Surah 16 of 114 · Makki · 128 ayat
An-Nahl النحل
The Bee
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ أَتَىٰٓ أَمْرُ ٱللَّهِ فَلَا تَسْتَعْجِلُوهُ سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ
PickthallThe commandment of Allah will come to pass, so seek not ye to hasten it. Glorified and Exalted be He above all that they associate (with Him).
Yusuf Ali(Inevitable) cometh (to pass) the Command of Allah: seek ye not then to hasten it: Glory to Him, and far is He above having the partners they ascribe unto Him!
The agreed readingThe command of God is coming, so do not ask for it to be hurried. The commentaries gloss the past tense as certainty rather than time: what is bound to happen is spoken of as though it had already arrived. Glory be to Him, far above whatever they set beside Him.
يُنَزِّلُ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةَ بِٱلرُّوحِ مِنْ أَمْرِهِۦ عَلَىٰ مَن يَشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِۦٓ أَنْ أَنذِرُوٓا۟ أَنَّهُۥ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۠ فَٱتَّقُونِ
PickthallHe sendeth down the angels with the Spirit of His command unto whom He will of His bondmen, (saying): Warn mankind that there is no Allah save Me, so keep your duty unto Me.
Yusuf AliHe doth send down His angels with inspiration of His Command, to such of His servants as He pleaseth, (saying): "Warn (Man) that there is no god but I: so do your duty unto Me."
The agreed readingHe sends down the angels with the spirit of His command upon whom He wills of His servants: that you warn, there is no god but I, so guard yourselves against Me. The commentaries gloss the spirit as the revelation itself, which brings life to what was dead.
خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ بِٱلْحَقِّ تَعَٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ
PickthallHe hath created the heavens and the earth with truth. High be He Exalted above all that they associate (with Him).
Yusuf AliHe has created the heavens and the earth for just ends: Far is He above having the partners they ascribe to Him!
The agreed readingHe created the heavens and the earth in truth. Far is He above whatever they set beside Him — and the commentaries read the creating as the argument and the exalting as its conclusion.
خَلَقَ ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ مِن نُّطْفَةٍ فَإِذَا هُوَ خَصِيمٌ مُّبِينٌ
PickthallHe hath created man from a drop of fluid, yet behold! he is an open opponent.
Yusuf AliHe has created man from a sperm-drop; and behold this same (man) becomes an open disputer!
The agreed readingHe created man from a drop of fluid, and there he is, an open adversary. The commentaries mark the distance the sentence crosses in one breath: from the least beginning a person could have, to arguing back against the One who gave it.
وَٱلْأَنْعَٰمَ خَلَقَهَا لَكُمْ فِيهَا دِفْءٌ وَمَنَٰفِعُ وَمِنْهَا تَأْكُلُونَ
PickthallAnd the cattle hath He created, whence ye have warm clothing and uses, and whereof ye eat;
Yusuf AliAnd cattle He has created for you (men): from them ye derive warmth, and numerous benefits, and of their (meat) ye eat.
The agreed readingAnd the grazing animals He created for you: in them is warmth and other uses, and from them you eat.
وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا جَمَالٌ حِينَ تُرِيحُونَ وَحِينَ تَسْرَحُونَ
PickthallAnd wherein is beauty for you, when ye bring them home, and when ye take them out to pasture.
Yusuf AliAnd ye have a sense of pride and beauty in them as ye drive them home in the evening, and as ye lead them forth to pasture in the morning.
The agreed readingAnd there is beauty in them for you when you bring them home in the evening and when you drive them out to pasture. The commentaries note that beauty is named as a purpose alongside the uses, and not as an afterthought to them.
وَتَحْمِلُ أَثْقَالَكُمْ إِلَىٰ بَلَدٍ لَّمْ تَكُونُوا۟ بَٰلِغِيهِ إِلَّا بِشِقِّ ٱلْأَنفُسِ إِنَّ رَبَّكُمْ لَرَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ
PickthallAnd they bear your loads for you unto a land ye could not reach save with great trouble to yourselves. Lo! your Lord is Full of Pity, Merciful.
Yusuf AliAnd they carry your heavy loads to lands that ye could not (otherwise) reach except with souls distressed: for your Lord is indeed Most Kind, Most Merciful,
The agreed readingAnd they carry your loads to a land you could not otherwise reach except with great hardship to yourselves. Your Lord is indeed Kind, Merciful — the commentaries attach the two names to exactly this: the labour taken off the back of the one who could not have borne it.
وَٱلْخَيْلَ وَٱلْبِغَالَ وَٱلْحَمِيرَ لِتَرْكَبُوهَا وَزِينَةً وَيَخْلُقُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
PickthallAnd horses and mules and asses (hath He created) that ye may ride them, and for ornament. And He createth that which ye know not.
Yusuf AliAnd (He has created) horses, mules, and donkeys, for you to ride and use for show; and He has created (other) things of which ye have no knowledge.
The agreed readingAnd horses and mules and donkeys, for you to ride and as an adornment. And He creates what you do not know. The commentaries note that the list closes by refusing to be a complete list.
وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ قَصْدُ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَمِنْهَا جَآئِرٌ وَلَوْ شَآءَ لَهَدَىٰكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ
PickthallAnd Allah's is the direction of the way, and some (roads) go not straight. And had He willed He would have led you all aright.
Yusuf AliAnd unto Allah leads straight the Way, but there are ways that turn aside: if Allah had willed, He could have guided all of you.
The agreed readingAnd upon God is the pointing out of the way, and some of the ways depart from it. Had He willed, He would have guided all of you together.
هُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً لَّكُم مِّنْهُ شَرَابٌ وَمِنْهُ شَجَرٌ فِيهِ تُسِيمُونَ
PickthallHe it is Who sendeth down water from the sky, whence ye have drink, and whence are trees on which ye send your beasts to pasture.
Yusuf AliIt is He who sends down rain from the sky: from it ye drink, and out of it (grows) the vegetation on which ye feed your cattle.
The agreed readingHe is the One who sends down water from the sky. From it you drink, and from it come the plants on which you pasture your animals.
يُنۢبِتُ لَكُم بِهِ ٱلزَّرْعَ وَٱلزَّيْتُونَ وَٱلنَّخِيلَ وَٱلْأَعْنَٰبَ وَمِن كُلِّ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
PickthallTherewith He causeth crops to grow for you, and the olive and the date-palm and grapes and all kinds of fruit. Lo! herein is indeed a portent for people who reflect.
Yusuf AliWith it He produces for you corn, olives, date-palms, grapes and every kind of fruit: verily in this is a sign for those who give thought.
The agreed readingWith it He brings out for you crops, and olives and date-palms and vines, and every kind of fruit. In that is a sign for people who think — the commentaries take the sign to lie in one water producing all of it.
وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ ٱلَّيْلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَ وَٱلشَّمْسَ وَٱلْقَمَرَ وَٱلنُّجُومُ مُسَخَّرَٰتٌۢ بِأَمْرِهِۦٓ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ
PickthallAnd He hath constrained the night and the day and the sun and the moon to be of service unto you, and the stars are made subservient by His command. Lo! herein indeed are portents for people who have sense.
Yusuf AliHe has made subject to you the Night and the Day; the sun and the moon; and the stars are in subjection by His Command: verily in this are Signs for men who are wise.
The agreed readingAnd He put the night and the day and the sun and the moon at your service, and the stars are made to serve by His command. In that are signs for people who use their reason.
وَمَا ذَرَأَ لَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُخْتَلِفًا أَلْوَٰنُهُۥٓ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَذَّكَّرُونَ
PickthallAnd whatsoever He hath created for you in the earth of divers hues, lo! therein is indeed a portent for people who take heed.
Yusuf AliAnd the things on this earth which He has multiplied in varying colours (and qualities): verily in this is a sign for men who celebrate the praises of Allah (in gratitude).
The agreed readingAnd whatever He has scattered for you in the earth, of differing colours — in that is a sign for people who take heed. The commentaries note that this one asks no reasoning at all, only attention.
وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى سَخَّرَ ٱلْبَحْرَ لِتَأْكُلُوا۟ مِنْهُ لَحْمًا طَرِيًّا وَتَسْتَخْرِجُوا۟ مِنْهُ حِلْيَةً تَلْبَسُونَهَا وَتَرَى ٱلْفُلْكَ مَوَاخِرَ فِيهِ وَلِتَبْتَغُوا۟ مِن فَضْلِهِۦ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
PickthallAnd He it is Who hath constrained the sea to be of service that ye eat fresh meat from thence, and bring forth from thence ornaments which ye wear. And thou seest the ships ploughing it that ye (mankind) may seek of His bounty and that haply ye may give thanks.
Yusuf AliIt is He Who has made the sea subject, that ye may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that ye may extract therefrom ornaments to wear; and thou seest the ships therein that plough the waves, that ye may seek (thus) of the bounty of Allah and that ye may be grateful.
The agreed readingAnd He is the One who put the sea at your service, so that you eat fresh flesh from it and bring out from it ornaments you wear; and you see the ships cutting through it, so that you may seek of His bounty, and so that you may be thankful.
وَأَلْقَىٰ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ رَوَٰسِىَ أَن تَمِيدَ بِكُمْ وَأَنْهَٰرًا وَسُبُلًا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ
PickthallAnd He hath cast into the earth firm hills that it quake not with you, and streams and roads that ye may find a way.
Yusuf AliAnd He has set up on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with you; and rivers and roads; that ye may guide yourselves;
The agreed readingAnd He cast into the earth firm mountains, so that it would not shake with you, and rivers and paths, so that you might find your way.
وَعَلَٰمَٰتٍ وَبِٱلنَّجْمِ هُمْ يَهْتَدُونَ
PickthallAnd landmarks (too), and by the star they find a way.
Yusuf AliAnd marks and sign-posts; and by the stars (men) guide themselves.
The agreed readingAnd landmarks — and by the star they find their way. The commentaries read the two halves as covering travel by day and travel by night: what is fixed on the ground, and what is fixed overhead.
أَفَمَن يَخْلُقُ كَمَن لَّا يَخْلُقُ أَفَلَا تَذَكَّرُونَ
PickthallIs He then Who createth as him who createth not? Will ye not then remember?
Yusuf AliIs then He Who creates like one that creates not? Will ye not receive admonition?
The agreed readingIs the One who creates like the one who creates nothing? Will you not then take heed? The question is put so that it answers itself, and the commentaries note it is asked of people who already grant the first half.
وَإِن تَعُدُّوا۟ نِعْمَةَ ٱللَّهِ لَا تُحْصُوهَآ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
PickthallAnd if ye would count the favour of Allah ye cannot reckon it. Lo! Allah is indeed Forgiving, Merciful.
