44

1Ha Mim

2By the Scripture that makes things clear

3truly We sent it down on a blessed night––We have always sent warnings––

4a night when every matter of wisdom was made distinct

5at Our command––We have always sent messages to man––

6as a mercy [Prophet] from your Lord who sees and knows all

7Lord of the heavens and the earth and everything between––if only you people were firm believers––

8there is no god but Him: He gives life and death––He is your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers––

9yet in [their state of] doubt they take nothing seriously

10[Prophet], watch out for the Day when the sky brings forth clouds of smoke for all to see

11It will envelop the people. They will cry, ‘This is a terrible torment

12Lord relieve us from this torment! We believe!’

13How will this [sudden] faith benefit them? When a prophet came to warn them plainly

14they turned their backs on him, saying, ‘He is tutored! He is possessed!’

15We shall hold the torment back for a while ––you are sure to return [to Us]––

16and on the Day We seize [them] mightily We shall exact retribution

17We tested the people of Pharaoh before them: a noble messenger was sent to them

18saying, ‘Hand the servants of God over to me! I am a faithful messenger who has been sent to you

19Do not consider yourselves to be above God! I come to you with clear authority

20I seek refuge in my Lord and yours against your insults

21If you do not believe me, just let me be.’

22[Moses] cried to his Lord, ‘These people are evildoers!’

23[God replied], ‘Escape in the night with My servants, for you are sure to be pursued

24Leave the sea behind you parted and their army will be drowned.’

25Many a garden and spring they left behind

26many a cornfield and noble building

27many a thing in which they had delighted

28We gave these to another people to inherit

29Neither heavens nor earth shed a tear for them, nor were they given any time

30We saved the Children of Israel from their degrading suffering

31at the hands of Pharaoh: he was a tyrant who exceeded all bounds

32We chose them knowingly above others

33We gave them revelations in which there was a clear test

34These people here assert

35‘There is nothing beyond our one death: we will not be resurrected

36Bring back our forefathers, if what you say is true.’

37Are they better than the people of Tubbaand those who flourished before them? We destroyed them all- they were guilty

38We were not playing a pointless game when We created the heavens and earth and everything in between

39We created them for a true purpose, but most people do not comprehend

40The Day of Decision is the time appointed for all

41a Day when no friend can take another’s place

42No one will receive any help except for those to whom God shows mercy: He is the Mighty, the Merciful Lord

43The tree of Zaqqum

44will be food for the sinners

45[hot] as molten metal, it boils in their bellies

46like seething water

47‘Take him! Thrust him into the depths of Hell

48Pour scalding water over his head as punishment!’

49‘Taste this, you powerful, respected man

50This is what you doubted.’

51But those mindful of God will be in a safe place

52amid Gardens and springs

53clothed in silk and fine brocade, facing one another

54so it will be. We shall wed them to maidens with large, dark eyes

55Secure and contented, they will call for every kind of fruit

56After the one death they will taste death no more. God will guard them from the torment of Hell

57a bounty from your Lord. That is the supreme triumph

58We have made this Quran easy to understand- in your own language [Prophet]- so that they may take heed

59So wait; the disbelievers too are waiting