٍ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَلَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا أَصْغَرُ مِن ذَٰلِكَ وَلَا أَكْبَرُ إِلَّا فِي كِتَابٍ مُّبِينٍ
Wa-qāla l-ladhīna kafarū lā taʾtīnā l-sāʿatu — qul balā wa-Rabbī la-taʾtiyannakum ʿālimu l-ghaybi — lā yaʿzubu ʿanhu mithqālu dharratin fī l-samāwāti wa-lā fī l-arḍi wa-lā aṣgharu min dhālika wa-lā akbaru illā fī kitābin mubīn.
"And those who disbelieve say: 'The Hour will not come upon us.' Say: 'Yes, by my Lord, it will most certainly come upon you — [from] the Knower of the Unseen, from Whom not even the weight of a particle in the heavens or on the earth is hidden, nor anything smaller than that nor larger — except that it is in a clear Book.'" (Sabaʾ 34:3)
Wa-qāla l-ladhīna kafarū — and the disbelievers say — those who deny. Lā taʾtīnā l-sāʿatu — the Day of Judgement will not come to us. Qul — say. Balā wa-Rabbī — yes, by my Lord! La-taʾtiyannakum — it will most certainly come to you. ʿĀlimu l-ghaybi — the Knower of the Unseen — my Lord is the Knower of the Unseen — no hidden matter is concealed from Him. Lā yaʿzubu ʿanhu — not hidden from Him, not concealed. Mithqālu dharratin — the weight of a particle — as heavy as a particle — meaning even a tiny thing. Fī l-samāwāti — in the heavens — and what is in the earth — wa-lā aṣgharu min dhālika wa-lā akbaru — and nothing smaller or bigger than that — illā fī kitābin mubīn — except that it is in a clear manifest book. The clear book is the Lawḥ Maḥfūẓ — the Preserved Tablet — which is like a world of Allah's knowledge.
Translation: The disbelievers say: the Hour will not come upon us — (O Prophet!) say: by my Lord! the Hour will certainly come to you — (my Lord) is the Knower of the Unseen — nothing is hidden from Him, even the weight of a particle whether in the heavens or on the earth — small or great — all is in the open Book (the Lawḥ Maḥfūẓ).
لِيَجْزِيَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ
Li-yajziya l-ladhīna āmanū wa-ʿamilū l-ṣāliḥāti — ulāʾika lahum maghfiratun wa-rizqun karīm.
"So that He may reward those who believe and perform righteous deeds — for them is forgiveness and a generous provision." (Sabaʾ 34:4)
Li-yajziya — so that He may recompense — repay. Al-ladhīna āmanū — those people who keep their faith. Wa-ʿamilū l-ṣāliḥāti — and perform good and proper deeds. Ulāʾika lahum maghfiratun — for them is forgiveness — their sins are forgiven. Wa-rizqun karīmun — and a generous provision — with honour and generosity is the provision — it is the rizq (provision).
Translation: (This is why all this is happening) so that those with faith and righteous deeds may be rewarded — for them is forgiveness and honoured and distinguished provision.
وَالَّذِينَ سَعَوْا فِي آيَاتِنَا مُعَاجِزِينَ أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ مِّن رِّجْزٍ أَلِيمٌ
Wa-l-ladhīna saʿaw fī āyātinā muʿājizīna ulāʾika lahum ʿadhābun min rijzin alīm.
"And those who strive against Our signs in opposition — for them there is a punishment of painful torment." (Sabaʾ 34:5)
Wa-l-ladhīna saʿaw — and those who run and strive. Fī āyātinā muʿājizīna — concerning Our signs in opposition — trying to obstruct them. Ulāʾika lahum ʿadhābun — for them is punishment. Min rijzin alīmun — of a painful torment — this is a type of punishment that is most painful and disgrace-giving.
Translation: And those who run and make efforts concerning Our signs in opposition (trying to make Us incapable) — We will make them incapable — (they cannot succeed) — for them is a disgraceful punishment.
وَيَرَى الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ هُوَ الْحَقَّ ۖ وَيَهْدِي إِلَىٰ صِرَاطِ الْعَزِيزِ الْحَمِيدِ
Wa-yarā l-ladhīna ūtū l-ʿilma l-ladhī unzila ilayka min Rabbika huwa l-ḥaqqa — wa-yahdī ilā ṣirāṭi l-ʿAzīzi l-Ḥamīd.
"And those who have been given knowledge see that what has been sent down to you from your Lord is the truth — and it guides to the path of the All-Mighty, the All-Praiseworthy." (Sabaʾ 34:6)
Wa-yarā l-ladhīna ūtū l-ʿilma — and see! Those to whom knowledge has been given. Al-ladhī unzila ilayka — which has come down to you — the religion, the divine ordinances — it is what has come down from your Lord. Min Rabbika — from your Lord. Huwa l-ḥaqqu — it is the truth — an ʿālim looks at it and sees it is truth. Wa-yahdī ilā ṣirāṭi l-ʿAzīzi l-Ḥamīdi — and it guides towards the path of the Most Honoured and Praiseworthy Allah — praiseworthy and worthy of the praise of Allah's direction.
Translation: And look — those who have been given knowledge, to whom this wisdom of yours has come down from your Lord — that it is the truth and it is indeed the truth — and it guides towards the path of Allah Who is Honoured and Praiseworthy.
وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا هَلْ نَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ يُنَبِّئُكُمْ إِذَا مُزِّقْتُمْ كُلَّ مُمَزَّقٍ إِنَّكُمْ لَفِي خَلْقٍ جَدِيدٍ
Wa-qāla l-ladhīna kafarū hal nadullukum ʿalā rajulin yunabbiʾukum idhā muzziqtum kulla mumazzaqin innakum la-fī khalqin jadīd.
"And those who disbelieved said: 'Shall we direct you to a man who will tell you that when you have been utterly dispersed you will indeed be in a new creation?'" (Sabaʾ 34:7)
Wa-qāla l-ladhīna kafarū — and the disbelievers said — those who deny. Hal nadullukum ʿalā rajulin — shall we direct you to a man who tells you this strange and peculiar thing. Yunabbiʾukum — he informs you. Idhā muzziqtum kulla mumazzaqin — when you are scattered to pieces — scattered about — particle by particle — become scattered. Innakum la-fī khalqin jadīdin — that you will be a new creation — then you will be a newly born creation again.
Translation: And those who disbelieve said: shall we tell you there is a man who tells you that when you are scattered to pieces you will be new people — and your creation will be new.
أَفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَم بِهِ جِنَّةٌ ۗ بَلِ الَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْآخِرَةِ فِي الْعَذَابِ وَالضَّلَالِ الْبَعِيدِ
A-ftarā ʿalā Llāhi kadhiban am bihi jinnatun — bal l-ladhīna lā yuʾminūna bi-l-ākhirati fī l-ʿadhābi wa-l-ḍalāli l-baʿīd.
"Has he fabricated a lie against Allah, or is there madness in him? — Rather, those who do not believe in the Hereafter are in punishment and in far-reaching error." (Sabaʾ 34:8)
A-ftarā ʿalā Llāhi kadhiban — (in the original it is al-iftirāʾ) — has this person fabricated a lie against Allah? Is he lying? What has this person done — is it that he has false intentions and Allah has bound him? Am bihi jinnatun — or has he gone mad? Bal l-ladhīna lā yuʾminūna bi-l-ākhirati — rather those who do not have faith in the Hereafter. Fī l-ʿadhābi wa-l-ḍalāli l-baʿīdi — they are in punishment and the furthest and most extreme degree of error.
Translation: Has this person fabricated a lie against Allah (has he gone mad?) (No!) Rather those who do not have faith in the Hereafter — they are in punishment and in the grip of great error.
Dear friends! The matter is just as this: that the matter of beings (ajsām) is that their forms are not destroyed — just as a sound (āwāz) becomes a current. Yes! The form (ṣūrat) changes — the heat becomes electrical — in them there is no change — only the form changes. Every person is a sign of his attributes — afʿāl ke āthār (the effects of actions) also occur in it. Now think of this: one person did good deeds in his lifetime and served Allah and the servants of Allah — and passed his life in service — and he who oppressed people. These effects always accompany them — sometimes in this world the good deeds of those people in the world find no reward and their bad deeds find no punishment — sometimes some are accompanied by the goodness of bad deeds and their badness comes back to it — a person comes and no reward is found — therefore it is necessary that there be another world — in which the reward for the good deeds is given to good people and the bad is given to the wicked.
Remember! The one who goes to sleep — he will wake up again and arise from where he lay. Mad impostors claim that after death there is no afterlife — whatever comes to their minds they say — what has Allah done? Nothing. Is it that the works of all beings are done by themselves without divine will and power? All of them say their end is in the same direction — Allah will show the answer — do good deeds, you will get good reward — do bad, you will get bad punishment.
أَفَلَمْ يَرَوْا إِلَى مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُم مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۚ إِن نَّشَأْ نَخْسِفْ بِهِمُ الْأَرْضَ أَوْ نُسْقِطْ عَلَيْهِمْ كِسَفًا مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَةً لِّكُلِّ عَبْدٍ مُّنِيبٍ
A-fa-lam yaraw ilā mā bayna aydīhim wa-mā khalfahum mina l-samāʾi wa-l-arḍi — in nashāʾ nakhsif bihimu l-arḍa aw nusqiṭ ʿalayhim kisafan mina l-samāʾi — inna fī dhālika la-āyatan li-kulli ʿabdin munīb.