Yusuf AliIf ye would count up the favours of Allah, never would ye be able to number them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
The agreed readingAnd if you tried to count God's favour you could not number it. God is indeed Forgiving, Merciful — and the commentaries attach the forgiveness to exactly this: He goes on giving to those who fall short of thanking Him for it.
وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تُسِرُّونَ وَمَا تُعْلِنُونَ
PickthallAnd Allah knoweth that which ye keep hidden and that which ye proclaim.
Yusuf AliAnd Allah doth know what ye conceal, and what ye reveal.
The agreed readingAnd God knows what you keep hidden and what you make known. The commentaries place the sentence where it falls: directly after the counting of favours that cannot be counted, so that what is known includes what is done with them.
وَٱلَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ لَا يَخْلُقُونَ شَيْـًٔا وَهُمْ يُخْلَقُونَ
PickthallThose unto whom they cry beside Allah created naught, but are themselves created.
Yusuf AliThose whom they invoke besides Allah create nothing and are themselves created.
The agreed readingAnd those they call on besides God create nothing, and are themselves created. The commentaries take this as the whole case: what was made cannot be what makes.
أَمْوَٰتٌ غَيْرُ أَحْيَآءٍ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ أَيَّانَ يُبْعَثُونَ
Pickthall(They are) dead, not living. And they know not when they will be raised.
Yusuf Ali(They are things) dead, lifeless: nor do they know when they will be raised up.
The agreed readingDead, not living. And they do not know when they will be raised — a thing said of what is called on beside God, so that the ones calling are shown what they are calling to.
إِلَٰهُكُمْ إِلَٰهٌ وَٰحِدٌ فَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ قُلُوبُهُم مُّنكِرَةٌ وَهُم مُّسْتَكْبِرُونَ
PickthallYour Allah is One Allah. But as for those who believe not in the Hereafter their hearts refuse to know, for they are proud.
Yusuf AliYour Allah is one Allah: as to those who believe not in the Hereafter, their hearts refuse to know, and they are arrogant.
The agreed readingYour God is one God. But those who do not believe in the Hereafter — their hearts refuse to know it, and they are proud. The commentaries read the pride as the cause and the refusal as its effect, in that order.
لَا جَرَمَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا يُسِرُّونَ وَمَا يُعْلِنُونَ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْتَكْبِرِينَ
PickthallAssuredly Allah knoweth that which they keep hidden and that which they proclaim. Lo! He loveth not the proud.
Yusuf AliUndoubtedly Allah doth know what they conceal, and what they reveal: verily He loveth not the arrogant.
The agreed readingWithout doubt God knows what they keep hidden and what they make known. He does not love those who are proud.
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُم مَّاذَآ أَنزَلَ رَبُّكُمْ قَالُوٓا۟ أَسَٰطِيرُ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ
PickthallAnd when it is said unto them: What hath your Lord revealed? they say: (Mere) fables of the men of old,
Yusuf AliWhen it is said to them, "What is it that your Lord has revealed?" they say, "Tales of the ancients!"
The agreed readingAnd when they are asked: what has your Lord sent down? — they say: tales of those who went before. The commentaries note the answer does not deny that something was sent down; it dismisses it as old and already known.
لِيَحْمِلُوٓا۟ أَوْزَارَهُمْ كَامِلَةً يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ وَمِنْ أَوْزَارِ ٱلَّذِينَ يُضِلُّونَهُم بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ أَلَا سَآءَ مَا يَزِرُونَ
PickthallThat they may bear their burdens undiminished on the Day of Resurrection, with somewhat of the burdens of those whom they mislead without knowledge. Ah! evil is that which they bear!
Yusuf AliLet them bear, on the Day of Judgment, their own burdens in full, and also (something) of the burdens of those without knowledge, whom they misled. Alas, how grievous the burdens they will bear!
The agreed readingSo that on the Day of Resurrection they may carry their own burdens in full, and some of the burdens of those they led astray without knowledge. Evil is what they carry — and the commentaries stress that nothing is taken off the follower to load onto the leader; the leader's share is added.
قَدْ مَكَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنْيَٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلْقَوَاعِدِ فَخَرَّ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّقْفُ مِن فَوْقِهِمْ وَأَتَىٰهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ
PickthallThose before them plotted, so Allah struck at the foundations of their building, and then the roof fell down upon them from above them, and the doom came on them whence they knew not;
Yusuf AliThose before them did also plot (against Allah's Way): but Allah took their structures from their foundations, and the roof fell down on them from above; and the Wrath seized them from directions they did not perceive.
The agreed readingThose before them schemed, and God came at their building from the foundations, and the roof fell in on them from above, and the punishment came at them from where they did not expect it. The commentaries note where it struck: not the top of what they built, but what it stood on.
ثُمَّ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ يُخْزِيهِمْ وَيَقُولُ أَيْنَ شُرَكَآءِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ كُنتُمْ تُشَٰٓقُّونَ فِيهِمْ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْعِلْمَ إِنَّ ٱلْخِزْىَ ٱلْيَوْمَ وَٱلسُّوٓءَ عَلَى ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ
PickthallThen on the Day of Resurrection He will disgrace them and will say: Where are My partners, for whose sake ye opposed (My guidance)? Those who have been given knowledge will say: Disgrace this day and evil are upon the disbelievers,
Yusuf AliThen, on the Day of Judgment, He will cover them with shame, and say: "Where are My 'partners' concerning whom ye used to dispute (with the godly)?" Those endued with knowledge will say: "This Day, indeed, are the Unbelievers covered with shame and misery,-
The agreed readingThen on the Day of Resurrection He will disgrace them and say: where are My partners, the ones you used to break with everyone over? Those given knowledge will say: disgrace today and evil are on those who refuse.
ٱلَّذِينَ تَتَوَفَّىٰهُمُ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ ظَالِمِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ فَأَلْقَوُا۟ ٱلسَّلَمَ مَا كُنَّا نَعْمَلُ مِن سُوٓءٍۭ بَلَىٰٓ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
PickthallWhom the angels cause to die while they are wronging themselves. Then will they make full submission (saying): We used not to do any wrong. Nay! Surely Allah is Knower of what ye used to do.
Yusuf Ali"(Namely) those whose lives the angels take in a state of wrong-doing to their own souls." Then would they offer submission (with the pretence), "We did no evil (knowingly)." (The angels will reply), "Nay, but verily Allah knoweth all that ye did;
The agreed readingThose whom the angels take while they are wronging themselves. Then they offer submission: we were not doing any wrong. No — God knows well what you were doing. The commentaries read the offered submission as made too late and not as made falsely alone.
فَٱدْخُلُوٓا۟ أَبْوَٰبَ جَهَنَّمَ خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا فَلَبِئْسَ مَثْوَى ٱلْمُتَكَبِّرِينَ
PickthallSo enter the gates of hell, to dwell therein for ever. Woeful indeed will be the lodging of the arrogant.
Yusuf Ali"So enter the gates of Hell, to dwell therein. Thus evil indeed is the abode of the arrogant."
The agreed readingSo enter the gates of Hell, to stay in it. Wretched is the lodging of the proud.
وَقِيلَ لِلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوْا۟ مَاذَآ أَنزَلَ رَبُّكُمْ قَالُوا۟ خَيْرًا لِّلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا۟ فِى هَٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةٌ وَلَدَارُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ خَيْرٌ وَلَنِعْمَ دَارُ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ
PickthallAnd it is said unto those who ward off (evil): What hath your Lord revealed? They say: Good. For those who do good in this world there is a good (reward) and the home of the Hereafter will be better. Pleasant indeed will be the home of those who ward off (evil) -
Yusuf AliTo the righteous (when) it is said, "What is it that your Lord has revealed?" they say, "All that is good." To those who do good, there is good in this world, and the Home of the Hereafter is even better and excellent indeed is the Home of the righteous,-
The agreed readingAnd it is said to those who guard themselves: what has your Lord sent down? They say: good. For those who do good in this world there is good, and the home of the Hereafter is better. Excellent indeed is the home of those who guard themselves.
جَنَّٰتُ عَدْنٍ يَدْخُلُونَهَا تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَٰرُ لَهُمْ فِيهَا مَا يَشَآءُونَ كَذَٰلِكَ يَجْزِى ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ
PickthallGardens of Eden which they enter, underneath which rivers flow, wherein they have what they will. Thus Allah repayeth those who ward off (evil),
Yusuf AliGardens of Eternity which they will enter: beneath them flow (pleasant) rivers: they will have therein all that they wish: thus doth Allah reward the righteous,-
The agreed readingGardens of lasting residence, which they enter, with rivers running beneath them; in them they have whatever they wish. So does God reward those who guard themselves.
ٱلَّذِينَ تَتَوَفَّىٰهُمُ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ طَيِّبِينَ يَقُولُونَ سَلَٰمٌ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱدْخُلُوا۟ ٱلْجَنَّةَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
PickthallThose whom the angels cause to die (when they are) good. They say: Peace be unto you! Enter the Garden because of what ye used to do.
Yusuf Ali(Namely) those whose lives the angels take in a state of purity, saying (to them), "Peace be on you; enter ye the Garden, because of (the good) which ye did (in the world)."
The agreed readingThose whom the angels take while they are in a good state. They say: peace be upon you. Enter the Garden for what you were doing. The commentaries set this deliberately against the taking of the others a few āyāt earlier: the same angels, the same moment, two greetings.
هَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّآ أَن تَأْتِيَهُمُ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ أَوْ يَأْتِىَ أَمْرُ رَبِّكَ كَذَٰلِكَ فَعَلَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ وَمَا ظَلَمَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَلَٰكِن كَانُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ
PickthallAwait they aught say that the angels should come unto them or thy Lord's command should come to pass? Even so did those before them. Allah wronged them not, but they did wrong themselves,
Yusuf AliDo the (ungodly) wait until the angels come to them, or there comes the Command of thy Lord (for their doom)? So did those who went before them. But Allah wronged them not: nay, they wronged their own souls.
The agreed readingAre they waiting for anything but that the angels should come to them, or that your Lord's command should come? So did those before them. God did not wrong them; they were wronging themselves.
فَأَصَابَهُمْ سَيِّـَٔاتُ مَا عَمِلُوا۟ وَحَاقَ بِهِم مَّا كَانُوا۟ بِهِۦ يَسْتَهْزِءُونَ
PickthallSo that the evils of what they did smote them, and that which they used to mock surrounded them.
