Quran English Translation |Surah 28-29-Al-Qasas-Al-Ankabut
Sura 28: History (Al-Qasas)
Number of verses in sura: 88
Order of revelation: 49
[28:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
[28:1] T. S. M.
[28:2] These (letters) constitute proofs of this profound book.
[28:3] We recite to you herein some history of Moses and Pharaoh, truthfully, for the benefit of people who believe.
[28:4] Pharaoh turned into a tyrant on earth, and discriminated against some people. He persecuted a helpless group of them, slaughtering their sons, while sparing their daughters. He was indeed wicked.
[28:5] We willed to compensate those who were oppressed on earth, and to turn them into leaders, and make them the inheritors.
[28:6] And to establish them on earth, and to give Pharaoh, Hamaan, and their troops a taste of their own medicine.
[28:7] We inspired Moses’ mother: “Nurse him, and when you fear for his life, throw him into the river without fear or grief. We will return him to you, and will make him one of the messengers.”
[28:8] Pharaoh’s family picked him up, only to have him lead the opposition and to be a source of grief for them. That is because Pharaoh, Hamaan, and their troops were transgressors.
[28:9] Pharaoh’s wife said, “This can be a joyous find for me and you. Do not kill him, for he may be of some benefit for us, or we may adopt him to be our son.” They had no idea.
[28:10] The mind of Moses’ mother was growing so anxious that she almost gave away his identity. But we strengthened her heart, to make her a believer.
[28:11] She said to his sister, “Trace his path.” She watched him from afar, while they did not perceive.
[28:12] We forbade him from accepting all the nursing mothers. (His sister) then said, “I can show you a family that can raise him for you, and take good care of him.”
[28:13] Thus, we restored him to his mother, in order to please her, remove her worries, and to let her know that GOD‘s promise is the truth. However, most of them do not know.
[28:14] When he reached maturity and strength, we endowed him with wisdom and knowledge. We thus reward the righteous.
[28:15] Once he entered the city unexpectedly, without being recognized by the people. He found two men fighting; one was (a Hebrew) from his people, and the other was (an Egyptian) from his enemies. The one from his people called on him for help against his enemy. Moses punched him, killing him. He said, “This is the work of the devil; he is a real enemy, and a profound misleader.”
[28:16] He said, “My Lord, I have wronged my soul. Please forgive me,” and He forgave him. He is the Forgiver, Most Merciful.
[28:17] He said, “My Lord, in return for Your blessings upon me, I will never be a supporter of the guilty ones.”
[28:18] In the morning, he was in the city, afraid and watchful. The one who sought his help yesterday, asked for his help again. Moses said to him, “You are really a trouble maker.”
[28:19] Before he attempted to strike their common enemy, he said, “O Moses, do you want to kill me, as you killed the other man yesterday? Obviously, you wish to be a tyrant on earth; you do not wish to be righteous.”
[28:20] A man came running from the other side of the city, saying, “O Moses, the people are plotting to kill you. You better leave immediately. I am giving you good advice.”
[28:21] He fled the city, afraid and watchful. He said, “My Lord, save me from the oppressive people.”
[28:22] As he traveled towards Midyan, he said, “May my Lord guide me in the right path.”
[28:23] When he reached Midyan’s water, he found a crowd of people watering, and noticed two women waiting on the side. He said, “What is it that you need?” They said, “We are not able to water, until the crowd disperses, and our father is an old man.”
[28:24] He watered for them, then turned to the shade, saying, “My Lord, whatever provision you send to me, I am in dire need for it.”
[28:25] Soon, one of the two women approached him, shyly, and said, “My father invites you to pay you for watering for us.” When he met him, and told him his story, he said, “Have no fear. You have been saved from the oppressive people.”
[28:26] One of the two women said, “O my father, hire him. He is the best one to hire, for he is strong and honest.”
[28:27] He said, “I wish to offer one of my two daughters for you to marry, in return for working for me for eight pilgrimages; if you make them ten, it will be voluntary on your part. I do not wish to make this matter too difficult for you. You will find me, GOD willing, righteous.”
[28:28] He said, “It is an agreement between me and you. Whichever period I fulfill, you will not be averse to either one. GOD is the guarantor of what we said.”
[28:29] When he had fulfilled his obligation, he traveled with his family (towards Egypt). He saw from the slope of Mount Sinai a fire. He said to his family, “Stay here. I have seen a fire. Maybe I can bring to you news, or a portion of the fire to warm you.”
[28:30] When he reached it, he was called from the edge of the right side of the valley, in the blessed spot where the burning bush was located: “O Moses, this is Me. GOD; Lord of the universe.