"Have they not looked at what is before them and what is behind them of the sky and the earth? If We will, We could cause the earth to swallow them, or cause fragments of the sky to fall upon them — indeed in that is a sign for every servant who returns [to Allah]." (Sabaʾ 34:9)
A-fa-lam yaraw — then did they not see — did they not look? Ilā mā bayna aydīhim wa-mā khalfahum — the things before and behind them. Mina l-samāʾi wa-l-arḍi — from the sky and the earth — look at the skies and earth to see what changes occur in them. Sometimes the earth is desolate, sometimes fresh — the earth sometimes becomes dry, sometimes moist and fresh — sometimes stars emerge in the sky and sometimes the moon comes and goes — sometimes dark nights — and the effects always remain — changes occur in the matters. In nashāʾu — if We will — nakhsif bihimu l-arḍa — We can swallow them up in the earth — aw nusqiṭ ʿalayhim kisafan mina l-samāʾi — or We can cast a piece of the sky upon them — a fragment of the sky, a shooting star, a dhimdār sitāra, is a man-killing star — inna fī dhālika la-āyatan — in this is undoubtedly a sign — there is no doubt in it — it is evident. Li-kulli ʿabdin munīb — but only for that servant who returns to Allah for it is munīb.
Translation: Did not those people look at what is before and behind them — the sky and the earth — if We wish, We can cause the earth to swallow them or drop a fragment of the sky upon them — in this is a sign (a wonder) for every servant who returns to Allah and keeps turning to Him.
وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا دَاوُودَ مِنَّا فَضْلًا ۖ يَا جِبَالُ أَوِّبِي مَعَهُ وَالطَّيْرَ ۖ وَأَلَنَّا لَهُ الْحَدِيدَ
Wa-laqad ātaynā Dāwūda minnā faḍlan — yā jibālu awwibī maʿahu wa-l-ṭayra — wa-alannā lahu l-ḥadīda.
"And We certainly gave Dāwūd a great bounty from Us — 'O mountains, echo with him!' and [so too] the birds — and We made iron soft for him." (Sabaʾ 34:10)
Wa-laqad ātaynā Dāwūda minnā faḍlan — and We gave Dāwūd Our own bounty — We were generous to him. Yā jibālu awwibī maʿahu — O mountains! Respond in tasbīḥ with him — do the divine dhikr with the power of voice and echo — al-ṭayra — and birds too along with Dāwūd ʿalayhi al-salām would sing the divine tasbīḥ with their voices and those birds also joined with him — the Messenger of Allah ﷺ states about one pleasant-voiced person: "Laqad uʿṭiya mizmāran min mazāmīri Dāwūd" — meaning a disciple of Dāwūd's singers — a kind of singer was also with him — meaning a flute-like voice has been given to them. Wa-alannā lahu l-ḥadīda — and We made iron soft for him — We softened iron for Dāwūd ʿalayhi al-salām so that he was like a blacksmith in the work of iron — those who are skilled worked in it like it was wax.
Translation: And We gave Dāwūd great bounty from Us — (this was also a bounty) O mountains! respond in tasbīḥ with him — and also birds were in tasbīḥ with Dāwūd — and We made iron soft for Dāwūd's hands.
أَنِ اعْمَلْ سَابِغَاتٍ وَقَدِّرْ فِي السَّرْدِ وَاعْمَلُوا صَالِحًا ۖ إِنِّي بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ
Ani-ʿmal sābighātin wa-qaddir fī l-sardi wa-ʿmalū ṣāliḥan — innī bi-mā taʿmalūna baṣīr.
"Make full coats of armour and measure the links well — and act righteously — indeed I am Seeing of what you do." (Sabaʾ 34:11)
An iʿmal sābighātin — and We gave him the command — sābigh — full, complete. Wa-qaddir fī l-sardi — and maintain proper proportion in the armour — keep the rings in perfect measure. Wa-ʿmalū ṣāliḥan — do good work — Dāwūd ʿalayhi al-salām would make armour with his own hands — his dast-kārī (handiwork) kept his livelihood going — their life went with craftsmanship. Innī bi-mā taʿmalūna baṣīrun — I know well the deeds you do — I see them well.
Translation: (And We gave the command:) make complete armour and keep the rings in proper measure — do good work — I am certainly aware of your deeds.
(Dāwūd ʿalayhi al-salām's offspring were Sulaymān ʿalayhi al-salām — both were Prophets — Sulaymān ʿalayhi al-salām was extremely quick of understanding and a highly intelligent Prophet.)
وَلِسُلَيْمَانَ الرِّيحَ غُدُوُّهَا شَهْرٌ وَرَوَاحُهَا شَهْرٌ ۖ وَأَسَلْنَا لَهُ عَيْنَ الْقِطْرِ ۖ وَمِنَ الْجِنِّ مَن يَعْمَلُ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِ ۖ وَمَن يَزِغْ مِنْهُمْ عَنْ أَمْرِنَا نُذِقْهُ مِنْ عَذَابِ السَّعِيرِ
Wa-li-Sulaymāna l-rīḥa ghaduwwuhā shahrun wa-rawāḥuhā shahrun — wa-asalnā lahu ʿayna l-qiṭri — wa-mina l-jinni man yaʿmalu bayna yadayhi bi-idhni Rabbih — wa-man yazigh minhum ʿan amrinā nudhiqhu min ʿadhābi l-saʿīr.
"And for Sulaymān [We subjected] the wind — its morning course was a month and its evening course was a month. And We caused a spring of molten copper to flow for him. And of the jinn were some who worked before him by the permission of his Lord — and whoever deviated from Our command among them, We would let him taste the punishment of the Blazing Fire." (Sabaʾ 34:12)
Wa-li-Sulaymāna l-rīḥa — and for Sulaymān ʿalayhi al-salām We made the wind subservient. Ghaduwwuhā shahrun wa-rawāḥuhā shahrun — its morning journey was a month's [travel] — the first mansion was a month's journey — and its evening mansion was also a month. In those days the journey of Sulaymān ʿalayhi al-salām was under the throne — Arabs would stay and travel very slowly — they would go to Sulaymān ʿalayhi al-salām's threshold which was a month away from the next — they would move their ten children and then start again — this same month's distance was settled in one of the journeys. In those early times the throne of Sulaymān ʿalayhi al-salām had been turned. What a marvel! What was the reason for the denial? — because it is established by certain faith (yaqīn-e-kāmil) that now aeroplanes reach London — meaning the throne of Sulaymān ʿalayhi al-salām had that speed — not a difficult thing. Wa-asalnā lahu ʿayna l-qiṭri — and We made a spring flow for him — a stream flowed so that courage was given to his people. The ʿayn al-qiṭr — a spring of copper — chashme, a stream — ḍāmara ke, ḍāmara were those ḍāmara ke [copper streams]:
petroleum, clay, soil — from which factory-like streams would flow — but in those days if there were no factories and workshops — those times had no built-up factories. This is the way of the ahl-e-Ūrūp (Europeans) — they would hide their first inventions and would hide them. Wa-mina l-jinni man yaʿmalu bayna yadayhi — and from the jinn were some who worked before him. Bi-idhni Rabbih — by the command of his Lord — with his Lord's command came. Wa-man yazigh minhum ʿan amrinā — and whoever among them swerves from Our command — acts disobediently. Nudhiqhu min ʿadhābi l-saʿīri — We will give him a taste of the fire's punishment — We will make him taste the fire of Hell.
Translation: And We made the wind subservient for Sulaymān ʿalayhi al-salām so that in the morning journey it was a month's [distance] and in the evening journey a month's [distance] — and We had a spring of copper flowing for Sulaymān ʿalayhi al-salām — and (for them) some such jinn were subservient before him who by the order of God worked before him — and whoever swerved from our command — we will make them taste the punishment of fire.
يَعْمَلُونَ لَهُ مَا يَشَاءُ مِن مَّحَارِيبَ وَتَمَاثِيلَ وَجِفَانٍ كَالْجَوَابِ وَقُدُورٍ رَّاسِيَاتٍ ۚ اعْمَلُوا آلَ دَاوُودَ شُكْرًا ۚ وَقَلِيلٌ مِّنْ عِبَادِيَ الشَّكُورُ
Yaʿmalūna lahu mā yashāʾu min maḥārība wa-tamāthīla wa-jifānin ka-l-jawābi wa-qudūrin rāsiyātin — iʿmalū āla Dāwūda shukran — wa-qalīlun min ʿibādiya l-shakūr.
"They made for him what he wished of sanctuaries, statues, basins like reservoirs, and immovable cauldrons — 'Work, O family of Dāwūd, in gratitude.' And few of My servants are truly grateful." (Sabaʾ 34:13)
Yaʿmalūna lahu — they made for him — whatever Sulaymān ʿalayhi al-salām wished. Min maḥārība — from great sanctuaries, miḥrāb. Wa-tamāthīla — and statues. Wa-jifānin ka-l-jawābi — and pools like ponds — such cisterns. Wa-qudūrin rāsiyātin — and immovable cauldrons — heavy pots — see in our own place too such things have been. Iʿmalū āla Dāwūda shukran — and We gave the command of Dāwūd's lineage: do the shukr of Allah. Wa-qalīlun min ʿibādiya l-shakūr — and of My servants very few are truly grateful — and my servants very few are of this kind who are appreciative.