Yusuf AliBut the evil results of their deeds overtook them, and that very (Wrath) at which they had scoffed hemmed them in.
The agreed readingSo the evils of what they did struck them, and what they used to mock closed in around them.
وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوا۟ لَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مَا عَبَدْنَا مِن دُونِهِۦ مِن شَىْءٍ نَّحْنُ وَلَآ ءَابَآؤُنَا وَلَا حَرَّمْنَا مِن دُونِهِۦ مِن شَىْءٍ كَذَٰلِكَ فَعَلَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ فَهَلْ عَلَى ٱلرُّسُلِ إِلَّا ٱلْبَلَٰغُ ٱلْمُبِينُ
PickthallAnd the idolaters say: Had Allah willed, we had not worshipped aught beside Him, we and our fathers, nor had we forbidden aught without (command from) Him. Even so did those before them. Are the messengers charged with aught save plain conveyance (of the message)?
Yusuf AliThe worshippers of false gods say: "If Allah had so willed, we should not have worshipped aught but Him - neither we nor our fathers,- nor should we have prescribed prohibitions other than His." So did those who went before them. But what is the mission of messengers but to preach the Clear Message?
The agreed readingAnd those who set up partners said: had God willed, we would not have served anything besides Him, we or our fathers, and we would not have forbidden anything without Him. So did those before them. Is anything on the messengers except plain delivery?
وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِى كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولًا أَنِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ ٱلطَّٰغُوتَ فَمِنْهُم مَّنْ هَدَى ٱللَّهُ وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ حَقَّتْ عَلَيْهِ ٱلضَّلَٰلَةُ فَسِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱنظُرُوا۟ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُكَذِّبِينَ
PickthallAnd verily We have raised in every nation a messenger, (proclaiming): Serve Allah and shun false gods. Then some of them (there were) whom Allah guided, and some of them (there were) upon whom error had just hold. Do but travel in the land and see the nature of the consequence for the deniers!
Yusuf AliFor We assuredly sent amongst every People a messenger, (with the Command), "Serve Allah, and eschew Evil": of the People were some whom Allah guided, and some on whom error became inevitably (established). So travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who denied (the Truth).
The agreed readingAnd We raised a messenger in every community: serve God and keep away from false gods. Among them were those God guided, and among them were those on whom going astray took hold. So travel in the land and see how it ended for those who called it a lie.
إِن تَحْرِصْ عَلَىٰ هُدَىٰهُمْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِى مَن يُضِلُّ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّٰصِرِينَ
PickthallEven if thou (O Muhammad) desirest their right guidance, still Allah assuredly will not guide him who misleadeth. Such have no helpers.
Yusuf AliIf thou art anxious for their guidance, yet Allah guideth not such as He leaves to stray, and there is none to help them.
The agreed readingEven if you are eager for their guidance, God does not guide the one He lets go astray, and they have no helpers. The commentaries read it as marking the limit of what eagerness can do.
وَأَقْسَمُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ جَهْدَ أَيْمَٰنِهِمْ لَا يَبْعَثُ ٱللَّهُ مَن يَمُوتُ بَلَىٰ وَعْدًا عَلَيْهِ حَقًّا وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
PickthallAnd they swear by Allah their most binding oaths (that) Allah will not raise up him who dieth. Nay, but it is a promise (binding) upon Him in truth, but most of mankind know not,
Yusuf AliThey swear their strongest oaths by Allah, that Allah will not raise up those who die: Nay, but it is a promise (binding) on Him in truth: but most among mankind realise it not.
The agreed readingAnd they swear by God their most binding oaths that God will not raise up whoever dies. No — it is a promise binding on Him in truth, but most people do not know it.
لِيُبَيِّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلَّذِى يَخْتَلِفُونَ فِيهِ وَلِيَعْلَمَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ كَٰذِبِينَ
PickthallThat He may explain unto them that wherein they differ, and that those who disbelieved may know that they were liars.
Yusuf Ali(They must be raised up), in order that He may manifest to them the truth of that wherein they differ, and that the rejecters of Truth may realise that they had indeed (surrendered to) Falsehood.
The agreed readingSo that He may make clear to them what they differed over, and so that those who refused may know that they were the liars. The commentaries attach both clauses to the raising itself: it happens in order to settle what argument could not.
إِنَّمَا قَوْلُنَا لِشَىْءٍ إِذَآ أَرَدْنَٰهُ أَن نَّقُولَ لَهُۥ كُن فَيَكُونُ
PickthallAnd Our word unto a thing, when We intend it, is only that We say unto it: Be! and it is.
Yusuf AliFor to anything which We have willed, We but say the word, "Be", and it is.
The agreed readingOur word to a thing, when We intend it, is only that We say to it: be — and it is. The commentaries read the sentence as removing the question of difficulty entirely, since nothing stands between the intending and the being.
وَٱلَّذِينَ هَاجَرُوا۟ فِى ٱللَّهِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا ظُلِمُوا۟ لَنُبَوِّئَنَّهُمْ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَلَأَجْرُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ أَكْبَرُ لَوْ كَانُوا۟ يَعْلَمُونَ
PickthallAnd those who became fugitives for the cause of Allah after they had been oppressed, We verily shall give them goodly lodging in the world, and surely the reward of the Hereafter is greater, if they but knew;
Yusuf AliTo those who leave their homes in the cause of Allah, after suffering oppression,- We will assuredly give a goodly home in this world; but truly the reward of the Hereafter will be greater. If they only realised (this)!
The agreed readingAnd those who left their homes for God's sake after they had been wronged — We will settle them well in this world, and the reward of the Hereafter is greater, if only they knew.
ٱلَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا۟ وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ
PickthallSuch as are steadfast and put their trust in Allah.
Yusuf Ali(They are) those who persevere in patience, and put their trust on their Lord.
The agreed readingThose who were patient, and who put their trust in their Lord. The commentaries take the two as one description: the patience is what the trust looks like while the outcome is still unseen.
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ إِلَّا رِجَالًا نُّوحِىٓ إِلَيْهِمْ فَسْـَٔلُوٓا۟ أَهْلَ ٱلذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
PickthallAnd We sent not (as Our messengers) before thee other than men whom We inspired - Ask the followers of the Remembrance if ye know not! -
Yusuf AliAnd before thee also the messengers We sent were but men, to whom We granted inspiration: if ye realise this not, ask of those who possess the Message.
The agreed readingAnd We sent none before you but men to whom We revealed. So ask the people of the Reminder if you do not know.
بِٱلْبَيِّنَٰتِ وَٱلزُّبُرِ وَأَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكَ ٱلذِّكْرَ لِتُبَيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ مَا نُزِّلَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
PickthallWith clear proofs and writings; and We have revealed unto thee the Remembrance that thou mayst explain to mankind that which hath been revealed for them, and that haply they may reflect.
Yusuf Ali(We sent them) with Clear Signs and Books of dark prophecies; and We have sent down unto thee (also) the Message; that thou mayest explain clearly to men what is sent for them, and that they may give thought.
The agreed readingWith the clear proofs and the scriptures. And We have sent down to you the Reminder so that you may make clear to people what has been sent down to them, and so that they may reflect. The commentaries note the task named here: not to deliver it only, but to make it plain.
أَفَأَمِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ مَكَرُوا۟ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ أَن يَخْسِفَ ٱللَّهُ بِهِمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ أَوْ يَأْتِيَهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ
PickthallAre they who plan ill-deeds then secure that Allah will not cause the earth to swallow them, or that the doom will not come on them whence they know not?
Yusuf AliDo then those who devise evil (plots) feel secure that Allah will not cause the earth to swallow them up, or that the Wrath will not seize them from directions they little perceive?-
The agreed readingDo those who scheme evil feel safe that God will not sink the earth under them, or that the punishment will not come at them from where they do not expect it?
أَوْ يَأْخُذَهُمْ فِى تَقَلُّبِهِمْ فَمَا هُم بِمُعْجِزِينَ
PickthallOr that He will not seize them in their going to and fro so that there be no escape for them?
Yusuf AliOr that He may not call them to account in the midst of their goings to and fro, without a chance of their frustrating Him?-
The agreed readingOr that He will not seize them as they go about their journeys, so that they cannot escape it?
أَوْ يَأْخُذَهُمْ عَلَىٰ تَخَوُّفٍ فَإِنَّ رَبَّكُمْ لَرَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ
PickthallOr that He will not seize them with a gradual wasting? Lo! thy Lord is indeed Full of Pity, Merciful.
Yusuf AliOr that He may not call them to account by a process of slow wastage - for thy Lord is indeed full of kindness and mercy.
The agreed readingOr that He will not seize them by a slow wearing away? Your Lord is indeed Kind, Merciful. The commentaries gloss the wearing away as loss coming little by little rather than all at once — and note that the naming of mercy comes at the end of the three threats and not before them.
أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ إِلَىٰ مَا خَلَقَ ٱللَّهُ مِن شَىْءٍ يَتَفَيَّؤُا۟ ظِلَٰلُهُۥ عَنِ ٱلْيَمِينِ وَٱلشَّمَآئِلِ سُجَّدًا لِّلَّهِ وَهُمْ دَٰخِرُونَ
PickthallHave they not observed all things that Allah hath created, how their shadows incline to the right and to the left, making prostration unto Allah, and they are lowly?
Yusuf AliDo they not look at Allah's creation, (even) among (inanimate) things,- How their (very) shadows turn round, from the right and the left, prostrating themselves to Allah, and that in the humblest manner?
The agreed readingHave they not seen what God has created, how its shadows lean to the right and to the left, bowing to God and made low? The commentaries take the shadow as the case that cannot be argued with: it moves as it is moved, and does not choose.
وَلِلَّهِ يَسْجُدُ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مِن دَآبَّةٍ وَٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ وَهُمْ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ
PickthallAnd unto Allah maketh prostration whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth of living creatures, and the angels (also) and they are not proud.
Yusuf AliAnd to Allah doth obeisance all that is in the heavens and on earth, whether moving (living) creatures or the angels: for none are arrogant (before their Lord).
The agreed readingAnd to God bows down whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth of living things, and the angels too, and they are not proud.
يَخَافُونَ رَبَّهُم مِّن فَوْقِهِمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ
PickthallThey fear their Lord above them, and do what they are bidden.
Yusuf AliThey all revere their Lord, high above them, and they do all that they are commanded.
The agreed readingThey fear their Lord above them, and they do what they are commanded. The commentaries attach the sentence to the angels, so that the highest of the creation is shown as the one least inclined to be proud.