[28:31] “Throw down your staff.” When he saw it moving like a demon, he turned around and fled. “O Moses, come back; do not be afraid. You are perfectly safe.
[28:32] “Put your hand into your pocket; it will come out white without a blemish. Fold your wings and settle down from your fear. These are two proofs from your Lord, to be shown to Pharaoh and his elders; they have been wicked people.”
[28:33] He said, “My Lord, I killed one of them, and I fear lest they kill me.
[28:34] “Also, my brother Aaron is more eloquent than I. Send him with me as a helper to confirm and strengthen me. I fear lest they disbelieve me.”
[28:35] He said, “We will strengthen you with your brother, and we will provide you both with manifest authority. Thus, they will not be able to touch either one of you. With our miracles, the two of you, together with those who follow you, will be the victors.”
[28:36] When Moses went to them with our proofs, clear and profound, they said, “This is fabricated magic. We have never heard of this from our ancient ancestors.”
[28:37] Moses said, “My Lord knows best who brought the guidance from Him, and who will be the ultimate victors. Surely, the transgressors never succeed.”
[28:38] Pharaoh said, “O you elders, I have not known of any god for you other than me. Therefore, fire the adobe, O Hamaan, in order to build a tower, that I may take a look at the god of Moses. I am sure that he is a liar.”
[28:39] Thus, he and his troops continued to commit arrogance on earth, without any right, and thought that they would not be returned to us.
[28:40] Consequently, we punished him and his troops, by throwing them into the sea. Note the consequences for the transgressors.
[28:41] We made them imams who led their people to Hell. Furthermore, on the Day of Resurrection, they will have no help.
[28:42] They incurred in this life condemnation, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be despised.
[28:43] We gave Moses the scripture – after having annihilated the previous generations, and after setting the examples through them – to provide enlightenment for the people, and guidance, and mercy, that they may take heed.
[28:44] You were not present on the slope of the western mount, when we issued the command to Moses; you were not a witness.
[28:45] But we established many generations, and, because of the length of time, (they deviated). Nor were you among the people of Midyan, reciting our revelations to them. But we did send messengers.
[28:46] Nor were you on the slope of Mount Sinai when we called (Moses). But it is mercy from your Lord, (towards the people,) in order to warn people who received no warner before you, that they may take heed.
[28:47] Thus, they cannot say, when a disaster strikes them as a consequence of their own deeds, “Our Lord, had You sent a messenger to us, we would have followed Your revelations, and would have been believers.”
[28:48] Now that the truth has come to them from us, they said, “If only we could be given what was given to Moses!” Did they not disbelieve in what was given to Moses in the past? They said, “Both (scriptures) are works of magic that copied one another.” They also said, “We are disbelievers in both of them.”
[28:49] Say, “Then produce a scripture from GOD with better guidance than the two, so I can follow it, if you are truthful.”
[28:50] If they fail to respond to you, then know that they follow only their own opinions. Who is farther astray than those who follow their own opinions, without guidance from GOD? GOD does not guide such wicked people.
[28:51] We have delivered the message to them, that they may take heed.
[28:52] Those whom we blessed with the previous scriptures will believe in this.
[28:53] When it is recited to them, they will say, “We believe in it. This is the truth from our Lord. Even before we heard of it, we were submitters.”
[28:54] To these we grant twice the reward, because they steadfastly persevere. They counter evil works with good works, and from our provisions to them, they give.
[28:55] When they come across vain talk, they disregard it and say, “We are responsible for our deeds, and you are responsible for your deeds. Peace be upon you. We do not wish to behave like the ignorant ones.”
[28:56] You cannot guide the ones you love. GOD is the only One who guides in accordance with His will, and in accordance with His knowledge of those who deserve the guidance.
[28:57] They said, “If we follow your guidance, we will suffer persecution.” Did we not establish for them a Sacred Sanctuary, to which all kinds of fruits are offered, as a provision from us? Indeed, most of them do not know.
[28:58] Many a community we annihilated for turning unappreciative of their lives. Consequently, here are their homes, nothing but uninhabited ruins after them, except a few. We were the inheritors.
[28:59] For your Lord never annihilates any community without sending a messenger in the midst thereof, to recite our revelations to them. We never annihilate any community, unless its people are wicked.
[28:60] Everything that is given to you is only the material of this life, and its vanity. What is with GOD is far better, and everlasting. Do you not understand?
[28:61] Is one whom we promised a good promise that will surely come to pass, equal to one whom we provide with the temporary materials of this life, then suffers eternal doom on the Day of Resurrection?