Translation: What (Sulaymān) wished they made for him — great sanctuaries and statues and cisterns like pools — and very heavy immovable cauldrons — do the shukr of Allah, O descendants of Dāwūd — and my servants who are grateful are very few.
فَلَمَّا قَضَيْنَا عَلَيْهِ الْمَوْتَ مَا دَلَّهُمْ عَلَىٰ مَوْتِهِ إِلَّا دَابَّةُ الْأَرْضِ تَأْكُلُ مِنسَأَتَهُ ۖ فَلَمَّا خَرَّ تَبَيَّنَتِ الْجِنُّ أَن لَّوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ الْغَيْبَ مَا لَبِثُوا فِي الْعَذَابِ الْمُهِينِ
Fa-lammā qaḍaynā ʿalayhi l-mawta mā dallahum ʿalā mawtihi illā dābbatu l-arḍi taʾkulu minsaʾatahu — fa-lammā kharra tabayyanati l-jinnu an law kānū yaʿlamūna l-ghayba mā labithu fī l-ʿadhābi l-muhīn.
"And when We decreed death for him, nothing indicated his death to them except a creature of the earth eating his staff — and when he fell, the jinn realised that had they known the unseen they would not have remained in the humiliating punishment." (Sabaʾ 34:14)
Fa-lammā qaḍaynā ʿalayhi l-mawta — then when We decreed death for him — when the verdict of death was issued. Mā dallahum ʿalā mawtihi — no one was informed of his death. Illā dābbatu l-arḍi taʾkulu minsaʾatahu — except a creature of the earth — a woodworm — a ghan — a ghan — meaning: Sulaymān ʿalayhi al-salām was standing leaning on his staff when he passed away. The staff remained in his hand. The woodworm would eat the staff — fa-lammā kharra — then when he fell — (Sulaymān ʿalayhi al-salām) fell down. Tabayyanati l-jinnu — then the jinn came to know — then the jinn realised. An law kānū yaʿlamūna l-ghayba — that if they knew the unseen — had they been aware of the unseen — mā labithu fī l-ʿadhābi l-muhīni — they would not have remained in the painful humiliating punishment; they would not remain in the humiliation of torment.
Translation: Then when We decreed death for (Sulaymān ʿalayhi al-salām), nobody was informed of his dying — except a woodworm of the earth which was eating the staff — then when he fell (Sulaymān ʿalayhi al-salām fell) — then it became clear to the jinn that if they had known the unseen they would not remain in the punishment of disgrace.
لَقَدْ كَانَ لِسَبَإٍ فِي مَسْكَنِهِمْ آيَةٌ ۖ جَنَّتَانِ عَن يَمِينٍ وَشِمَالٍ ۖ كُلُوا مِن رِّزْقِ رَبِّكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لَهُ ۚ بَلْدَةٌ طَيِّبَةٌ وَرَبٌّ غَفُورٌ
Laqad kāna li-Sabaʾin fī maskanihim āyatun — jannātāni ʿan yamīnin wa-shimāl — kulū min rizqi Rabbikum wa-shkurū lahu — baldatun ṭayyibatun wa-Rabbun ghafūr.
"Indeed there was a sign for the Sabeans in their dwelling — two gardens on the right and on the left — 'Eat from the provision of your Lord and be grateful to Him — a fine city and a Forgiving Lord.'" (Sabaʾ 34:15)
Laqad kāna li-Sabaʾin — there was for the Sabaean people — fī maskanihim āyatun — in their dwelling place a divine sign — a great mark of power. Jannātāni ʿan yamīnin wa-shimāl — two gardens on the right and left. Kulū min rizqi Rabbikum — eat what your Lord has given. Wa-shkurū lahu — and perform His shukr as well. Baldatun ṭayyibatun — a fine city. Wa-Rabbun ghafūr — and the Lord is Forgiving — pardoning, good is the city and the Lord also is Forgiving.
Translation: There was indeed for the Sabaeans in their dwellings a divine sign — two gardens on the right and left — eat the provision Allah gave you and perform His shukr — (so it was told them) — the city is good and the Lord too is very Forgiving.
فَأَعْرَضُوا فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ سَيْلَ الْعَرِمِ وَبَدَّلْنَاهُم بِجَنَّتَيْهِمْ جَنَّتَيْنِ ذَوَاتَيْ أُكُلٍ خَمْطٍ وَأَثْلٍ وَشَيْءٍ مِّن سِدْرٍ قَلِيلٍ
Fa-aʿraḍū fa-arsalnā ʿalayhim sayla l-ʿArimi wa-baddalnāhum bi-jannatayihim jannatayni dhāwatay ukulin khamṭin wa-athlin wa-shayʾin min sidrin qalīl.
"But they turned away, so We sent against them the flood of ʿArim, and We replaced their two gardens with two gardens bearing bitter fruit, tamarisk, and something of sparse lote trees." (Sabaʾ 34:16)
Fa-aʿraḍū — then they turned away — swerved. Fa-arsalnā ʿalayhim sayla l-ʿArimi — We sent the flood of ʿArim upon them — the overwhelming deluge. Wa-baddalnāhum bi-jannatayihim — and their two gardens We replaced with two other gardens — like those gardens were in which bad fruit was in them — jannatayn dhāwatay ukulin khamṭin — two bad-tasting bitter fruit bearing. Wa-athlin — and those trees like the tamarisk. Wa-shayʾin min sidrin qalīlin — and some sparse lote trees — and the trees were very few, some sidr-e-qalīl remained. Some trees to the edge, remaining without destroying.
Translation: Then they turned away (from gratitude) — then We sent the flood (overwhelming deluge) upon them and replaced their two gardens with two other gardens giving fruit like khamṭ (sidr — badmaẓe) — and some sidr trees left.
ذَٰلِكَ جَزَيْنَاهُم بِمَا كَفَرُوا ۖ وَهَلْ نُجَازِي إِلَّا الْكَفُورَ
Dhālika jazaynāhum bi-mā kafarū — wa-hal nujāzī illā l-kafūr.
"That is how We requited them for their ingratitude — and do We ever punish any but the ungrateful?" (Sabaʾ 34:17)
Dhālika — this punishment. Jazaynāhum — We gave it to them — for the reason of their ingratitude. Bi-mā kafarū — the ingratitude. Wa-hal nujāzī — and do We give such a punishment? Illā l-kafūra — except the ungrateful — but to the ungrateful. Here hal is interrogative. Dhālika — What functions to its opposite? The meaning is clear.
Translation: This is the punishment We gave them for their ingratitude — and We do not give such a punishment except to the ungrateful.
وَجَعَلْنَا بَيْنَهُمْ وَبَيْنَ الْقُرَى الَّتِي بَارَكْنَا فِيهَا قُرًى ظَاهِرَةً وَقَدَّرْنَا فِيهَا السَّيْرَ ۖ سِيرُوا فِيهَا لَيَالِيَ وَأَيَّامًا آمِنِينَ
Wa-jaʿalnā baynahum wa-bayna l-qurā l-latī bāraknā fīhā quran ẓāhiratan wa-qaddarnā fī-hā l-sayra — sīrū fīhā layāliya wa-ayyāman āminīn.
"And We placed between them and the towns which We had blessed visible towns — and We measured the journeys between them — 'Travel through them by night and by day in safety.'" (Sabaʾ 34:18)
Wa-jaʿalnā baynahum — and We placed between them and the towns. Wa-bayna l-qurā l-latī bāraknā fīhā — those towns in which We had put blessing — built them up. Quran ẓāhiratan — visible towns, those towns apparent to the eye. Wa-qaddarnā fī-hā l-sayra — and We measured the journey in it — a special measure was kept in it. Sīrū fīhā layāliya wa-ayyāmā āminīn — travel in them nights and days — travel in them in safety — secure, at ease — worry-free.
Translation: We built up (the towns of the Shām king and the Saba king) — those towns in which We put blessing — visible built-up towns — and measured the journey — travel in them nights and days safely.
Many towns that appear visible and (for the travellers) there was also a restriction on walking — security and safety — walk with it nights and days.
فَقَالُوا رَبَّنَا بَاعِدْ بَيْنَ أَسْفَارِنَا وَظَلَمُوا أَنفُسَهُمْ فَجَعَلْنَاهُمْ أَحَادِيثَ وَمَزَّقْنَاهُمْ كُلَّ مُمَزَّقٍ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ شَكُورٍ
Fa-qālū rabbanā bāʿid bayna asfārinā wa-ẓalamū anfusahum fa-jaʿalnāhum aḥādītha wa-mazzaqnāhum kulla mumazzaqin — inna fī dhālika la-āyātin li-kulli ṣabbārin shakūr.
"But they said: 'Our Lord! Make the distances between our journeys greater' — and they wronged themselves — so We made them legends and scattered them utterly. Indeed in that are signs for every greatly patient and grateful person." (Sabaʾ 34:19)
Fa-qālū — then they said — (from the smallness of the nearby towns). Rabbanā bāʿid bayna asfārinā — O our Lord! Make our journeys longer and more extensive. Wa-ẓalamū anfusahum — and they wronged themselves by not being grateful to Allah's bounty. Fa-jaʿalnāhum aḥādītha — so We made them mere stories too — even turned them into a tale for them. Wa-mazzaqnāhum kulla mumazzaqin — and scattered them in all directions — those are the scattered ones. Inna fī dhālika la-āyātin — indeed in this are surely signs. Li-kulli ṣabbārin shakūr — for every patient and grateful person.