وَقَالَ ٱللَّهُ لَا تَتَّخِذُوٓا۟ إِلَٰهَيْنِ ٱثْنَيْنِ إِنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَٰهٌ وَٰحِدٌ فَإِيَّٰىَ فَٱرْهَبُونِ
PickthallAllah hath said: Choose not two gods. There is only One Allah. So of Me, Me only, be in awe.
Yusuf AliAllah has said: "Take not (for worship) two gods: for He is just One Allah: then fear Me (and Me alone)."
The agreed readingAnd God has said: do not take two gods. He is only one God, so it is Me you should hold in awe.
وَلَهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَهُ ٱلدِّينُ وَاصِبًا أَفَغَيْرَ ٱللَّهِ تَتَّقُونَ
PickthallUnto Him belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and the earth, and religion is His for ever. Will ye then fear any other than Allah?
Yusuf AliTo Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and on earth, and to Him is duty due always: then will ye fear other than Allah?
The agreed readingAnd to Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth, and the obedience owed is His without ceasing. Will you then guard yourselves against other than God?
وَمَا بِكُم مِّن نِّعْمَةٍ فَمِنَ ٱللَّهِ ثُمَّ إِذَا مَسَّكُمُ ٱلضُّرُّ فَإِلَيْهِ تَجْـَٔرُونَ
PickthallAnd whatever of comfort ye enjoy, it is from Allah. Then, when misfortune reacheth you, unto Him ye cry for help.
Yusuf AliAnd ye have no good thing but is from Allah: and moreover, when ye are touched by distress, unto Him ye cry with groans;
The agreed readingAnd whatever blessing you have is from God. Then, when harm touches you, it is to Him that you cry out. The commentaries note that the crying out is treated as the admission it is.
ثُمَّ إِذَا كَشَفَ ٱلضُّرَّ عَنكُمْ إِذَا فَرِيقٌ مِّنكُم بِرَبِّهِمْ يُشْرِكُونَ
PickthallAnd afterward, when He hath rid you of the misfortune, behold! a set of you attribute partners to their Lord,
Yusuf AliYet, when He removes the distress from you, behold! some of you turn to other gods to join with their Lord-
The agreed readingThen when He removes the harm from you, at once a group of you set up partners with their Lord.
لِيَكْفُرُوا۟ بِمَآ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُمْ فَتَمَتَّعُوا۟ فَسَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ
PickthallSo as to deny that which We have given them. Then enjoy life (while ye may), for ye will come to know.
Yusuf Ali(As if) to show their ingratitude for the favours we have bestowed on them! then enjoy (your brief day): but soon will ye know (your folly)!
The agreed readingSo as to be ungrateful for what We have given them. Then enjoy yourselves — you will come to know. The commentaries hear the permission as a sentence and not as an offer.
وَيَجْعَلُونَ لِمَا لَا يَعْلَمُونَ نَصِيبًا مِّمَّا رَزَقْنَٰهُمْ تَٱللَّهِ لَتُسْـَٔلُنَّ عَمَّا كُنتُمْ تَفْتَرُونَ
PickthallAnd they assign a portion of that which We have given them unto what they know not. By Allah! but ye will indeed be asked concerning (all) that ye used to invent.
Yusuf AliAnd they (even) assign, to things they do not know, a portion out of that which We have bestowed for their sustenance! By Allah, ye shall certainly be called to account for your false inventions.
The agreed readingAnd they assign a share of what We have provided them to what they know nothing of. By God, you will be questioned about what you were inventing.
وَيَجْعَلُونَ لِلَّهِ ٱلْبَنَٰتِ سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَلَهُم مَّا يَشْتَهُونَ
PickthallAnd they assign unto Allah daughters - Be He Glorified! - and unto themselves what they desire;
Yusuf AliAnd they assign daughters for Allah! - Glory be to Him! - and for themselves (sons,- the issue) they desire!
The agreed readingAnd they assign daughters to God — glory be to Him — and to themselves what they want.
وَإِذَا بُشِّرَ أَحَدُهُم بِٱلْأُنثَىٰ ظَلَّ وَجْهُهُۥ مُسْوَدًّا وَهُوَ كَظِيمٌ
PickthallWhen if one of them receiveth tidings of the birth of a female, his face remaineth darkened, and he is wroth inwardly.
Yusuf AliWhen news is brought to one of them, of (the birth of) a female (child), his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief!
The agreed readingAnd when one of them is given news of a girl, his face darkens and he is filled with suppressed rage.
يَتَوَٰرَىٰ مِنَ ٱلْقَوْمِ مِن سُوٓءِ مَا بُشِّرَ بِهِۦٓ أَيُمْسِكُهُۥ عَلَىٰ هُونٍ أَمْ يَدُسُّهُۥ فِى ٱلتُّرَابِ أَلَا سَآءَ مَا يَحْكُمُونَ
PickthallHe hideth himself from the folk because of the evil of that whereof he hath had tidings, (asking himself): Shall he keep it in contempt, or bury it beneath the dust. Verily evil is their judgment.
Yusuf AliWith shame does he hide himself from his people, because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain it on (sufferance and) contempt, or bury it in the dust? Ah! what an evil (choice) they decide on?
The agreed readingHe hides from people because of the bad news he has been given: shall he keep her in humiliation, or bury her in the dust? Evil indeed is what they decide. The commentaries read the two options as showing that the whole matter had already been made a question of his own standing.
لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ مَثَلُ ٱلسَّوْءِ وَلِلَّهِ ٱلْمَثَلُ ٱلْأَعْلَىٰ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ
PickthallFor those who believe not in the Hereafter is an evil similitude, and Allah's is the Sublime Similitude. He is the Mighty, the Wise.
Yusuf AliTo those who believe not in the Hereafter, applies the similitude of evil: to Allah applies the highest similitude: for He is the Exalted in Power, full of Wisdom.
The agreed readingFor those who do not believe in the Hereafter is the likeness of what is evil, and to God belongs the highest likeness. He is the Mighty, the Wise.
وَلَوْ يُؤَاخِذُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّاسَ بِظُلْمِهِم مَّا تَرَكَ عَلَيْهَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ وَلَٰكِن يُؤَخِّرُهُمْ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى فَإِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهُمْ لَا يَسْتَـْٔخِرُونَ سَاعَةً وَلَا يَسْتَقْدِمُونَ
PickthallIf Allah were to take mankind to task for their wrong-doing, he would not leave hereon a living creature, but He reprieveth them to an appointed term, and when their term cometh they cannot put (it) off an hour nor (yet) advance (it).
Yusuf AliIf Allah were to punish men for their wrong-doing, He would not leave, on the (earth), a single living creature: but He gives them respite for a stated Term: When their Term expires, they would not be able to delay (the punishment) for a single hour, just as they would not be able to anticipate it (for a single hour).
The agreed readingIf God were to take people to task for their wrong, He would not leave a single moving creature on it. But He defers them to a term appointed, and when their term comes they cannot delay it by an hour, nor bring it forward.
وَيَجْعَلُونَ لِلَّهِ مَا يَكْرَهُونَ وَتَصِفُ أَلْسِنَتُهُمُ ٱلْكَذِبَ أَنَّ لَهُمُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ لَا جَرَمَ أَنَّ لَهُمُ ٱلنَّارَ وَأَنَّهُم مُّفْرَطُونَ
PickthallAnd they assign unto Allah that which they (themselves) dislike, and their tongues expound the lie that the better portion will be theirs. Assuredly theirs will be the Fire, and they will be abandoned.
Yusuf AliThey attribute to Allah what they hate (for themselves), and their tongues assert the falsehood that all good things are for themselves: without doubt for them is the Fire, and they will be the first to be hastened on into it!
The agreed readingAnd they assign to God what they dislike for themselves, and their tongues describe the lie that the best will be theirs. Without doubt the Fire is theirs, and they will be left to it.
تَٱللَّهِ لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَآ إِلَىٰٓ أُمَمٍ مِّن قَبْلِكَ فَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ أَعْمَٰلَهُمْ فَهُوَ وَلِيُّهُمُ ٱلْيَوْمَ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
PickthallBy Allah, We verily sent messengers unto the nations before thee, but the devil made their deeds fairseeming unto them. So he is their patron this day, and theirs will be a painful doom.
Yusuf AliBy Allah, We (also) sent (Our messengers) to Peoples before thee; but Satan made, (to the wicked), their own acts seem alluring: He is also their patron today, but they shall have a most grievous penalty.
The agreed readingBy God, We sent messengers to communities before you, and Satan made their deeds look fine to them. So he is their patron today, and theirs is a painful punishment.
وَمَآ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ إِلَّا لِتُبَيِّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلَّذِى ٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ فِيهِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
PickthallAnd We have revealed the Scripture unto thee only that thou mayst explain unto them that wherein they differ, and (as) a guidance and a mercy for a people who believe.
Yusuf AliAnd We sent down the Book to thee for the express purpose, that thou shouldst make clear to them those things in which they differ, and that it should be a guide and a mercy to those who believe.
The agreed readingAnd We sent down the Book to you only so that you might make clear to them what they differed over, and as guidance and mercy for people who believe.
وَٱللَّهُ أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَأَحْيَا بِهِ ٱلْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَآ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَسْمَعُونَ
PickthallAllah sendeth down water from the sky and therewith reviveth the earth after her death. Lo! herein is indeed a portent for a folk who hear.
Yusuf AliAnd Allah sends down rain from the skies, and gives therewith life to the earth after its death: verily in this is a Sign for those who listen.
The agreed readingAnd God sends down water from the sky and revives the earth with it after it was dead. In that is a sign for people who listen.
وَإِنَّ لَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ لَعِبْرَةً نُّسْقِيكُم مِّمَّا فِى بُطُونِهِۦ مِنۢ بَيْنِ فَرْثٍ وَدَمٍ لَّبَنًا خَالِصًا سَآئِغًا لِّلشَّٰرِبِينَ
PickthallAnd lo! in the cattle there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, from betwixt the refuse and the blood, pure milk palatable to the drinkers.
Yusuf AliAnd verily in cattle (too) will ye find an instructive sign. From what is within their bodies between excretions and blood, We produce, for your drink, milk, pure and agreeable to those who drink it.
The agreed readingAnd in the grazing animals there is a lesson for you: We give you to drink from what is in their bellies, from between refuse and blood, pure milk, easy for those who drink it. The commentaries take the point to be where the milk comes from and what it comes out as.
وَمِن ثَمَرَٰتِ ٱلنَّخِيلِ وَٱلْأَعْنَٰبِ تَتَّخِذُونَ مِنْهُ سَكَرًا وَرِزْقًا حَسَنًا إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ
PickthallAnd of the fruits of the date-palm, and grapes, whence ye derive strong drink and (also) good nourishment. Lo! therein is indeed a portent for people who have sense.
