Sūrah al-Shu‘arā’

This is Sūrah Ṭā Sīn Mīm. These are the verses of the Book which clearly states its meaning. Perhaps you will lose your life because of the grief that these people are not accepting faith. If We want, We can send down a sign to them from the heavens so that their necks bend down before it. [But We are trying to make them understand and] such are they that whatever fresh reminder comes to them from the Most Merciful God, they only keep evading it. So, they have rejected it; then the news of that thing [with its reality] which they are making fun of will soon manifest itself before them.

[They are waiting for signs.] Have they not seen the earth how We have sprouted from it an assortment of beneficial things in abundance. Surely, there is a great sign in it; but most of them do not believe. And your Lord, there is no doubt, He is powerful also and very affectionate too.

Narrate to them the anecdote when your Lord called Moses: “Go to the unjust nation, to the Pharaoh’s nation – Will they not fear?” He replied: “Lord! I fear that they will deny me and such is my situation that [because of my sensitivity towards my responsibility] my chest is in distress and my language is also not fluent; so send prophethood to Aaron [that he may help me in this task]. And there is also one crime for which I am liable to them; So, I fear that they might slay me.”

God said: “Certainly not! [They cannot kill you.] So, now both of you go with Our signs; We shall be with you hearing everything. So, go both of you go to the Pharaoh [without any hesitation] and tell him: ‘We are the messengers of the Lord of worlds and have come to you so that you let the Israelites go with us.’” [When they said these words to the Pharaoh,] he replied: “Did we not bring you up in childhood by keeping you with us. And [are you not the one that] you spent many years of your life among us and then did what you did [and ran away]? You are very ungrateful.”

Moses replied: “I had done this and [I confess that] I had committed a mistake at that time. Then I feared [that because of this crime you will kill me]; so, I ran away from you. Then my Lord blessed me with wisdom and sagacity and made me [a prophet] from among His prophets. And is this a favour you are impressing upon me that you have enslaved the Israelites?”

The Pharaoh said: “And what is this Rabb al-‘Ālamīn?” Moses replied: “The Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them, if you are ones who can have conviction.” The Pharaoh said to the people around him: “Do you not hear?” [At this,] Moses [took a step ahead in his preaching and] said: “Your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers also.” The Pharaoh said: “This messenger who has been sent to you is totally mad.” Moses said: “[And furthermore] whatever is in the East and the West and between them all belongs to your Lord if you have insight.” [Hearing this,] the Pharaoh cried out: “If you make anyone else except me as God, I shall imprison you.” Moses asked: “Even if I have brought a clear sign to you?” The Pharaoh said: “Then present it, if you are truthful.” At this, Moses placed his staff [on the ground]; then suddenly it was like a living serpent and when he drew out his hand, it thereupon appeared shinning for the onlookers. [When] the Pharaoh [saw this,] he said to the chiefs around him: “This person surely is an adept magician. He wants to turn you out of your land through his magic. So, what do you advise?”

They said: “Put him off and his brother for now and send summoners in the city who should bring all prominent skilful magicians to you.” Thus at the prescribed time of an appointed day, the magicians were gathered and it was proclaimed among the people: “Will you people gather? So that we can support the magicians if they remain dominant.” Then when the magicians came [forward for the contest], they said to the Pharaoh: “We should have a reward if we remain dominant?” The Pharaoh replied: “Yes and at that time you shall be included in my favoured ones.”

[Thus when the contest began,] Moses asked the magicians: “Throw what you have to throw.” At this, they threw their ropes and sticks and said: “By the Pharaoh’s majesty! We alone shall remain dominant.” Then Moses threw his staff; thus it suddenly began devouring the spell they had woven. So, [seeing this sign of God,] the magicians fell down in prostration. They [spontaneously] said: “We have professed faith in the Lord of the worlds, in the Lord of Moses and Aaron.”

The Pharaoh said: “You believed in him before I gave you permission! Surely, he is your guru who has taught magic to you. So, soon you will come to know what its consequence is. I shall have your limbs severed from alternate sides and shall definitely crucify all of you.” The magicians answered: “No fear! We shall return only to our Lord. We hope that our Lord shall forgive our sins because we have accepted faith the foremost.”

[After this, many years passed until the truth was conclusively delivered to them. Then] We revealed to Moses: “Set off with My servants by night because you will be pursued.” At this, the Pharaoh sent summoners in the city [to gather the armies] that these are some handful of people and no doubt they are angering us [because of what they are doing], and we are a group whose trait is to always remain vigilant. [Hence, we will not give them any chance to spread disorder.]

In this way, We took out the people of the Pharaoh from [their] orchards, fountains, treasures and from an abode of honour. Thus do We do and We made the Israelites the inheritors of all these things [in the land of Palestine].

[This happened thus that when Moses set off,] right at daybreak these people set out to pursue them. Then when both groups faced each other, the companions of Moses shouted: “We have been seized.” Moses said: “Certainly not! Because with me is my Lord; He shall surely guide me.”