Translation: Then those people said: O our Lord! (Make Our kingdom so vast) — space out our journeys — and (ingratitude) they wronged themselves — then We destroyed them and made them into tales and scattered them to pieces — in this are signs for every patient and grateful person.
وَلَقَدْ صَدَّقَ عَلَيْهِمْ إِبْلِيسُ ظَنَّهُ فَاتَّبَعُوهُ إِلَّا فَرِيقًا مِّنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
Wa-laqad ṣaddaqa ʿalayhim iblīsu ẓannahu fa-ttabaʿūhu illā farīqan mina l-muʾminīn.
"And Iblīs indeed proved his assumption about them correct, and they followed him — all except a group of the believers." (Sabaʾ 34:20)
Wa-laqad ṣaddaqa ʿalayhim iblīsu ẓannahu — and Iblīs proved about them the opinion he was saying — that these people will follow me — he proved it true. Fa-ttabaʿūhu — so they followed him, walked in his path. Illā farīqan mina l-muʾminīna — except some who are believers — his following is one group of believers who did not follow Shayṭān.
Translation: And Shayṭān proved about those people what he was claiming — he proved it true — and those people followed him (accepted his word) — except a group of believers (who did not follow Shayṭān).
وَمَا كَانَ لَهُ عَلَيْهِم مِّن سُلْطَانٍ إِلَّا لِنَعْلَمَ مَن يُؤْمِنُ بِالْآخِرَةِ مِمَّنْ هُوَ مِنْهَا فِي شَكٍّ ۗ وَرَبُّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ حَفِيظٌ
Wa-mā kāna lahu ʿalayhim min sulṭānin illā li-naʿlama man yuʾminu bi-l-ākhirati mim-man huwa minhā fī shakkin — wa-Rabbuka ʿalā kulli shayʾin ḥafīẓ.
"And he had no authority over them — except so that We might distinguish those who believe in the Hereafter from those who are in doubt about it — and your Lord is Guardian over all things." (Sabaʾ 34:21)
Wa-mā kāna lahu ʿalayhim min sulṭānin — and Shayṭān had no forcible power over them — his is an instrument, a single zarīʿa. Illā li-naʿlama man yuʾminu bi-l-ākhirati — except so that we can distinguish who has faith in the Hereafter. Mim-man huwa minhā fī shakkin — as compared to the one who is in doubt about the Hereafter — that person who is deep in doubt about the Hereafter. Wa-Rabbuka ʿalā kulli shayʾin ḥafīẓun — and your Lord is the Guardian and Preserver of all things.
Translation: Shayṭān had no forcible command over those people — (and by this also) so that We might distinguish who has faith in the Hereafter and who has doubt about it — and your Lord is Guardian and Preserver of everything.
قُلِ ادْعُوا الَّذِينَ زَعَمْتُم مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ ۖ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَلَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَمَا لَهُمْ فِيهِمَا مِن شِرْكٍ وَمَا لَهُ مِنْهُم مِّن ظَهِيرٍ
Quli-dʿū l-ladhīna zaʿamtum min dūni Llāhi — lā yamlikūna mithqāla dharratin fī l-samāwāti wa-lā fī l-arḍi wa-mā lahum fīhimā min shirkin wa-mā lahu minhum min ẓahīr.
"Say: Call upon those you have claimed [as partners] besides Allah — they do not own the weight of a particle in the heavens or on the earth, and they have no share in either of them, and He has no helper from among them." (Sabaʾ 34:22)
Qul — say to them. Udʿū — call — al-ladhīna zaʿamtum min dūni Llāhi — those people you consider divine and call upon instead of Allah — they have nothing divine about them. Lā yamlikūna mithqāla dharratin — they do not own even the weight of a particle. Fī l-samāwāti wa-lā fī l-arḍi — in the heavens or on earth — no one has any authority. Wa-mā lahum fīhimā min shirkin — and they have no partnership in both of them — in the skies and earth there is nothing of shirk for them. Wa-mā lahu minhum min ẓahīrin — and not a single one of those people is Allah's helper or supporter.
Translation: (O Prophet!) Tell them: call upon those you (consider as divine) besides Allah — they do not own even a particle in the skies or earth — and in them there is no shirk and no helper of His (Allah's) is among them.
وَلَا تَنفَعُ الشَّفَاعَةُ عِندَهُ إِلَّا لِمَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُ ۚ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا فُزِّعَ عَن قُلُوبِهِمْ قَالُوا مَاذَا قَالَ رَبُّكُمْ ۖ قَالُوا الْحَقَّ ۖ وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْكَبِيرُ
Wa-lā tanfaʿu l-shafāʿatu ʿindahu illā li-man adhina lahu — ḥattā idhā fuzzaʿa ʿan qulūbihim qālū mādhā qāla Rabbukum — qālū l-ḥaqqa — wa-Huwa l-ʿAliyyu l-Kabīr.
"And intercession does not benefit before Him except for the one He permits — until when the terror is removed from their hearts, they will say: 'What did your Lord say?' They will say: 'The truth — and He is the Most High, the Greatest.'" (Sabaʾ 34:23)
Wa-lā tanfaʿu l-shafāʿatu — and intercession does not benefit — is not of use. ʿIndahu — in Allah's presence. Illā li-man adhina lahu — except for those to whom He has given permission — those to whom He has given idhān and permission. Ḥattā idhā fuzzaʿa ʿan qulūbihim — until when the terror from their hearts goes away — the fear comes — the anxiety and unrest of heart go away. Qālū mādhā qāla Rabbukum — they will say: what did your Lord decree? Qālū l-ḥaqqa — the right and correct words, those giving the answer will say: the Lord has decreed the right and correct thing. Wa-Huwa l-ʿAliyyu l-Kabīru — and He is Most High and Great — highest in greatness.
Translation: And His intercession will be of no use — except to that person to whom Allah gives permission and permission — when the terror in those hearts goes away — people will say: what did your Lord say? They will say: the truth — and He is Most High and Grand.
قُلْ مَن يَرْزُقُكُم مِّنَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۖ قُلِ اللَّهُ ۖ وَإِنَّا أَوْ إِيَّاكُمْ لَعَلَىٰ هُدًى أَوْ فِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ
Qul man yarzuqukum mina l-samāwāti wa-l-arḍi — quli Llāhu — wa-innā aw iyyākum la-ʿalā hudan aw fī ḍalālin mubīn.
"Say: Who provides for you from the heavens and the earth? Say: Allah! — and indeed we or you are either on guidance or in manifest error." (Sabaʾ 34:24)
Qul — O Prophet! Say. Man yarzuqukum — who gives you provision, who feeds you, who opens [provision for you]. Mina l-samāwāti wa-l-arḍi — from the skies. Quli Llāhu — say only: Allah, He alone feeds, He alone gives provision. Wa-innā aw iyyākum — and we or you. La-ʿalā hudan aw fī ḍalālin mubīnin — are either on guidance or in open error. Allah Most High does not say directly: "You are misguided" — but rather says: "One of us two is either on guidance or in error." The determination of who is guided is for every person — the sinner is calling his conscience — he cries out himself saying: I am a sinner — Bal l-insānu ʿalā nafsihi baṣīratun wa-law alqā maʿādhīr — a hundred excuses a person puts forward — a hundred thousand excuses — but the conscience is crying out saying I am wrong — I have done wrong.
Translation: Tell them: who gives you provision from the skies and earth — say: Allah — and we are on guidance and you are on open error.
قُل لَّا تُسْأَلُونَ عَمَّا أَجْرَمْنَا وَلَا نُسْأَلُ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ
Qul lā tus'alūna ʿammā ajramnā wa-lā nus'alu ʿammā taʿmalūn.
"Say: You will not be asked about what we have committed, nor shall we be asked about what you do." (Sabaʾ 34:25)
Qul — O Prophet! Say. Lā tus'alūna ʿammā ajramnā — you will not be asked about our sins, our crimes you are not accountable for. Wa-lā nus'alu ʿammā taʿmalūna — and we will not be asked about your deeds — we will not be questioned about your sins either.
Translation: (O noble Messenger!) Say to them: you will not be questioned about our sins, and we will not be questioned about your deeds — each is accountable for their own.
قُلْ يَجْمَعُ بَيْنَنَا رَبُّنَا ثُمَّ يَفْتَحُ بَيْنَنَا بِالْحَقِّ ۚ وَهُوَ الْفَتَّاحُ الْعَلِيمُ
Qul yajmaʿu baynanā Rabbunā thumma yaftaḥu baynanā bi-l-ḥaqqi — wa-Huwa l-Fattāḥu l-ʿAlīm.
"Say: Our Lord will gather us together, then He will judge between us with truth — and He is the All-Opening Judge, the All-Knowing." (Sabaʾ 34:26)
Qul — say. Yajmaʿu baynanā — He will gather both of us. Rabbunā — our Lord — We and you are both gathered at the Divine Court on the Day of Judgement. Thumma yaftaḥu baynanā bi-l-ḥaqqi — then He will open and judge between us with truth — He will give the command of the right truth. Wa-Huwa l-Fattāḥu l-ʿAlīmu — and He is the Opener of the door of truth — and He is the knowing One.