Yusuf AliAnd from the fruit of the date-palm and the vine, ye get out wholesome drink and food: behold, in this also is a sign for those who are wise.
The agreed readingAnd from the fruits of date-palms and vines you take an intoxicant and a good provision. In that is a sign for people who use their reason. The commentaries note that this was said before the prohibition came, and that the āyah itself already sets the two apart by naming only one of them good.
وَأَوْحَىٰ رَبُّكَ إِلَى ٱلنَّحْلِ أَنِ ٱتَّخِذِى مِنَ ٱلْجِبَالِ بُيُوتًا وَمِنَ ٱلشَّجَرِ وَمِمَّا يَعْرِشُونَ
PickthallAnd thy Lord inspired the bee, saying: Choose thou habitations in the hills and in the trees and in that which they thatch;
Yusuf AliAnd thy Lord taught the Bee to build its cells in hills, on trees, and in (men's) habitations;
The agreed readingAnd your Lord revealed to the bee: take houses in the mountains and in the trees and in what they build; the revealing here, as the commentaries gloss it, is an instinct put into the creature and not a message sent to it.
ثُمَّ كُلِى مِن كُلِّ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ فَٱسْلُكِى سُبُلَ رَبِّكِ ذُلُلًا يَخْرُجُ مِنۢ بُطُونِهَا شَرَابٌ مُّخْتَلِفٌ أَلْوَٰنُهُۥ فِيهِ شِفَآءٌ لِّلنَّاسِ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
PickthallThen eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of thy Lord, made smooth (for thee). There cometh forth from their bellies a drink divers of hues, wherein is healing for mankind. Lo! herein is indeed a portent for people who reflect.
Yusuf AliThen to eat of all the produce (of the earth), and find with skill the spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought.
The agreed readingThen eat of every kind of fruit, and follow the paths of your Lord made easy for you. From their bellies comes a drink of varying colours, in which there is healing for people. In that is a sign for people who think.
وَٱللَّهُ خَلَقَكُمْ ثُمَّ يَتَوَفَّىٰكُمْ وَمِنكُم مَّن يُرَدُّ إِلَىٰٓ أَرْذَلِ ٱلْعُمُرِ لِكَىْ لَا يَعْلَمَ بَعْدَ عِلْمٍ شَيْـًٔا إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ قَدِيرٌ
PickthallAnd Allah createth you, then causeth you to die, and among you is he who is brought back to the most abject stage of life, so that he knoweth nothing after (having had) knowledge. Lo! Allah is Knower, Powerful.
Yusuf AliIt is Allah who creates you and takes your souls at death; and of you there are some who are sent back to a feeble age, so that they know nothing after having known (much): for Allah is All-Knowing, All-Powerful.
The agreed readingAnd God created you, then He takes you; and among you is one who is brought back to the most feeble stage of life, so that after having known he knows nothing. God is Knowing, Powerful.
وَٱللَّهُ فَضَّلَ بَعْضَكُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ فِى ٱلرِّزْقِ فَمَا ٱلَّذِينَ فُضِّلُوا۟ بِرَآدِّى رِزْقِهِمْ عَلَىٰ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَٰنُهُمْ فَهُمْ فِيهِ سَوَآءٌ أَفَبِنِعْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ يَجْحَدُونَ
PickthallAnd Allah hath favoured some of you above others in provision. Now those who are more favoured will by no means hand over their provision to those (slaves) whom their right hands possess, so that they may be equal with them in respect thereof. Is it then the grace of Allah that they deny?
Yusuf AliAllah has bestowed His gifts of sustenance more freely on some of you than on others: those more favoured are not going to throw back their gifts to those whom their right hands possess, so as to be equal in that respect. Will they then deny the favours of Allah?
The agreed readingAnd God has favoured some of you over others in provision. Those who were favoured do not hand their provision over to those their right hands hold, so as to be equal in it. Do they then deny God's favour? The commentaries read it as an argument taken from their own conduct: they will not share their own rank, yet they assign partners to God in His.
وَٱللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَٰجًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَزْوَٰجِكُم بَنِينَ وَحَفَدَةً وَرَزَقَكُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَٰتِ أَفَبِٱلْبَٰطِلِ يُؤْمِنُونَ وَبِنِعْمَتِ ٱللَّهِ هُمْ يَكْفُرُونَ
PickthallAnd Allah hath given you wives of your own kind, and hath given you, from your wives, sons and grandsons, and hath made provision of good things for you. Is it then in vanity that they believe and in the grace of Allah that they disbelieve?
Yusuf AliAnd Allah has made for you mates (and companions) of your own nature, and made for you, out of them, sons and daughters and grandchildren, and provided for you sustenance of the best: will they then believe in vain things, and be ungrateful for Allah's favours?-
The agreed readingAnd God has made for you spouses of your own kind, and given you from your spouses children and grandchildren, and provided you with good things. Do they then believe in what is false and deny God's favour?
وَيَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَمْلِكُ لَهُمْ رِزْقًا مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ شَيْـًٔا وَلَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ
PickthallAnd they worship beside Allah that which owneth no provision whatsoever for them from the heavens or the earth, nor have they (whom they worship) any power.
Yusuf AliAnd worship others than Allah,- such as have no power of providing them, for sustenance, with anything in heavens or earth, and cannot possibly have such power?
The agreed readingAnd they serve, besides God, what owns no provision for them from the heavens or the earth at all, and can do nothing.
فَلَا تَضْرِبُوا۟ لِلَّهِ ٱلْأَمْثَالَ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
PickthallSo coin not similitudes for Allah. Lo! Allah knoweth; ye know not.
Yusuf AliInvent not similitudes for Allah: for Allah knoweth, and ye know not.
The agreed readingSo do not strike likenesses for God. God knows, and you do not know — the commentaries gloss what He knows here as the one thing at issue: that there is nothing like Him for a likeness to be drawn from.
ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا عَبْدًا مَّمْلُوكًا لَّا يَقْدِرُ عَلَىٰ شَىْءٍ وَمَن رَّزَقْنَٰهُ مِنَّا رِزْقًا حَسَنًا فَهُوَ يُنفِقُ مِنْهُ سِرًّا وَجَهْرًا هَلْ يَسْتَوُۥنَ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ بَلْ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
PickthallAllah coineth a similitude: (on the one hand) a (mere) chattel slave, who hath control of nothing, and (on the other hand) one on whom we have bestowed a fair provision from Us, and he spendeth thereof secretly and openly. Are they equal? Praise be to Allah! But most of them know not.
Yusuf AliAllah sets forth the Parable (of two men: one) a slave under the dominion of another; He has no power of any sort; and (the other) a man on whom We have bestowed goodly favours from Ourselves, and he spends thereof (freely), privately and publicly: are the two equal? (By no means;) praise be to Allah. But most of them understand not.
The agreed readingGod strikes a likeness: a slave owned by another, able to do nothing, and a man We have provided well from Ourselves, who spends of it in secret and in the open. Are the two equal? Praise be to God — but most of them do not know.
وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا رَّجُلَيْنِ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَبْكَمُ لَا يَقْدِرُ عَلَىٰ شَىْءٍ وَهُوَ كَلٌّ عَلَىٰ مَوْلَىٰهُ أَيْنَمَا يُوَجِّههُّ لَا يَأْتِ بِخَيْرٍ هَلْ يَسْتَوِى هُوَ وَمَن يَأْمُرُ بِٱلْعَدْلِ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ
PickthallAnd Allah coineth a similitude: Two men, one of them dumb, having control of nothing, and he is a burden on his owner; whithersoever he directeth him to go, he bringeth no good. Is he equal with one who enjoineth justice and followeth a straight path (of conduct)?
Yusuf AliAllah sets forth (another) Parable of two men: one of them dumb, with no power of any sort; a wearisome burden is he to his master; whichever way be directs him, he brings no good: is such a man equal with one who commands Justice, and is on a Straight Way?
The agreed readingAnd God strikes a likeness: two men, one of them unable to speak, able to do nothing, a burden on the one who keeps him — wherever he sends him he brings back no good. Is he equal to one who commands justice and is himself on a straight path?
وَلِلَّهِ غَيْبُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَآ أَمْرُ ٱلسَّاعَةِ إِلَّا كَلَمْحِ ٱلْبَصَرِ أَوْ هُوَ أَقْرَبُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
PickthallAnd unto Allah belongeth the Unseen of the heavens and the earth, and the matter of the Hour (of Doom) is but as a twinkling of the eye, or it is nearer still. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things.
Yusuf AliTo Allah belongeth the Mystery of the heavens and the earth. And the Decision of the Hour (of Judgment) is as the twingkling of an eye, or even quicker: for Allah hath power over all things.
The agreed readingAnd to God belongs the unseen of the heavens and the earth. And the matter of the Hour is only as the blink of an eye, or nearer. God has power over everything.
وَٱللَّهُ أَخْرَجَكُم مِّنۢ بُطُونِ أُمَّهَٰتِكُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ شَيْـًٔا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلسَّمْعَ وَٱلْأَبْصَٰرَ وَٱلْأَفْـِٔدَةَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
PickthallAnd Allah brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers knowing nothing, and gave you hearing and sight and hearts that haply ye might give thanks.
Yusuf AliIt is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when ye knew nothing; and He gave you hearing and sight and intelligence and affections: that ye may give thanks (to Allah).
The agreed readingAnd God brought you out of your mothers' wombs knowing nothing, and gave you hearing and sight and hearts, so that you might be thankful. The commentaries note the order: the instruments came before anything that could be done with them.
أَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ إِلَى ٱلطَّيْرِ مُسَخَّرَٰتٍ فِى جَوِّ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَا يُمْسِكُهُنَّ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
PickthallHave they not seen the birds obedient in mid-air? None holdeth them save Allah. Lo! herein, verily, are portents for a people who believe.
Yusuf AliDo they not look at the birds, held poised in the midst of (the air and) the sky? Nothing holds them up but (the power of) Allah. Verily in this are signs for those who believe.
The agreed readingHave they not seen the birds held up in the air of the sky? Nothing holds them but God. In that are signs for people who believe.
وَٱللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنۢ بُيُوتِكُمْ سَكَنًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّن جُلُودِ ٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ بُيُوتًا تَسْتَخِفُّونَهَا يَوْمَ ظَعْنِكُمْ وَيَوْمَ إِقَامَتِكُمْ وَمِنْ أَصْوَافِهَا وَأَوْبَارِهَا وَأَشْعَارِهَآ أَثَٰثًا وَمَتَٰعًا إِلَىٰ حِينٍ
PickthallAnd Allah hath given you in your houses an abode, and hath given you (also), of the hides of cattle, houses which ye find light (to carry) on the day of migration and on the day of pitching camp; and of their wool and their fur and their hair, caparison and comfort for a while.
Yusuf AliIt is Allah Who made your habitations homes of rest and quiet for you; and made for you, out of the skins of animals, (tents for) dwellings, which ye find so light (and handy) when ye travel and when ye stop (in your travels); and out of their wool, and their soft fibres (between wool and hair), and their hair, rich stuff and articles of convenience (to serve you) for a time.
The agreed readingAnd God has made your houses a place of rest for you, and made for you houses from the hides of the grazing animals, which you find light on the day you travel and the day you stay; and from their wool and fur and hair, furnishings and enjoyment for a while.
وَٱللَّهُ جَعَلَ لَكُم مِّمَّا خَلَقَ ظِلَٰلًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلْجِبَالِ أَكْنَٰنًا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمْ سَرَٰبِيلَ تَقِيكُمُ ٱلْحَرَّ وَسَرَٰبِيلَ تَقِيكُم بَأْسَكُمْ كَذَٰلِكَ يُتِمُّ نِعْمَتَهُۥ عَلَيْكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُسْلِمُونَ
PickthallAnd Allah hath given you, of that which He hath created, shelter from the sun; and hath given you places of refuge in the mountains, and hath given you coats to ward off the heat from you, and coats (of armour) to save you from your own foolhardiness. Thus doth He perfect His favour unto you, in order that ye may surrender (unto Him).
Yusuf AliIt is Allah Who made out of the things He created, some things to give you shade; of the hills He made some for your shelter; He made you garments to protect you from heat, and coats of mail to protect you from your (mutual) violence. Thus does He complete His favours on you, that ye may bow to His Will (in Islam).
The agreed readingAnd God has made shade for you from what He created, and made places of shelter for you in the mountains, and made garments to protect you from the heat, and garments to protect you in your fighting. So He completes His favour upon you, so that you may submit.
فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْبَلَٰغُ ٱلْمُبِينُ
PickthallThen, if they turn away, thy duty (O Muhammad) is but plain conveyance (of the message).
Yusuf AliBut if they turn away, thy duty is only to preach the clear Message.
The agreed readingThen if they turn away, what is on you is only the plain delivering. The commentaries read it as fixing the limit of the messenger's charge: to deliver it clearly, and not to secure the answer.
يَعْرِفُونَ نِعْمَتَ ٱللَّهِ ثُمَّ يُنكِرُونَهَا وَأَكْثَرُهُمُ ٱلْكَٰفِرُونَ
PickthallThey know the favour of Allah and then deny it. Most of them are ingrates.
Yusuf AliThey recognise the favours of Allah; then they deny them; and most of them are (creatures) ungrateful.
The agreed readingThey recognise God's favour and then deny it, and most of them are ungrateful. The commentaries note that the recognising comes first: what is described is not ignorance but refusal after knowing.
وَيَوْمَ نَبْعَثُ مِن كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ شَهِيدًا ثُمَّ لَا يُؤْذَنُ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَلَا هُمْ يُسْتَعْتَبُونَ
PickthallAnd (bethink you of) the day when we raise up of every nation a witness, then there is no leave for disbelievers, nor are they allowed to make amends.
Yusuf AliOne Day We shall raise from all Peoples a Witness: then will no excuse be accepted from Unbelievers, nor will they receive any favours.
The agreed readingAnd on the Day We raise a witness from every community, then those who refused will not be given leave, nor will they be asked to make amends.
وَإِذَا رَءَا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ ٱلْعَذَابَ فَلَا يُخَفَّفُ عَنْهُمْ وَلَا هُمْ يُنظَرُونَ
PickthallAnd when those who did wrong behold the doom, it will not be made light for them, nor will they be reprieved.
Yusuf AliWhen the wrong-doers (actually) see the Penalty, then will it in no way be mitigated, nor will they then receive respite.
The agreed readingAnd when those who did wrong see the punishment, it will not be made lighter for them, and they will not be given respite.
وَإِذَا رَءَا ٱلَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوا۟ شُرَكَآءَهُمْ قَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَا هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ شُرَكَآؤُنَا ٱلَّذِينَ كُنَّا نَدْعُوا۟ مِن دُونِكَ فَأَلْقَوْا۟ إِلَيْهِمُ ٱلْقَوْلَ إِنَّكُمْ لَكَٰذِبُونَ
PickthallAnd when those who ascribed partners to Allah behold those partners of theirs, they will say: Our Lord! these are our partners unto whom we used to cry instead of Thee. But they will fling to them the saying: Lo! ye verily are liars!
Yusuf AliWhen those who gave partners to Allah will see their "partners", they will say: "Our Lord! these are our 'partners,' those whom we used to invoke besides Thee." But they will throw back their word at them (and say): "Indeed ye are liars!"
The agreed readingAnd when those who set up partners see their partners, they will say: our Lord, these are our partners whom we used to call on besides You. And they will throw the words back at them: you are liars.
وَأَلْقَوْا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ يَوْمَئِذٍ ٱلسَّلَمَ وَضَلَّ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَفْتَرُونَ
PickthallAnd they proffer unto Allah submission on that day, and all that they used to invent hath failed them.
Yusuf AliThat Day shall they (openly) show (their) submission to Allah; and all their inventions shall leave them in the lurch.
The agreed readingAnd they will offer God submission on that day, and what they used to invent will have deserted them.
ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَصَدُّوا۟ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ زِدْنَٰهُمْ عَذَابًا فَوْقَ ٱلْعَذَابِ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يُفْسِدُونَ
PickthallFor those who disbelieve and debar (men) from the way of Allah, We add doom to doom because they wrought corruption,
Yusuf AliThose who reject Allah and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah - for them will We add Penalty to Penalty; for that they used to spread mischief.
The agreed readingThose who refused and turned others from the way of God — We will add punishment on punishment, for the corruption they were working.
وَيَوْمَ نَبْعَثُ فِى كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ شَهِيدًا عَلَيْهِم مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَجِئْنَا بِكَ شَهِيدًا عَلَىٰ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ تِبْيَٰنًا لِّكُلِّ شَىْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ
PickthallAnd (bethink you of) the day when We raise in every nation a witness against them of their own folk, and We bring thee (Muhammad) as a witness against these. And We reveal the Scripture unto thee as an exposition of all things, and a guidance and a mercy and good tidings for those who have surrendered (to Allah).
Yusuf AliOne day We shall raise from all Peoples a witness against them, from amongst themselves: and We shall bring thee as a witness against these (thy people): and We have sent down to thee the Book explaining all things, a Guide, a Mercy, and Glad Tidings to Muslims.
The agreed readingAnd on the Day We raise in every community a witness against them from among themselves, and bring you as a witness against these. And We have sent down the Book to you making everything clear, and as guidance and mercy and good news for those who submit.
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِٱلْعَدْلِ وَٱلْإِحْسَٰنِ وَإِيتَآئِ ذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَيَنْهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلْفَحْشَآءِ وَٱلْمُنكَرِ وَٱلْبَغْىِ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ
PickthallLo! Allah enjoineth justice and kindness, and giving to kinsfolk, and forbiddeth lewdness and abomination and wickedness. He exhorteth you in order that ye may take heed.
Yusuf AliAllah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition.
The agreed readingGod commands justice and doing good and giving to relatives, and forbids indecency and what is wrong and transgression. He instructs you so that you may take heed. The commentaries treat the āyah as gathering the whole of conduct into one sentence, three things ordered and three forbidden.
وَأَوْفُوا۟ بِعَهْدِ ٱللَّهِ إِذَا عَٰهَدتُّمْ وَلَا تَنقُضُوا۟ ٱلْأَيْمَٰنَ بَعْدَ تَوْكِيدِهَا وَقَدْ جَعَلْتُمُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَيْكُمْ كَفِيلًا إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَفْعَلُونَ
PickthallFulfil the covenant of Allah when ye have covenanted, and break not your oaths after the asseveration of them, and after ye have made Allah surety over you. Lo! Allah knoweth what ye do.
Yusuf AliFulfil the Covenant of Allah when ye have entered into it, and break not your oaths after ye have confirmed them; indeed ye have made Allah your surety; for Allah knoweth all that ye do.
The agreed readingAnd fulfil God's covenant when you have made it, and do not break your oaths after they have been confirmed, when you have made God a surety over you. God knows what you do.
وَلَا تَكُونُوا۟ كَٱلَّتِى نَقَضَتْ غَزْلَهَا مِنۢ بَعْدِ قُوَّةٍ أَنكَٰثًا تَتَّخِذُونَ أَيْمَٰنَكُمْ دَخَلًۢا بَيْنَكُمْ أَن تَكُونَ أُمَّةٌ هِىَ أَرْبَىٰ مِنْ أُمَّةٍ إِنَّمَا يَبْلُوكُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِهِۦ وَلَيُبَيِّنَنَّ لَكُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ مَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ
PickthallAnd be not like unto her who unravelleth the thread, after she hath made it strong, to thin filaments, making your oaths a deceit between you because of a nation being more numerous than (another) nation. Allah only trieth you thereby, and He verily will explain to you on the Day of Resurrection that wherein ye differed.
Yusuf AliAnd be not like a woman who breaks into untwisted strands the yarn which she has spun, after it has become strong. Nor take your oaths to practise deception between yourselves, lest one party should be more numerous than another: for Allah will test you by this; and on the Day of Judgment He will certainly make clear to you (the truth of) that wherein ye disagree.
The agreed readingAnd do not be like her who unravelled her yarn after it was spun strong, back into loose fibres — taking your oaths as a trick between you, because one group is more numerous than another. God is only testing you by it, and on the Day of Resurrection He will make clear to you what you differed over.
وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَجَعَلَكُمْ أُمَّةً وَٰحِدَةً وَلَٰكِن يُضِلُّ مَن يَشَآءُ وَيَهْدِى مَن يَشَآءُ وَلَتُسْـَٔلُنَّ عَمَّا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
PickthallHad Allah willed He could have made you (all) one nation, but He sendeth whom He will astray and guideth whom He will, and ye will indeed be asked of what ye used to do.
Yusuf AliIf Allah so willed, He could make you all one people: But He leaves straying whom He pleases, and He guides whom He pleases: but ye shall certainly be called to account for all your actions.