[28:62] The day will come when He calls upon them, saying, “Where are those idols you had set up beside Me?”
[28:63] Those who incurred the judgment will say, “Our Lord, these are the ones we misled; we misled them only because we ourselves had gone astray. We now devote ourselves totally to You. They were not really worshiping us.”
[28:64] It will be said, “Call upon your idols (to help you).” They will call upon them, but they will not respond. They will suffer the retribution, and wish that they were guided!
[28:65] On that day, He will ask everyone, “How did you respond to the messengers?”
[28:66] They will be so stunned by the facts on that day, they will be speechless.
[28:67] As for those who repent, believe, and lead a righteous life, they will end up with the winners.
[28:68] Your Lord is the One who creates whatever He wills, and chooses; no one else does any choosing. Glory be to GOD, the Most Exalted. He is far above needing partners.
[28:69] Your Lord knows the innermost thoughts hidden in their chests, as well as everything they declare.
[28:70] He is the one GOD; there is no other god beside Him. To Him belongs all praise in this first life, and in the Hereafter. All judgment belongs with Him, and to Him you will be returned.
[28:71] Say, “What if GOD made the night perpetual, until the Day of Resurrection? Which god, other than GOD, can provide you with light? Do you not hear?”
[28:72] Say, “What if GOD made the daylight perpetual, until the Day of Resurrection? Which god, other than GOD, can provide you with a night for your rest? Do you not see?”
[28:73] It is mercy from Him that He created for you the night and the day in order to rest (during the night), then seek His provisions (during the day), that you may be appreciative.
[28:74] The day will come when He asks them, “Where are the idols you had fabricated to rank with Me?”
[28:75] We will select from every community a witness, then say, “Present your proof.” They will realize then that all truth belongs with GOD, while the idols they had fabricated will abandon them.
[28:76] Qaaroon (the slave driver) was one of Moses’ people who betrayed them and oppressed them. We gave him so many treasures that the keys thereof were almost too heavy for the strongest band. His people said to him, “Do not be so arrogant; GOD does not love those who are arrogant.
[28:77] “Use the provisions bestowed upon you by GOD to seek the abode of the Hereafter, without neglecting your share in this world. Be charitable, as GOD has been charitable towards you. Do not keep on corrupting the earth. GOD does not love the corruptors.”
[28:78] He said, “I attained all this because of my own cleverness.” Did he not realize that GOD had annihilated before him generations that were much stronger than he, and greater in number? The (annihilated) transgressors were not asked about their crimes.
[28:79] One day, he came out to his people in full splendor. Those who preferred this worldly life said, “Oh, we wish that we possessed what Qaaroon has attained. Indeed, he is very fortunate.”
[28:80] As for those who were blessed with knowledge, they said, “Woe to you, GOD‘s recompense is far better for those who believe and lead a righteous life.” None attains this except the steadfast.
[28:81] We then caused the earth to swallow him and his mansion. No army could have helped him against GOD; he was not destined to be a winner.
[28:82] Those who were envious of him the day before said, “Now we realize that GOD is the One who provides for whomever He chooses from among His servants, and withholds. If it were not for GOD‘s grace towards us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us too. We now realize that the disbelievers never succeed.”
[28:83] We reserve the abode of the Hereafter for those who do not seek exaltation on earth, nor corruption. The ultimate victory belongs to the righteous.
[28:84] Whoever works righteousness receives a far better reward. As for those who commit sins, the retribution for their sins is precisely equivalent to their works.
[28:85] Surely, the One who decreed the Quran for you will summon you to a predetermined appointment. Say, “My Lord is fully aware of those who uphold the guidance, and those who have gone astray.”
[28:86] You never expected this scripture to come your way; but this is a mercy from your Lord. Therefore, you shall not side with the disbelievers.
[28:87] Nor shall you be diverted from GOD‘s revelations, after they have come to you, and invite the others to your Lord. And do not ever fall into idol worship.
[28:88] You shall not worship beside GOD any other god. There is no other god beside Him. Everything perishes except His presence. To Him belongs all sovereignty, and to Him you will be returned.
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Sura 29: The Spider (Al-‘Ankaboot)
Number of verses in sura: 69
Order of revelation: 85
[29:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
[29:1] A. L. M.
[29:2] Do the people think that they will be left to say, “We believe,” without being put to the test?
[29:3] We have tested those before them, for GOD must distinguish those who are truthful, and He must expose the liars.
[29:4] Do those who commit sins think that they can ever fool us? Wrong indeed is their judgment.