Translation: Tell them: our Lord will gather us (on the Day of Judgement) — then will give a true judgment between us — and He is the One who opens the door of truth, and He is the Knowledgeable One.
قُلْ أَرُونِيَ الَّذِينَ أَلْحَقْتُمْ بِهِ شُرَكَاءَ ۖ كَلَّا ۚ بَلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ
Qul arūniya l-ladhīna alḥaqtum bihi shurakāʾa — kallā — bal Huwa Llāhu l-ʿAzīzu l-Ḥakīm.
"Say: Show me those you have associated with Him as partners — No! Rather He alone is Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise." (Sabaʾ 34:27)
Qul arūniya — O Prophet! Say: show me — show them to me — al-ladhīna alḥaqtum bihi shurakāʾa — the ones you consider as divine and hold them as Allah's partner. Kallā — not at all — bal Huwa Llāhu — but He alone is Allah. Al-ʿAzīzu l-Ḥakīmu — He is Honoured and Wise — praiseworthy of honour and wisdom.
Translation: Tell: show me those you associate as Allah's partners — never! But He is Allah, Honoured and Wise.
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا كَافَّةً لِّلنَّاسِ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
Wa-mā arsalnāka illā kāffatan li-l-nāsi bashīran wa-nadhīran — wa-lākinna akthara l-nāsi lā yaʿlamūn.
"And We have not sent you except as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner for all of humankind — but most people do not know." (Sabaʾ 34:28)
Wa-mā arsalnāka illā kāffatan li-l-nāsi — and We have not sent you except for the whole of humankind — the first Prophets who came would come for specific peoples. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was sent for the whole ummat al-nās — all the peoples of the world — and he will remain for them until the Day of Judgement — the Prophets sent before him ﷺ — Islām has no colour, no language, no origin — all belong to the same household of Islām — bashshīran wa-nadhīran — one who gives good news and warns the wicked. Wa-lākinna akthara l-nāsi lā yaʿlamūna — but many people are not informed, they know nothing of this.
Translation: O Prophet! We have not sent you but as a Prophet for all humanity — you give glad tidings and you warn — but most people have no knowledge.
وَيَقُولُونَ مَتَىٰ هَٰذَا الْوَعْدُ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ
Wa-yaqūlūna matā hādhā l-waʿdu in kuntum ṣādiqīn.
"And they say: 'When will this promise be fulfilled, if you are truthful?'" (Sabaʾ 34:29)
Wa-yaqūlūna — and the deniers say. Matā hādhā l-waʿdu — when will this promise be fulfilled — this promise, when will it be? In kuntum ṣādiqīna — if you are truthful — be truthful.
Translation: And (deniers) say: when will this come — (when will it be fulfilled) — if you are truthful.
قُل لَّكُم مِّيعَادُ يَوْمٍ لَّا تَسْتَأْخِرُونَ عَنْهُ سَاعَةً وَلَا تَسْتَقْدِمُونَ
Qul lakum mīʿādu yawmin lā tastaʾkhirūna ʿanhu sāʿatan wa-lā tastaqdimiūn.
"Say: Your appointment is a Day from which you cannot be delayed by an hour nor brought forward." (Sabaʾ 34:30)
Qul — O Prophet! Say. Lakum mīʿādu yawmin — for you there is an appointed day — a time, a Day. Lā tastaʾkhirūna ʿanhu sāʿatan — you cannot go behind that day — not a single hour. Wa-lā tastaqdimiūna — and nor can you go forward a single hour.
Translation: O Prophet! Tell them: for you there is an appointed day — from which you cannot go back by even one hour, and you cannot go forward even one hour.
وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لَن نُّؤْمِنَ بِهَٰذَا الْقُرْآنِ وَلَا بِالَّذِي بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ ۖ وَلَوْ تَرَىٰ إِذِ الظَّالِمُونَ مَوْقُوفُونَ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ يَرْجِعُ بَعْضُهُمْ إِلَىٰ بَعْضٍ الْقَوْلَ يَقُولُ الَّذِينَ اسْتُضْعِفُوا لِلَّذِينَ اسْتَكْبَرُوا لَوْلَا أَنتُمْ لَكُنَّا مُؤْمِنِينَ
Wa-qāla l-ladhīna kafarū lan nuʾmina bi-hādhā l-qurʾāni wa-lā bi-l-ladhī bayna yadayhi — wa-law tarā idhi l-ẓālimūna mawqūfūna ʿinda Rabbihim yarjiʿu baʿḍuhum ilā baʿḍin l-qawla — yaqūlu l-ladhīna stuḍʿifū li-l-ladhīna stakbarū lawlā antum la-kunnā muʾminīn.
"And those who disbelieve say: 'We will never believe in this Qurʾān nor in what came before it.' And if you could only see when the wrongdoers are halted before their Lord — they will return words one to another — those who were oppressed will say to those who were arrogant: 'If not for you, we would surely have been believers.'" (Sabaʾ 34:31)
Wa-qāla l-ladhīna kafarū — and the disbelievers said — those who deny. Lan nuʾmina bi-hādhā l-qurʾāni — we will never believe in this Qurʾān. Wa-lā bi-l-ladhī bayna yadayhi — and nor in the Books that came before it. Wa-law tarā idhi l-ẓālimūna — if only you could see — O addressed one! Mawqūfūna ʿinda Rabbihim — when the wrongdoers are halted at the Divine Court — they are standing there, they are detained there. Yarjiʿu baʿḍuhum ilā baʿḍin l-qawla — some of them will reply to others — some people will return the speech to others — they will be turning, they will be giving back one another's word. Yaqūlu l-ladhīna stuḍʿifū li-l-ladhīna stakbarū — the weak ones — who were considered weak — will say to those who were big and arrogant — those they used to call a clever method for subduing. Lawlā antum la-kunnā muʾminīna — if it were not for you we would have been Muslims — you would have been believers — if you had not been here we would have been believers.
Translation: The disbelievers said — we will never believe in this Qurʾān nor in those (ordinances) before it — and if you could see how the wrongdoers are standing at the Divine Court — one is returning the word of another — the weak people are saying to the powerful: if not for you we would have been Muslims and believers.
قَالَ الَّذِينَ اسْتَكْبَرُوا لِلَّذِينَ اسْتُضْعِفُوا أَنَحْنُ صَدَدْنَاكُمْ عَنِ الْهُدَىٰ بَعْدَ إِذْ جَاءَكُم ۖ بَلْ كُنتُم مُّجْرِمِينَ
Qāla l-ladhīna stakbarū li-l-ladhīna stuḍʿifū a-naḥnu ṣadadnākum ʿani l-hudā baʿda idh jāʾakum — bal kuntum mujrimīn.
"Those who were arrogant will say to those who were oppressed: 'Were we the ones who kept you from guidance after it came to you? Rather, you yourselves were the criminals.'" (Sabaʾ 34:32)
Qāla l-ladhīna stakbarū li-l-ladhīna stuḍʿifū — the arrogant, higher-degree people will say to the weak. A-naḥnu ṣadadnākum ʿani l-hudā — did we keep you from guidance — we ask. Baʿda idh jāʾakum — after when guidance had reached you. Bal kuntum mujrimīna — but you yourselves were criminals — rather you were wrong, sinful, and short-sighted.
Translation: The arrogant will say to the weak: did we keep you from guidance when it had reached you — (No!) rather you yourselves were criminals (sinners).
وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ اسْتُضْعِفُوا لِلَّذِينَ اسْتَكْبَرُوا بَلْ مَكْرُ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ إِذْ تَأْمُرُونَنَا أَن نَّكْفُرَ بِاللَّهِ وَنَجْعَلَ لَهُ أَندَادًا ۚ وَأَسَرُّوا النَّدَامَةَ لَمَّا رَأَوُا الْعَذَابَ ۚ وَجَعَلْنَا الْأَغْلَالَ فِي أَعْنَاقِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا ۚ هَلْ يُجْزَوْنَ إِلَّا مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ
Wa-qāla l-ladhīna stuḍʿifū li-l-ladhīna stakbarū bal makru l-layli wa-l-nahāri idh taʾmurūnanā an nakfura bi-Llāhi wa-najʿala lahu andādan — wa-asarrū l-nadāmata lammā raʾaw l-ʿadhāba — wa-jaʿalnā l-aghlāla fī aʿnāqi l-ladhīna kafarū — hal yujzawna illā mā kānū yaʿmalūn.
"And the oppressed will say to the arrogant: 'Rather it was your scheming by night and day when you commanded us to deny Allah and set up rivals for Him.' And they will conceal regret when they see the punishment — and We will place shackles on the necks of the disbelievers. Are they being recompensed for anything other than what they used to do?" (Sabaʾ 34:33)
Wa-qāla l-ladhīna stuḍʿifū li-l-ladhīna stakbarū — and the weak said to the arrogant — the powerful. Bal makru l-layli wa-l-nahāri — but your scheming of night and day — you deceived us — kept us astray. Idh taʾmurūnanā — when you commanded us. An nakfura bi-Llāhi — to deny Allah — and make partners with Him. Wa-asarrū l-nadāmata lammā raʾaw l-ʿadhāba — and their hearts immediately became filled with remorse — they begin repenting inwardly, when they saw the punishment coming. Wa-jaʿalnā l-aghlāla fī aʿnāqi l-ladhīna kafarū — and We placed chains on the necks of the disbelievers — chains locked together. Hal yujzawna illā mā kānū yaʿmalūna — will they be given anything else? No — their recompense will be for the actions they used to do — that is what will fill as they sowed, so shall they reap.