The agreed readingAnd had God willed, He would have made you one community. But He lets go astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills, and you will be asked about what you were doing.
وَلَا تَتَّخِذُوٓا۟ أَيْمَٰنَكُمْ دَخَلًۢا بَيْنَكُمْ فَتَزِلَّ قَدَمٌۢ بَعْدَ ثُبُوتِهَا وَتَذُوقُوا۟ ٱلسُّوٓءَ بِمَا صَدَدتُّمْ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَكُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ
PickthallMake not your oaths a deceit between you, lest a foot should slip after being firmly planted and ye should taste evil forasmuch as ye debarred (men) from the way of Allah, and yours should be an awful doom.
Yusuf AliAnd take not your oaths, to practise deception between yourselves, with the result that someone's foot may slip after it was firmly planted, and ye may have to taste the evil (consequences) of having hindered (men) from the Path of Allah, and a Mighty Wrath descend on you.
The agreed readingAnd do not take your oaths as a trick between you, or a foot will slip after it was firmly planted, and you will taste evil for having turned others from the way of God, and yours will be a great punishment.
وَلَا تَشْتَرُوا۟ بِعَهْدِ ٱللَّهِ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا إِنَّمَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ هُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
PickthallAnd purchase not a small gain at the price of Allah's covenant. Lo! that which Allah hath is better for you, if ye did but know.
Yusuf AliNor sell the covenant of Allah for a miserable price: for with Allah is (a prize) far better for you, if ye only knew.
The agreed readingAnd do not sell God's covenant for a small price. What is with God is better for you, if only you knew.
مَا عِندَكُمْ يَنفَدُ وَمَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ بَاقٍ وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ صَبَرُوٓا۟ أَجْرَهُم بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ
PickthallThat which ye have wasteth away, and that which Allah hath remaineth. And verily We shall pay those who are steadfast a recompense in proportion to the best of what they used to do.
Yusuf AliWhat is with you must vanish: what is with Allah will endure. And We will certainly bestow, on those who patiently persevere, their reward according to the best of their actions.
The agreed readingWhat is with you runs out, and what is with God remains. And We will reward those who were patient by the best of what they were doing.
مَنْ عَمِلَ صَٰلِحًا مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُۥ حَيَوٰةً طَيِّبَةً وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُم بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ
PickthallWhosoever doeth right, whether male or female, and is a believer, him verily we shall quicken with good life, and We shall pay them a recompense in proportion to the best of what they used to do.
Yusuf AliWhoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has Faith, verily, to him will We give a new Life, a life that is good and pure and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.
The agreed readingWhoever does righteous work, male or female, and is a believer — We will give them a good life, and We will reward them by the best of what they were doing. The commentaries note that the reward is measured by the best of the work and not by its average.
فَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ فَٱسْتَعِذْ بِٱللَّهِ مِنَ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنِ ٱلرَّجِيمِ
PickthallAnd when thou recitest the Qur'an, seek refuge in Allah from Satan the outcast.
Yusuf AliWhen thou dost read the Qur'an, seek Allah's protection from Satan the rejected one.
The agreed readingSo when you recite the Recitation, seek refuge with God from Satan the outcast. The commentaries read the command as applying when you are about to recite, which is why the seeking of refuge comes before the reciting and not during it.
إِنَّهُۥ لَيْسَ لَهُۥ سُلْطَٰنٌ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ
PickthallLo! he hath no power over those who believe and put trust in their Lord.
Yusuf AliNo authority has he over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord.
The agreed readingHe has no authority over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. The commentaries gloss the authority as any power of compulsion, so that what is denied him is force and not invitation.
إِنَّمَا سُلْطَٰنُهُۥ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَوَلَّوْنَهُۥ وَٱلَّذِينَ هُم بِهِۦ مُشْرِكُونَ
PickthallHis power is only over those who make a friend of him, and those who ascribe partners unto Him (Allah).
Yusuf AliHis authority is over those only, who take him as patron and who join partners with Allah.
The agreed readingHis authority is only over those who take him as a patron, and those who set up partners with God because of him. The commentaries note that the authority is described as given to him rather than taken by him.
وَإِذَا بَدَّلْنَآ ءَايَةً مَّكَانَ ءَايَةٍ وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يُنَزِّلُ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَآ أَنتَ مُفْتَرٍۭ بَلْ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
PickthallAnd when We put a revelation in place of (another) revelation, - and Allah knoweth best what He revealeth - they say: Lo! thou art but inventing. Most of them know not.
Yusuf AliWhen We substitute one revelation for another,- and Allah knows best what He reveals (in stages),- they say, "Thou art but a forger": but most of them understand not.
The agreed readingAnd when We put one sign in place of another — and God knows best what He sends down — they say: you are only inventing it. But most of them do not know.
قُلْ نَزَّلَهُۥ رُوحُ ٱلْقُدُسِ مِن رَّبِّكَ بِٱلْحَقِّ لِيُثَبِّتَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَهُدًى وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ
PickthallSay: The holy Spirit hath delivered it from thy Lord with truth, that it may confirm (the faith of) those who believe, and as guidance and good tidings for those who have surrendered (to Allah).
Yusuf AliSay, the Holy Spirit has brought the revelation from thy Lord in Truth, in order to strengthen those who believe, and as a Guide and Glad Tidings to Muslims.
The agreed readingSay: the Holy Spirit has brought it down from your Lord in truth, to make firm those who believe, and as guidance and good news for those who submit.
وَلَقَدْ نَعْلَمُ أَنَّهُمْ يَقُولُونَ إِنَّمَا يُعَلِّمُهُۥ بَشَرٌ لِّسَانُ ٱلَّذِى يُلْحِدُونَ إِلَيْهِ أَعْجَمِىٌّ وَهَٰذَا لِسَانٌ عَرَبِىٌّ مُّبِينٌ
PickthallAnd We know well that they say: Only a man teacheth him. The speech of him at whom they falsely hint is outlandish, and this is clear Arabic speech.
Yusuf AliWe know indeed that they say, "It is a man that teaches him." The tongue of him they wickedly point to is notably foreign, while this is Arabic, pure and clear.
The agreed readingAnd We know that they say: it is only a man teaching him. The tongue of the one they point to is foreign, and this is clear Arabic speech. The commentaries take the answer to be the plainest available: whatever the man could teach, he could not teach this.
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ لَا يَهْدِيهِمُ ٱللَّهُ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
PickthallLo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, Allah guideth them not and theirs will be a painful doom.
Yusuf AliThose who believe not in the Signs of Allah,- Allah will not guide them, and theirs will be a grievous Penalty.
The agreed readingThose who do not believe in God's signs — God does not guide them, and theirs is a painful punishment.
إِنَّمَا يَفْتَرِى ٱلْكَذِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْكَٰذِبُونَ
PickthallOnly they invent falsehood who believe not Allah's revelations, and (only) they are the liars.
Yusuf AliIt is those who believe not in the Signs of Allah, that forge falsehood: it is they who lie!
The agreed readingIt is only those who do not believe in God's signs who invent the lie, and it is they who are the liars. The commentaries note the charge being turned back on the ones who made it.
مَن كَفَرَ بِٱللَّهِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ إِيمَٰنِهِۦٓ إِلَّا مَنْ أُكْرِهَ وَقَلْبُهُۥ مُطْمَئِنٌّۢ بِٱلْإِيمَٰنِ وَلَٰكِن مَّن شَرَحَ بِٱلْكُفْرِ صَدْرًا فَعَلَيْهِمْ غَضَبٌ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ
PickthallWhoso disbelieveth in Allah after his belief - save him who is forced thereto and whose heart is still content with the Faith - but whoso findeth ease in disbelief: On them is wrath from Allah. Theirs will be an awful doom.
Yusuf AliAny one who, after accepting faith in Allah, utters Unbelief,- except under compulsion, his heart remaining firm in Faith - but such as open their breast to Unbelief, on them is Wrath from Allah, and theirs will be a dreadful Penalty.
The agreed readingWhoever refuses God after having believed — except one who is compelled while his heart is at rest in faith — but whoever opens his breast to refusal, on them is anger from God and theirs is a great punishment.
ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمُ ٱسْتَحَبُّوا۟ ٱلْحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنْيَا عَلَى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ
PickthallThat is because they have chosen the life of the world rather than the Hereafter, and because Allah guideth not the disbelieving folk.
Yusuf AliThis because they love the life of this world better than the Hereafter: and Allah will not guide those who reject Faith.
The agreed readingThat is because they preferred the life of this world to the Hereafter, and because God does not guide people who refuse.
أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ طَبَعَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ وَسَمْعِهِمْ وَأَبْصَٰرِهِمْ وَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْغَٰفِلُونَ
PickthallSuch are they whose hearts and ears and eyes Allah hath sealed. And such are the heedless.
Yusuf AliThose are they whose hearts, ears, and eyes Allah has sealed up, and they take no heed.
The agreed readingThose are the ones whose hearts and hearing and sight God has sealed, and it is they who are heedless.
لَا جَرَمَ أَنَّهُمْ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ هُمُ ٱلْخَٰسِرُونَ
PickthallAssuredly in the Hereafter they are the losers.
Yusuf AliWithout doubt, in the Hereafter they will perish.
The agreed readingWithout doubt, in the Hereafter it is they who are the losers — the commentaries gloss the opening words as certainty rather than mere emphasis, and the loss as what they end at, not what they feel.
ثُمَّ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لِلَّذِينَ هَاجَرُوا۟ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا فُتِنُوا۟ ثُمَّ جَٰهَدُوا۟ وَصَبَرُوٓا۟ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهَا لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
PickthallThen lo! thy Lord - for those who became fugitives after they had been persecuted, and then fought and were steadfast - lo! thy Lord afterward is (for them) indeed Forgiving, Merciful.
Yusuf AliBut verily thy Lord,- to those who leave their homes after trials and persecutions,- and who thereafter strive and fight for the faith and patiently persevere,- Thy Lord, after all this is oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.
The agreed readingThen your Lord — for those who left their homes after they had been persecuted, and then struggled and were patient — your Lord after that is indeed Forgiving, Merciful.
يَوْمَ تَأْتِى كُلُّ نَفْسٍ تُجَٰدِلُ عَن نَّفْسِهَا وَتُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّا عَمِلَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ
PickthallOn the Day when every soul will come pleading for itself, and every soul will be repaid what it did, and they will not be wronged.
Yusuf AliOne Day every soul will come up struggling for itself, and every soul will be recompensed (fully) for all its actions, and none will be unjustly dealt with.