[29:5] Anyone hoping to meet GOD, (should know that) such a meeting with GOD will most assuredly come to pass. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.
[29:6] Those who strive, strive for their own good. GOD is in no need of anyone.
[29:7] Those who believe and lead a righteous life, we will certainly remit their sins, and will certainly reward them generously for their righteous works.
[29:8] We enjoined the human being to honor his parents. But if they try to force you to set up idols beside Me, do not obey them. To Me is your ultimate return, then I will inform you of everything you had done.
[29:9] Those who believe and lead a righteous life, we will certainly admit them with the righteous.
[29:10] Among the people there are those who say, “We believe in GOD,” but as soon as they suffer any hardship because of GOD, they equate the people’s persecution with GOD‘s retribution. But if blessings from your Lord come your way, they say, “We were with you.” Is GOD not fully aware of the people’s innermost thoughts?
[29:11] GOD will most certainly distinguish those who believe, and He will most certainly expose the hypocrites.
[29:12] Those who disbelieved said to those who believed, “If you follow our way, we will be responsible for your sins.” Not true; they cannot bear any of their sins. They are liars.
[29:13] In fact, they will carry their own sins, in addition to loads of other people’s sins for which they were responsible. Most certainly, they will be asked on the Day of Resurrection about their false claims.
[29:14] We sent Noah to his people, and he stayed with them one thousand years, less fifty.* Subsequently, they incurred the flood because of their transgressions.
[29:15] We saved him and those who accompanied him in the ark, and we set it up as a lesson for all the people.
[29:16] Abraham said to his people, “You shall worship GOD, and reverence Him. This is better for you, if you only knew.
[29:17] “What you worship instead of GOD are powerless idols; you have invented a lie.” The idols you worship beside GOD do not possess any provisions for you. Therefore, you shall seek provisions only from GOD. You shall worship Him alone, and be appreciative of Him; to Him is your ultimate return.
[29:18] If you disbelieve, generations before you have also disbelieved. The sole function of the messenger is to deliver (the message).
[29:19] Have they not seen how GOD initiates the creation, then repeats it? This is easy for GOD to do.
[29:20] Say, “Roam the earth and find out the origin of life.” For GOD will thus initiate the creation in the Hereafter. GOD is Omnipotent.
[29:21] He condemns to retribution whomever He wills, and showers His mercy upon whomever He wills. Ultimately, to Him you will be turned over.
[29:22] None of you can escape from these facts, on earth or in the heaven, and you have none beside GOD as a Lord and Master.
[29:23] Those who disbelieve in GOD‘s revelations, and in meeting Him, have despaired from My mercy. They have incurred a painful retribution.
[29:24] The only response from his people was their saying, “Kill him, or burn him.” But GOD saved him from the fire. This should provide lessons for people who believe.
[29:25] He said, “You worship beside GOD powerless idols due to peer pressure, just to preserve some friendship among you in this worldly life. But then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will disown one another, and curse one another. Your destiny is Hell, wherein you cannot help one another.”
[29:26] Lot believed with him and said, “I am emigrating to my Lord. He is the Almighty, the Most Wise.”
[29:27] We granted him Isaac and Jacob, we assigned to his descendants prophethood and the scriptures, we endowed him with his due recompense in this life, and in the Hereafter he will surely be with the righteous.
[29:28] Lot said to his people, “You commit such an abomination, no one in the world has ever done it before you.
[29:29] “You practice sex with the men, you commit highway robbery, and you allow all kinds of vice in your society.” The only response from his people was to say, “Bring to us GOD‘s retribution, if you are truthful.”
[29:30] He said, “My Lord, grant me victory over these wicked people.”
[29:31] When our messengers went to Abraham with good news (about Isaac’s birth), they also said, “We are on our way to annihilate the people of that town (Sodom), for its people have been wicked.”
[29:32] He said, “But Lot is living there.” They said, “We are fully aware of everyone who lives in it. We will of course save him and his family, except his wife; she is doomed.”
[29:33] When our messengers arrived at Lot’s place, they were mistreated, and he was embarrassed by their presence. But they said, “Have no fear, and do not worry. We will save you and your family, except your wife; she is doomed.
[29:34] “We will pour upon the people of this town a disaster from the sky, as a consequence of their wickedness.”
[29:35] We left standing some of their ruins, to serve as a profound lesson for people who understand.
[29:36] To Midyan we sent their brother Shu`aib. He said, “O my people, you shall worship GOD and seek the Last Day, and do not roam the earth corruptingly.”