Translation: And the weak said to the arrogant — (No!) but your scheming night and day (you misled us) — because you commanded us to not accept Allah and to make partners with Him — and when they saw the punishment coming they began repenting inwardly — and We placed chains on the necks of the disbelievers — (they become defeated) — what is their recompense but their own deeds (as the deed, so the recompense — it will be filled).
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا فِي قَرْيَةٍ مِّن نَّذِيرٍ إِلَّا قَالَ مُتْرَفُوهَا إِنَّا بِمَا أُرْسِلْتُم بِهِ كَافِرُونَ
Wa-mā arsalnā fī qaryatin min nadhīrin illā qāla mutrafūhā innā bi-mā ursiltum bihi kāfirūn.
"And We never sent a warner into any city but its affluent ones said: 'We disbelieve in that with which you have been sent.'" (Sabaʾ 34:34)
Wa-mā arsalnā fī qaryatin min nadhīrin — and We did not send any warner to a single city. Illā qāla mutrafūhā — except that the comfortable and prosperous people of that place said — the mutrafūn (those indulged in pleasure). Innā bi-mā ursiltum bihi kāfirūn — indeed we deny what you have been sent with — innamā hu waḥī — we are sure this is just — this Book — the religion — the ordinances which have come with you — us too — these people of comfort who come to the place where you were sent.
Translation: (In every city) whenever We sent a warner to any city — the comfortable and affluent people of that place said: we deny what you have been sent with (the same) — its prosperous people say: we do not accept what the prophets have brought.
وَقَالُوا نَحْنُ أَكْثَرُ أَمْوَالًا وَأَوْلَادًا وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمُعَذَّبِينَ
Wa-qālū naḥnu aktharu amwālan wa-awlādan wa-mā naḥnu bi-muʿadhdhabīn.
"And they said: 'We are greater in wealth and children, and we will not be punished.'" (Sabaʾ 34:35)
Wa-qālū — and those deniers said. Naḥnu aktharu amwālan wa-awlādan — our wealth is more, our children also are more. Wa-mā naḥnu bi-muʿadhdhabīna — and nothing will punish us at all.
Ab tū ārām se guzartī hai — ʿāqibat kī khabar khudā jāne
(Now passes in ease — of the end God knows.)
Translation: And those people said: in our family and household we are in plenty — and we will absolutely not be punished.
قُلْ إِنَّ رَبِّي يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَاءُ وَيَقْدِرُ ۚ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
Qul inna Rabbī yabsuṭu l-rizqa li-man yashāʾu wa-yaqdir — wa-lākinna akthara l-nāsi lā yaʿlamūn.
"Say: Indeed my Lord expands provision for whom He wills and restricts it — but most people do not know." (Sabaʾ 34:36)
Qul — O Prophet! Say. Inna Rabbī — undoubtedly my Lord. Yabsuṭu l-rizqa — expands and widens the provision — opens up provision. Li-man yashāʾu — for whom He wishes — meaning He gives more provision to those for whom He wishes. Wa-yaqdir — and He restricts it — constricts it. Wa-lākinna akthara l-nāsi lā yaʿlamūna — but most people do not know the divine wisdom — they do not keep the knowledge of divine secrets.
Translation: Tell them: indeed my Lord expands provision for whom He wishes — and constricts it for those whom He wishes — but most people do not know (His secrets and wisdom).
Dear friends! What is happening today? Whoever is looking — is showing off their wealth and their children and servants — animals and inanimate objects are of its pride — from Allah's sight come the angels — and one sees in that what really is — they think it will go to neither Hell nor Heaven — the oppressors say these are those who serve God — look how we are at peace, what comfort we have in life. Our life has no peace and ḥarām is beside our ḥalāl — our comfort (ʿaysh) is not in anyone's time — this qul aʿūdhu biye afsūs — the wretched people are afraid and going on — then who is raising the sword of those to behead them — blessings are standing by Him.
(The commentary on Sūrat Sabaʾ continues beyond this page, proceeding into the discussion of the Day of Judgement and the contrast between the destiny of the grateful and the ungrateful, and into the argument regarding the eternity of the fire for the disbelievers.)
Āyāt 37–38
These foolish, irreligious people have in their possession neither good morals nor the fear of the Hereafter. They eat unlawful things, speak unlawful words, live in luxury during their worldly life, and are steeped in misery and regret. How wretched is the state of such people! They are truly deserving of commiseration. But look — they deprive themselves of Allah's blessings by their own hands. Those who are bound to a false religion say: "What is the world, after all? A guesthouse for four days — go and fill your hearts in it." They will indeed fill their hearts in the Garden. Allah's singular gift — the one favour He has granted us — is that He is our hearts' solace. We are seekers of hearts' rest, and these transient pleasures cannot satisfy us. Our restfulness lies elsewhere — in His remembrance. As He has said: Alā bi-dhikri llāhi taṭmaʾinnu l-qulūb — "Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." And the remembrance of Allah, in the depths of the heart, is the sweetest and most blessed of things.
(The author quotes the well-known verse of wisdom:)
ع — Fikr-e-har kas bih-qadr-e himmat-e ūst
"Every person's thought is proportioned to his aspiration."
Come — through the Lord of Majesty and Beauty we are content, through Him we are joyful, through Him our Guardian is pleased. You descend into this world with pride. Think well! See how long your happiness endures, and how long our restfulness persists. We are joyful in this world, and — inshāʾallāh — in the next world too we shall remain joyful. And you — you will find true and lasting happiness only in the Hereafter, not in this passing world.
وَمَا أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَلَا أَوْلَادُكُم بِالَّتِي تُقَرِّبُكُمْ عِندَنَا زُلْفَىٰ إِلَّا مَنْ آمَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَأُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ جَزَاءُ الضِّعْفِ بِمَا عَمِلُوا وَهُمْ فِي الْغُرُفَاتِ آمِنُونَ
Wa-mā amwālukum wa-lā awlādukum bi-llatī tuqarribukum ʿindanā zulfā illā man āmana wa-ʿamila ṣāliḥan fa-ūlāʾika lahum jazāʾu l-ḍiʿfi bi-mā ʿamilū wa-hum fī l-ghurufāti āminūn.
"And it is not your wealth or your children that bring you near to Us in position — except for one who believed and did righteous work. For those there will be a double reward for what they did, and they will be in the elevated chambers, secure." (Sabaʾ 34:37)
Commentary: Wa-mā amwālukum wa-lā awlādukum — your wealth and your children are not the things — bi-llatī tuqarribukum ʿindanā zulfā — that bring you near to Us in closeness. "Zulfā" means nearness, closeness, proximity. But — illā man āmana — except one who brings faith, keeps sound belief, and — wa-ʿamila ṣāliḥan — does righteous deeds and good works. Fa-ūlāʾika lahum jazāʾu l-ḍiʿf — for those the reward will be doubled: because of their good deeds they shall receive a doubled recompense. Wa-hum fī l-ghurufāti āminūn — and they will be in the lofty chambers, secure and at peace.
Translation: Your wealth and your children cannot bring you near to Us — but whoever kept faith and performed righteous deeds, that person shall receive a doubled reward (two-fold recompense) on account of their good deeds, and they shall be in the lofty chambers, secure and at rest.
وَالَّذِينَ يَسْعَوْنَ فِي آيَاتِنَا مُعَاجِزِينَ أُولَٰئِكَ فِي الْعَذَابِ مُحْضَرُونَ
Wa-lladhīna yasʿawna fī āyātinā muʿājizīna ulāʾika fī l-ʿadhābi muḥḍarūn.
"And those who strive against Our signs to cause failure — those will be brought into the punishment." (Sabaʾ 34:38)
Commentary: Wa-lladhīna yasʿawna — and those who run about and bustle — fī āyātinā — in our signs, in our verses; they make every effort — muʿājizīna — to confound, to defeat, to overcome Us — Uūlāʾika fī l-ʿadhābi muḥḍarūn — those are the ones who will be brought forward into the punishment; they will be summoned, they will be hauled in.
Translation: And those who run about to refute Our signs (and persist in objecting) — they will be seized and brought into the punishment (they are hauled in).
قُلْ إِنَّ رَبِّي يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَقْدِرُ لَهُ وَمَا أَنفَقْتُم مِّن شَيْءٍ فَهُوَ يُخْلِفُهُ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ
Qul inna rabbī yabsuṭu l-rizqa li-man yashāʾu min ʿibādihī wa-yaqdiru lahū wa-mā anfaqtum min shayʾin fa-huwa yukhlifuhū wa-huwa khayru l-rāziqīn.
"Say: Indeed, my Lord extends provision for whom He wills of His servants and restricts it for him. But whatever thing you spend — He will replace it; and He is the best of providers." (Sabaʾ 34:39)
Commentary: Qul — say, O Prophet; inna rabbī — my Lord without any doubt — yabsuṭu l-rizqa — provides sustenance, spreads it, opens it up, grants it abundantly — li-man yashāʾu min ʿibādihī — to whomsoever He wills of His servants — wa-yaqdiru lahū — and restricts it to whomsoever He wishes: the abundance of sustenance or its restriction does not indicate nearness to Allah or distance from Him. Wa-mā anfaqtum min shayʾin — and whatever you spend, whatever you give in the way of Allah — fa-huwa yukhlifuhū — He replaces it; Allah gives its recompense in return. It is His exalted station that He repays. Wa-huwa khayru l-rāziqīn — and He is the best of sustainers, the best of providers.