The agreed readingOn the Day every soul comes pleading for itself, and every soul is paid in full for what it did, and they are not wronged. The commentaries note what the pleading shows: nobody there is arguing anyone's case but their own.
وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا قَرْيَةً كَانَتْ ءَامِنَةً مُّطْمَئِنَّةً يَأْتِيهَا رِزْقُهَا رَغَدًا مِّن كُلِّ مَكَانٍ فَكَفَرَتْ بِأَنْعُمِ ٱللَّهِ فَأَذَٰقَهَا ٱللَّهُ لِبَاسَ ٱلْجُوعِ وَٱلْخَوْفِ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَصْنَعُونَ
PickthallAllah coineth a similitude: a township that dwelt secure and well content, its provision coming to it in abundance from every side, but it disbelieved in Allah's favours, so Allah made it experience the garb of dearth and fear because of what they used to do.
Yusuf AliAllah sets forth a Parable: a city enjoying security and quiet, abundantly supplied with sustenance from every place: Yet was it ungrateful for the favours of Allah: so Allah made it taste of hunger and terror (in extremes) (closing in on it) like a garment (from every side), because of the (evil) which (its people) wrought.
The agreed readingGod strikes a likeness: a town that was secure and settled, its provision coming to it in plenty from every side, and then it was ungrateful for God's favours, so God made it taste the covering of hunger and fear, for what they had been doing.
وَلَقَدْ جَآءَهُمْ رَسُولٌ مِّنْهُمْ فَكَذَّبُوهُ فَأَخَذَهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ وَهُمْ ظَٰلِمُونَ
PickthallAnd verily there had come unto them a messenger from among them, but they had denied him, and so the torment seized them while they were wrong-doers.
Yusuf AliAnd there came to them a Messenger from among themselves, but they falsely rejected him; so the Wrath seized them even in the midst of their iniquities.
The agreed readingAnd a messenger from among them had come to them, and they called him a liar, so the punishment seized them while they were wrongdoers.
فَكُلُوا۟ مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ حَلَٰلًا طَيِّبًا وَٱشْكُرُوا۟ نِعْمَتَ ٱللَّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ
PickthallSo eat of the lawful and good food which Allah hath provided for you, and thank the bounty of your Lord if it is Him ye serve.
Yusuf AliSo eat of the sustenance which Allah has provided for you, lawful and good; and be grateful for the favours of Allah, if it is He Whom ye serve.
The agreed readingSo eat of what God has provided you, lawful and good, and be thankful for God's favour, if it is Him you serve.
إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْمَيْتَةَ وَٱلدَّمَ وَلَحْمَ ٱلْخِنزِيرِ وَمَآ أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ ٱللَّهِ بِهِۦ فَمَنِ ٱضْطُرَّ غَيْرَ بَاغٍ وَلَا عَادٍ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
PickthallHe hath forbidden for you only carrion and blood and swineflesh and that which hath been immolated in the name of any other than Allah; but he who is driven thereto, neither craving nor transgressing, lo! then Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
Yusuf AliHe has only forbidden you dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and any (food) over which the name of other than Allah has been invoked. But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits,- then Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
The agreed readingHe has only forbidden you carrion, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and what has been dedicated to other than God. But whoever is driven to it, neither craving it nor going beyond need — then God is Forgiving, Merciful.
وَلَا تَقُولُوا۟ لِمَا تَصِفُ أَلْسِنَتُكُمُ ٱلْكَذِبَ هَٰذَا حَلَٰلٌ وَهَٰذَا حَرَامٌ لِّتَفْتَرُوا۟ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلْكَذِبَ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَفْتَرُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلْكَذِبَ لَا يُفْلِحُونَ
PickthallAnd speak not, concerning that which your own tongues qualify (as clean or unclean), the falsehood: "This is lawful, and this is forbidden," so that ye invent a lie against Allah. Lo! those who invent a lie against Allah will not succeed.
Yusuf AliBut say not - for any false thing that your tongues may put forth,- "This is lawful, and this is forbidden," so as to ascribe false things to Allah. For those who ascribe false things to Allah, will never prosper.
The agreed readingAnd do not say, of what your tongues describe as a lie, this is lawful and this is forbidden, so as to invent a lie against God. Those who invent a lie against God will not succeed. The commentaries take the offence to be the source claimed for the ruling, not the ruling alone.
مَتَٰعٌ قَلِيلٌ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
PickthallA brief enjoyment (will be theirs); and theirs a painful doom.
Yusuf Ali(In such falsehood) is but a paltry profit; but they will have a most grievous Penalty.
The agreed readingA brief enjoyment — and theirs is a painful punishment. The commentaries attach the first to this world and the second to the next, and the sentence is built so the short one is named first.
وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ هَادُوا۟ حَرَّمْنَا مَا قَصَصْنَا عَلَيْكَ مِن قَبْلُ وَمَا ظَلَمْنَٰهُمْ وَلَٰكِن كَانُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ
PickthallAnd unto those who are Jews We have forbidden that which We have already related unto thee. And We wronged them not, but they were wont to wrong themselves.
Yusuf AliTo the Jews We prohibited such things as We have mentioned to thee before: We did them no wrong, but they were used to doing wrong to themselves.
The agreed readingAnd to those who are Jews We forbade what We related to you before. We did not wrong them, but they were wronging themselves.
ثُمَّ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لِلَّذِينَ عَمِلُوا۟ ٱلسُّوٓءَ بِجَهَٰلَةٍ ثُمَّ تَابُوا۟ مِنۢ بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ وَأَصْلَحُوٓا۟ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهَا لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
PickthallThen lo! thy Lord - for those who do evil in ignorance and afterward repent and amend - lo! (for them) thy Lord is afterward indeed Forgiving, Merciful.
Yusuf AliBut verily thy Lord,- to those who do wrong in ignorance, but who thereafter repent and make amends,- thy Lord, after all this, is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
The agreed readingThen your Lord — for those who did evil in ignorance and then turned back after that and put things right — your Lord after that is indeed Forgiving, Merciful.
إِنَّ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ كَانَ أُمَّةً قَانِتًا لِّلَّهِ حَنِيفًا وَلَمْ يَكُ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ
PickthallLo! Abraham was a nation obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the idolaters;
Yusuf AliAbraham was indeed a model, devoutly obedient to Allah, (and) true in Faith, and he joined not gods with Allah:
The agreed readingAbraham was a whole community in himself — the commentaries gloss the word as a leader to be followed, in whom the qualities of good were gathered — devoutly obedient to God, turning away from everything else towards the one God; and he was not one of those who set up partners.
شَاكِرًا لِّأَنْعُمِهِ ٱجْتَبَىٰهُ وَهَدَىٰهُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ
PickthallThankful for His bounties; He chose him and He guided him unto a straight path.
Yusuf AliHe showed his gratitude for the favours of Allah, who chose him, and guided him to a Straight Way.
The agreed readingThankful for His favours. He chose him and guided him to a straight path — the commentaries gloss the choosing as a selecting out, and place the thankfulness first, as what he brought to it.
وَءَاتَيْنَٰهُ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَإِنَّهُۥ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ لَمِنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ
PickthallAnd We gave him good in the world, and in the Hereafter he is among the righteous.
Yusuf AliAnd We gave him Good in this world, and he will be, in the Hereafter, in the ranks of the Righteous.
The agreed readingAnd We gave him good in this world - prophethood, righteous offspring, and praise on the tongues of those who came after him - and in the Hereafter he is among the righteous.
ثُمَّ أَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَيْكَ أَنِ ٱتَّبِعْ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ حَنِيفًا وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ
PickthallAnd afterward We inspired thee (Muhammad, saying): Follow the religion of Abraham, as one by nature upright. He was not of the idolaters.
Yusuf AliSo We have taught thee the inspired (Message), "Follow the ways of Abraham the True in Faith, and he joined not gods with Allah."
The agreed readingThen We revealed to you: follow the way of Abraham, turning away from everything else towards the one God; and he was not one of those who set up partners.
إِنَّمَا جُعِلَ ٱلسَّبْتُ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ فِيهِ وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَيَحْكُمُ بَيْنَهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ فِيمَا كَانُوا۟ فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ
PickthallThe Sabbath was appointed only for those who differed concerning it, and lo! thy Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that wherein they used to differ.
Yusuf AliThe Sabbath was only made (strict) for those who disagreed (as to its observance); But Allah will judge between them on the Day of Judgment, as to their differences.
The agreed readingThe Sabbath was laid down only for those who differed about it, and your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning what they used to differ about.
ٱدْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلْحِكْمَةِ وَٱلْمَوْعِظَةِ ٱلْحَسَنَةِ وَجَٰدِلْهُم بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِٱلْمُهْتَدِينَ
PickthallCall unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and fair exhortation, and reason with them in the better way. Lo! thy Lord is Best Aware of him who strayeth from His way, and He is Best Aware of those who go aright.
Yusuf AliInvite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.
The agreed readingCall to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in the way that is best — and both traditions gloss the wisdom as the Recitation itself. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His way, and He knows best those who are guided.
وَإِنْ عَاقَبْتُمْ فَعَاقِبُوا۟ بِمِثْلِ مَا عُوقِبْتُم بِهِۦ وَلَئِن صَبَرْتُمْ لَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لِّلصَّٰبِرِينَ
PickthallIf ye punish, then punish with the like of that wherewith ye were afflicted. But if ye endure patiently, verily it is better for the patient.
Yusuf AliAnd if ye do catch them out, catch them out no worse than they catch you out: But if ye show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who are patient.
The agreed readingAnd if you punish, punish with the like of what you were made to suffer. But if you are patient, that is better for those who are patient. The commentaries note that the permission is given first and then measured, and then something better than the permission is named.
وَٱصْبِرْ وَمَا صَبْرُكَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَلَا تَحْزَنْ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا تَكُ فِى ضَيْقٍ مِّمَّا يَمْكُرُونَ
PickthallEndure thou patiently (O Muhammad). Thine endurance is only by (the help of) Allah. Grieve not for them, and be not in distress because of that which they devise.
Yusuf AliAnd do thou be patient, for thy patience is but from Allah; nor grieve over them: and distress not thyself because of their plots.
The agreed readingSo be patient — and your patience is only by God. And do not grieve over them, and do not be in distress at what they scheme.
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوا۟ وَّٱلَّذِينَ هُم مُّحْسِنُونَ
PickthallLo! Allah is with those who keep their duty unto Him and those who are doers of good.
Yusuf AliFor Allah is with those who restrain themselves, and those who do good.
The agreed readingGod is with those who guard themselves, and those who do good. The sūrah ends on the two words it has been describing all through, and the commentaries read being with as help given, not presence only.