[29:37] They disbelieved him and, consequently, the earthquake annihilated them; they were left dead in their homes by morning.
[29:38] Similarly, ‘Aad and Thamoud (were annihilated). This is made manifest to you through their ruins. The devil had adorned their works in their eyes, and had diverted them from the path, even though they had eyes.
[29:39] Also Qaaroon, Pharaoh, and Hamaan; Moses went to them with clear signs. But they continued to commit tyranny on earth. Consequently, they could not evade (the retribution).
[29:40] All those disbelievers were doomed as a consequence of their sins. Some of them we annihilated by violent winds, some were annihilated by the quake, some we caused the earth to swallow, and some we drowned. GOD is not the One who wronged them; it is they who wronged their own souls.
[29:41] The allegory of those who accept other masters beside GOD is that of the spider and her home; the flimsiest of all homes is the home of the spider, if they only knew.
[29:42] GOD knows full well that whatever they worship beside Him are really nothing. He is the Almighty, the Most Wise.
[29:43] We cite these examples for the people, and none appreciate them except the knowledgeable.
[29:44] GOD created the heavens and the earth, truthfully. This provides a sufficient proof for the believers.
[29:45] You shall recite what is revealed to you of the scripture, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), for the Contact Prayers prohibit evil and vice. But the remembrance of GOD (through Salat) is the most important objective. GOD knows everything you do.
[29:46] Do not argue with the people of the scripture (Jews, Christians, and Muslims) except in the nicest possible manner – unless they transgress – and say, “We believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our god and your god is one and the same; to Him we are submitters.”
[29:47] We have revealed to you this scripture, and those whom we blessed with the previous scripture will believe in it. Also, some of your people will believe in it. Indeed, those who disregard our revelations are the real disbelievers.
[29:48] You did not read the previous scriptures, nor did you write them with your hand. In that case, the rejectors would have had reason to harbor doubts.
[29:49] In fact, these revelations are clear in the chests of those who possess knowledge. Only the wicked will disregard our revelations.
[29:50] They said, “If only miracles could come down to him from his Lord!” Say, “All miracles come only from GOD; I am no more than a manifest warner.”
[29:51] Is it not enough of a miracle that we sent down to you this book, being recited to them? This is indeed a mercy and a reminder for people who believe.
[29:52] Say, “GOD suffices as a witness between me and you. He knows everything in the heavens and the earth. Surely, those who believe in falsehood and disbelieve in GOD are the real losers.”
[29:53] They challenge you to bring the retribution! If it were not for a predetermined appointment, the retribution would have come to them immediately. Certainly, it will come to them suddenly, when they least expect it.
[29:54] They challenge you to bring retribution! Hell already surrounds the disbelievers.
[29:55] The day will come when the retribution overwhelms them, from above them and from beneath their feet; He will say, “Taste the consequences of your works.”
[29:56] O My servants who believed, My earth is spacious, so worship Me.
[29:57] Everyone will taste death, then to us you will be ultimately returned.
[29:58] Those who believe and lead a righteous life, we will surely settle them in Paradise, with mansions and flowing streams. Eternally they abide therein. What a beautiful reward for the workers.
[29:59] They are the ones who steadfastly persevere, and trust in their Lord.
[29:60] Many a creature that does not carry its provision, GOD provides for it, as well as for you. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.
[29:61] If you ask them, “Who created the heavens and the earth, and put the sun and the moon in your service,” they will say, “GOD.” Why then did they deviate?
[29:62] GOD is the One who increases the provision for whomever He chooses from among His creatures, and withholds it. GOD is fully aware of all things.
[29:63] If you ask them, “Who sends down from the sky water, to revive dead land,” they will say, “GOD.” Say, “Praise GOD.” Most of them do not understand.
[29:64] This worldly life is no more than vanity and play, while the abode of the Hereafter is the real life, if they only knew.
[29:65] When they ride on a ship, they implore GOD, devoting their prayers to Him. But as soon as He saves them to the shore, they revert to idolatry.
[29:66] Let them disbelieve in what we have given them, and let them enjoy temporarily; they will surely find out.
[29:67] Have they not seen that we have established a Sacred Sanctuary that we made secure, while all around them the people are in constant danger? Would they still believe in falsehood, and reject GOD‘s blessings?
[29:68] Who is more evil than one who fabricates lies and attributes them to GOD, or rejects the truth when it comes to him? Is Hell not a just retribution for the disbelievers?
[29:69] As for those who strive in our cause, we will surely guide them in our paths. Most assuredly, GOD is with the pious.
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