Translation: (O Prophet!) Say: Without doubt my Lord opens provision broadly for whomsoever of His servants He wills, and restricts it for whomsoever He wills. And whatever you spend in the way of Allah, He replaces it — and He is the best of sustainers, the best provider.
وَيَوْمَ يَحْشُرُهُمْ جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ يَقُولُ لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ أَهَٰؤُلَاءِ إِيَّاكُمْ كَانُوا يَعْبُدُونَ
Wa-yawma yaḥshuruhum jamīʿan thumma yaqūlu li-l-malāʾikati a-hāʾulāʾi iyyākum kānū yaʿbudūn.
"And the Day He will gather them all, then say to the angels: 'Were these the ones who used to worship you?'" (Sabaʾ 34:40)
Commentary: Wa-yawma yaḥshuruhum jamīʿan — and the Day Allah will gather all of them together in one place — that will be the Day of Resurrection. Thumma yaqūlu li-l-malāʾikati — then He will address the angels and say — a-hāʾulāʾi iyyākum kānū yaʿbudūn — "are these the same people who used to worship you?"
Translation: And remember that Day when Allah will gather them all together in one place (the Resurrection), then say to the angels: "Were these the ones who used to worship you (and were your worshippers)?"
قَالُوا سُبْحَانَكَ أَنتَ وَلِيُّنَا مِن دُونِهِم بَلْ كَانُوا يَعْبُدُونَ الْجِنَّ أَكْثَرُهُم بِهِم مُّؤْمِنُونَ
Qālū subḥānaka anta waliyyunā min dūnihim bal kānū yaʿbudūna l-jinna aktharuhum bihim muʾminūn.
"They will say: 'Exalted are You! You are our Protector, not them. Rather, they used to worship the jinn; most of them were believers in them.'" (Sabaʾ 34:41)
Commentary: Qālū subḥānaka — the angels will say: You are exalted — Your essence is pure and elevated above all faults. Anta waliyyunā — You are our Guardian and Master. Min dūnihim — not them; there is no connection from our side. Bal kānū yaʿbudūna l-jinna — rather, what happened is that they used to worship the jinn, the demons. Aktharuhum bihim muʾminūn — the majority of them had faith in the jinn and were believers in them.
Translation: (The angels) will say: You are pure — our Guardian is You, not they. Rather, these people used to worship the jinn, and the majority of them were brought to faith in them (i.e., they believed in and obeyed the jinn).
فَالْيَوْمَ لَا يَمْلِكُ بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ نَّفْعًا وَلَا ضَرًّا وَنَقُولُ لِلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا ذُوقُوا عَذَابَ النَّارِ الَّتِي كُنتُم بِهَا تُكَذِّبُونَ
Fa-l-yawma lā yamliku baʿḍukum li-baʿḍin nafʿan wa-lā ḍarran wa-naqūlu li-lladhīna ẓalamū dhūqū ʿadhāba l-nāri llatī kuntum bihā tukadhdhibūn.
"So today none of you holds for another any power of benefit or harm; and We will say to those who wronged: 'Taste the punishment of the Fire, which you used to deny.'" (Sabaʾ 34:42)
Commentary: Fa-l-yawma lā yamliku — today no one possesses control; no one has authority — baʿḍukum li-baʿḍin — one for another — nafʿan wa-lā ḍarran — no benefit reaches, no harm reaches. Wa-naqūlu li-lladhīna ẓalamū — and We will say to the wrongdoers and the rebellious ones — dhūqū ʿadhāba l-nāri — taste now the punishment of the Fire; experience the torment of Hell — allatī kuntum bihā tukadhdhibūn — which is the punishment you used to deny and mock.
Translation: Then on that Day, no one can bring any benefit or ward off any harm from another — and We will say to the wrongdoers and the rebellious: "Taste the punishment of this Hell-Fire, which you used to deny (and mock)."
وَإِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُنَا بَيِّنَاتٍ قَالُوا مَا هَٰذَا إِلَّا رَجُلٌ يُرِيدُ أَن يَصُدَّكُمْ عَمَّا كَانَ يَعْبُدُ آبَاؤُكُمْ وَقَالُوا مَا هَٰذَا إِلَّا إِفْكٌ مُّفْتَرًى وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لِلْحَقِّ لَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ إِنْ هَٰذَا إِلَّا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ
Wa-idhā tutlā ʿalayhim āyātunā bayyinātin qālū mā hādhā illā rajulun yurīdu an yaṣuddakum ʿammā kāna yaʿbudu ābāʾukum wa-qālū mā hādhā illā ifkun muftaran wa-qāla lladhīna kafarū li-l-ḥaqqi lammā jāʾahum in hādhā illā siḥrun mubīn.
"And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, they say: 'This is not but a man who wishes to avert you from what your fathers used to worship.' And they say: 'This is not but a falsehood invented.' And those who disbelieved say of the truth when it came to them: 'This is nothing but obvious magic.'" (Sabaʾ 34:43)
Commentary: Wa-idhā tutlā ʿalayhim āyātunā bayyinātin — when our clear, self-evident verses are recited before them — qālū — they say — mā hādhā illā rajulun — this is no one but a man, yet this man — yurīdu an yaṣuddakum — his intention is to turn you away — ʿammā kāna yaʿbudu ābāʾukum — from what your forefathers and ancestors used to worship, those whose worship you observed. Wa-qālū — and those disbelievers said — mā hādhā illā ifkun muftaran — this is nothing but an invented fabrication, a manifest lie, a concocted falsehood. Wa-qāla lladhīna kafarū li-l-ḥaqqi lammā jāʾahum — and when the truth reached the disbelievers — in hādhā illā siḥrun mubīn — they said: this is nothing but clear, manifest magic.
Translation: When Our clear verses are recited before them (the disbelievers), they say: "This person desires nothing but to turn you away (from your ancestors' worship)." And they say: "This is an outright fabrication." And when the truth arrives before the disbelievers, they say: "This is nothing but plain magic."
وَمَا آتَيْنَاهُم مِّن كُتُبٍ يَدْرُسُونَهَا وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا إِلَيْهِم قَبْلَكَ مِن نَّذِيرٍ
Wa-mā ātaynāhum min kutubin yadrusūnahā wa-mā arsalnā ilayhim qablaka min nadhīr.
"And We have not given them any scriptures which they study, nor did We send to them before you any warner." (Sabaʾ 34:44)
Commentary: Wa-mā ātaynāhum — and We have not given them — min kutubin yadrusūnahā — any heavenly scriptures, any books which they read and study. Wa-mā arsalnā ilayhim qablaka — and We sent towards them before you — min nadhīr — no warner, no warner at all, no prophet.
Translation: And We have not given them any books which they read — nor did We send them before you any warner-prophet.
وَكَذَّبَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ وَمَا بَلَغُوا مِعْشَارَ مَا آتَيْنَاهُمْ فَكَذَّبُوا رُسُلِي فَكَيْفَ كَانَ نَكِيرِ
Wa-kadhdhaba lladhīna min qablihim wa-mā balaghū miʿshāra mā ātaynāhum fa-kadhdhabū ruslī fa-kayfa kāna nakīr.
"And those before them had denied, and they (the Quraysh) have not attained a tenth of what We had given those peoples; yet they denied My messengers — so how terrible was My reproach!" (Sabaʾ 34:45)
Commentary: Wa-kadhdhaba lladhīna min qablihim — and those who came before them (the people of old) also denied — wa-mā balaghū miʿshāra mā ātaynāhum — they have not even reached a tenth of what We gave those former peoples; the wealth, power, and authority We gave those ancient peoples — wa-mā balaghū — they have not even approached it. Fa-kadhdhabū ruslī — yet those people too denied My messengers — fa-kayfa kāna nakīr — then see what My punishment was! "Nakīr" here means punishment, reproach — the thing that is displeasing, that which must be rejected. And "nakīr" here means punishment.
Translation: And those who came before them also denied — and We gave those former peoples power that these (Quraysh) have not even come close to a tenth of — yet they denied My Prophets. Then (our Prophet denied too) what was My punishment, (the reprisal for that denial) — how it descended!
قُلْ إِنَّمَا أَعِظُكُم بِوَاحِدَةٍ أَن تَقُومُوا لِلَّهِ مَثْنَىٰ وَفُرَادَىٰ ثُمَّ تَتَفَكَّرُوا مَا بِصَاحِبِكُم مِّن جِنَّةٍ إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا نَذِيرٌ لَّكُم بَيْنَ يَدَيْ عَذَابٍ شَدِيدٍ
Qul innamā aʿiẓukum bi-wāḥidatin an taqūmū li-llāhi mathnā wa-furādā thumma tatafakkarū mā bi-ṣāḥibikum min jinnatin in huwa illā nadhīrun lakum bayna yaday ʿadhābin shadīd.
"Say: I only advise you of one thing — that you stand for Allah in pairs and individually, then reflect: there is not in your companion any madness. He is only a warner to you before a severe punishment." (Sabaʾ 34:46)
Commentary: Qul innamā aʿiẓukum bi-wāḥidatin — say: I give you one piece of advice. What is it? — an taqūmū li-llāhi mathnā wa-furādā — rise up for the sake of Allah two by two and one by one — thumma tatafakkarū — then think, reflect, ponder — mā bi-ṣāḥibikum min jinnatin — your companion (the Prophet) is not mad, he has no madness — in huwa illā nadhīrun lakum — he is nothing but a warner for you — bayna yaday ʿadhābin shadīd — before an imminent severe punishment that is approaching.
Translation: Say: I give you a single piece of advice — rise up two together and alone and think — (your companion the Prophet) is no madman, he is only a warner who warns you of a great punishment that is coming.
قُل مَّا سَأَلْتُكُم مِّنْ أَجْرٍ فَهُوَ لَكُمْ إِنْ أَجْرِيَ إِلَّا عَلَى اللَّهِ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ شَهِيدٌ
Qul mā saʾaltukum min ajrin fa-huwa lakum in ajriya illā ʿalā llāhi wa-huwa ʿalā kulli shayʾin shahīd.
"Say: Whatever I might have asked you in wages, it is yours. My reward is only from Allah, and He is Witness over all things." (Sabaʾ 34:47)
Commentary: Qul mā saʾaltukum min ajrin — say: I ask nothing from you for the sake of spreading the message — fa-huwa lakum — it is yours entirely; the purpose of my mission is your benefit, not my personal gain. In ajriya illā ʿalā llāhi — my reward is with Allah alone — He is my master, my only owner. Wa-huwa ʿalā kulli shayʾin shahīd — and Allah is Witness over all things, He is Witness and Observer.
Translation: (O Prophet!) Say: Whatever thing I ask of you — it is your own (I am asking nothing from you). My reward is with Allah alone — and Allah is Witness and Observer of all things.
قُلْ إِنَّ رَبِّي يَقْذِفُ بِالْحَقِّ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ
Qul inna rabbī yaqdhifu bi-l-ḥaqqi ʿallāmu l-ghuyūb.
"Say: Indeed, my Lord hurls the truth — Knower of the unseen." (Sabaʾ 34:48)
Commentary: Qul — say: inna rabbī yaqdhifu bi-l-ḥaqqi — my Lord casts the truth and overpowers falsehood, dispels unbelief. He is — ʿallāmu l-ghuyūbi — the Knower of the unseen and spiritual realities; He knows the religion fully and overturns and unmasks the things of this world. Wa-ʿallāmu l-ghuyūb — He knows all hidden things. Nothing hidden is concealed from Him. His attribute is ʿallāmu l-ghuyūb — Knower of all the unseen.
Translation: Say — my Lord casts the truth and overwhelms falsehood — He is the Knower of the unseen (He knows hidden matters fully).
قُلْ جَاءَ الْحَقُّ وَمَا يُبْدِئُ الْبَاطِلُ وَمَا يُعِيدُ
Qul jāʾa l-ḥaqqu wa-mā yubdiʾu l-bāṭilu wa-mā yuʿīd.
"Say: The truth has come, and falsehood neither originates anything nor restores it." (Sabaʾ 34:49)
Commentary: Qul — O Prophet, say to the people — jāʾa l-ḥaqqu — Truth has come, the religion has arrived. Wa-mā yubdiʾu l-bāṭilu — and falsehood cannot originate anything from nothing; it cannot bring anything new into being. Wa-mā yuʿīdu — and that which has gone, it cannot restore — the false deity (maʿbūd-e-bāṭil) — this is an imaginary deity; it can neither initiate anything new nor return anything that has vanished.
Translation: (O Prophet!) Say to them: Truth (religion) has come — falsehood cannot originate anything new (nothing can begin from it) nor can it restore anything that has perished (it cannot revive something that has been destroyed).
قُلْ إِن ضَلَلْتُ فَإِنَّمَا أَضِلُّ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِي وَإِنِ اهْتَدَيْتُ فَبِمَا يُوحِي إِلَيَّ رَبِّي إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ قَرِيبٌ
Qul in ḍalaltu fa-innamā aḍillu ʿalā nafsī wa-in ihtadaytu fa-bi-mā yūḥī ilayya rabbī innahū samīʿun qarīb.
"Say: If I go astray, I only go astray against myself; and if I am guided, it is by what my Lord reveals to me. Indeed, He is Hearing and near." (Sabaʾ 34:50)
Commentary: Qul — say: in ḍalaltu — if I were to err (hypothetically) — to be on the path of error — fa-innamā aḍillu ʿalā nafsī — then my error would fall only upon myself; who will bear the consequences of this error? It is I myself. Wa-in ihtadaytu — and if I am on the path of guidance — fa-bi-mā yūḥī ilayya rabbī — it is through what my Lord inspires me with — through the Quran's grace. Innahū samīʿun qarīb — indeed Allah is Hearing, He hears everyone — and He is near; He is close and proximate — my Lord hears both of us and He is close.
Translation: (O Prophet!) Say: If I am in error and going astray, then its consequence falls on me alone. And if I am on the path of guidance, it is because of what my Lord sends down upon me (the Quran's blessing). Allah indeed hears, is near.
وَلَوْ تَرَىٰ إِذْ فَزِعُوا فَلَا فَوْتَ وَأُخِذُوا مِن مَّكَانٍ قَرِيبٍ
Wa-law tarā idh faziʿū fa-lā fawta wa-ukhidhū min makānin qarīb.
"And if you could but see when they are terrified — there will be no escape, and they will be seized from a nearby place." (Sabaʾ 34:51)
Commentary: Wa-law tarā — and O addressee, if you were to see — idh faziʿū — when those who follow falsehood and turn away from the truth are gripped by panic and terror — how dismayed, how alarmed you would see them! — fa-lā fawt — there will be no escape; they cannot flee anywhere. Wa-ukhidhū min makānin qarīb — and they will be seized right there where they are, from close by; they cannot escape even to a nearby place — they will be captured.
Translation: (O addressee!) If you were to see them (the wrongdoers) when they are overcome by panic (and trembling in fear and dread) — there is no way of escape for them — and they will be seized right there from close at hand (they will be caught).
وَقَالُوا آمَنَّا بِهِ وَأَنَّىٰ لَهُمُ التَّنَاوُشُ مِن مَّكَانٍ بَعِيدٍ
Wa-qālū āmannā bihī wa-annā lahumu l-tanāwushu min makānin baʿīd.
"And they will say: 'We believe in it.' But how can they reach it from a distant place?" (Sabaʾ 34:52)
Commentary: Wa-qālū āmannā bihī — and they will say: "We bring faith in it" — in Allah, in the Prophet, in the Quran, in the Truth — in general, on the truth. Wa-annā lahumu l-tanāwush — but where can they now lay their hands on it, by what means can they seize it? The thing that requires being grasped with hands — that time has passed. Min makānin baʿīdin — from a distant place — the place of bringing faith is now distant from them; the time has passed from their hands.
Translation: And (on the Day of Resurrection) they will say: "We bring faith in it (in the Truth)" — but how can they reach it from such a distance? (The time for bringing faith has already passed.)
وَقَدْ كَفَرُوا بِهِ مِن قَبْلُ وَيَقْذِفُونَ بِالْغَيْبِ مِن مَّكَانٍ بَعِيدٍ
Wa-qad kafarū bihī min qablu wa-yaqdhifūna bi-l-ghaybi min makānin baʿīd.
"And they had denied it before, and they would throw conjectures about the unseen from a distant place." (Sabaʾ 34:53)
Commentary: Wa-qad kafarū bihī min qablu — and even before they used to deny this same Truth — wa-yaqdhifūna bi-l-ghaybi min makānin baʿīd — and they would fire off shots at the unseen from a distant place. These people would carelessly and heedlessly throw out words about the Hereafter, utter idle blather about it — they would fire from afar without any investigation or verification, babbling thoughtlessly.
Translation: These people used to deny it before — and without any investigation, from afar and carelessly, they would hurl idle talk (they would speak and shout without looking into it, without verifying — just blathering heedlessly).
وَحِيلَ بَيْنَهُمْ وَبَيْنَ مَا يَشْتَهُونَ كَمَا فُعِلَ بِأَشْيَاعِهِم مِّن قَبْلُ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا فِي شَكٍّ مُّرِيبٍ
Wa-ḥīla baynahum wa-bayna mā yashtahūna kamā fuʿila bi-ashyāʿihim min qablu innahum kānū fī shakkin murīb.
"And a barrier was placed between them and what they desired, as was done with their kind before. Indeed, they were in disquieting doubt." (Sabaʾ 34:54)
Commentary: Wa-ḥīla baynahum wa-bayna mā yashtahūn — and a wall has been erected between them and what they desire; it has become barred to them — their desires have been blocked. They wanted to attain their wishes but the truth has come crashing into them. In their desires and yearnings a wall has been placed. Kamā fuʿila bi-ashyāʿihim min qablu — just as was done previously with those of their way before them — with those same sectarians who walked the same path before them — what was done to them will also be done to these. Innahum kānū fī shakkin murīb — this is that painful doubt and restlessness that was always in their hearts — their faith always lay in the depths of their hearts in a state of troubled doubt.
Translation: A barrier was placed between them and their desires (divine decree intervened between them and their goals) — and the same manner was practiced with those who followed their path before them — this is that doubt which troubled their hearts greatly.