At this, We sent a revelation to Moses: “Strike your staff on the sea.” When he struck it, it rent asunder and each part became as if it was a huge mountain. [In the meantime,] We brought the other group also near that place and saved Moses and all those who were with him. Then We drowned the others right there.

Certainly, there is a great sign in this; but most of them are not going to believe it. And your Lord, undoubtedly, He is Mighty and also very Merciful.

And narrate to them the account of Abraham when he had asked his father and [the people of] of his nation: “What is this you worship?” They replied: “We worship idols. So, [whatever you may say,] we shall continue to diligently adhere to their worship.”

Abraham said: “Do they listen to you when you call them?” Or can they benefit or harm you?” They replied: “No, [we do not know all this;] in fact, we have seen our forefathers doing this.”

Abraham said: “Then have you ever reflected also on these that you have been worshipping? You also and your past forefathers too. So, all these are my enemies except for God, Lord of the worlds, Who has created me; then it is He Who guides me. And Who makes me eat and drink and when I get sick, it is He Who cures me, and He who shall give me death; then He shall bring me back to life and from whom I have hope that on the Day of Judgement He shall forgive my sins.”

[When Abraham had uttered all this, he supplicated:] “My Lord! Grant me the power of decision-making and include me among the righteous and let those who come later continue to fondly remember me and also make me an inheritor among the inheritors of the orchard of comfort and forgive my father; indeed, he is among those who have strayed away. And on the Day people will be raised up, on that Day, [O Lord!] do not disgrace me.”

[God said:] The Day when neither wealth shall be of benefit nor children; only they shall succeed who come to God with a pure heart. [On that Day,] Paradise shall be brought near those who fear God and Hell shall be exposed to those who have gone astray and they will be asked: “Where are they whom you worshipped besides God? Will they help you in some way or be able to save themselves [today]?” Then they also and these people too who have strayed and the armies of Satan as well, all of them will be flung face down into it.

There while arguing among themselves, they will say [to their leaders]: “By God! We were in open error when we used to make you partners of God.” [Then they will express sorrow on their misfortune:] “We were led astray only by these wrongdoers. So, now there is neither any intercessor for us nor any loving enthusiastic friend! Now, would that we could return once so that we could become believers!”

Surely, there is a great sign in this; but most of them are not going to believe. And your Lord, without any doubt, He is Mighty also and very Merciful too.

The nation of Noah also similarly denied the messengers when their brother Noah said to them: “Do you not have fear? I am for you a trusted messenger. Hence, fear God and obey me. I do not ask you for any recompense on this. My recompense rests with the Lord of the worlds only. So, fear God and obey me.” They replied: “Should we believe in you even though the lowly are following you.” Noah replied: “What do I know of what they have been doing? Their account rests with my Lord if you want to understand. [At this time, they have taken the initiative to profess faith in me] and I am not going to forsake these believers [to please you]. I am only an open warner.”¹

At this, they said: “Noah! If you do not desist, you will surely be stoned to death.”

[Ultimately,] Noah prayed: “Lord! My nation has rejected me; so, now deliver a decisive judgement between me and them, and deliver me and the believers who are with me.” Thus, We saved him and his companions in a laden ship and all the rest We drowned after that. (117-120)

Surely, there is a great sign in this; but most of them are not going to believe. And your Lord, without any doubt, He is Mighty also and very Merciful too.

In a similar way, the ‘Ād denied the messengers when their brother Hūd said to them: “Have you no fear? I am a trusted messenger for you. So, fear God and obey me. I do not ask you for any recompense on this. My recompense rests with God, Lord of the worlds.

[What is the matter with you?] Will you keep building useless memorials in this way on every high ground? And keep constructing large palaces in this manner as if you have to live forever? And when you get hold of someone you will do it as tyrants do? So, fear God and obey me. Fear Him Who has given you things which you know very well. He has given you animals, sons, orchards and fountains. In reality, [because of your misdeeds] I fear for you the torment of a horrible day.”

They replied: “It is equal for us whether you counsel us or do not be among those who counsel.” Nothing at all! [whatever you are saying,] same was the habit of your predecessors: [These are mere threats of yours.] Certainly, no torment is going to visit us. Finally, they rejected him; then We destroyed them as well. There is certainly a great sign in this; but most of them are not going to believe. And your Lord, without any doubt, He is Mighty also and very Merciful as well.

The Thamūd also denied the messengers when their brother Ṣāliḥ said to them: “Do you have no fear? I am for you a trusted messenger. So, fear God and obey me. I do not ask you for any recompense on this. My recompense rests with God, Lord of the worlds.”

[What do you think?] Will you be allowed to remain in peace among these favours which [are available] here [to you]? Amid orchards, springs, cultivated lands and date palms whose bunches are closely-knit? And digging mountains express pride [in this way] happily building houses? So, fear God and obey me and do not listen to those who exceed limits who spread disorder in the land and do not mend its affairs.

They said: “Nothing! Someone has cast a deep spell on you [which has ravaged your intellect]. You are but a human like us. So, bring a sign if you are truthful.”

Ṣāliḥ said: “This is a she-camel. One day, it will be her turn to drink water and another turn of a fixed day is for you. And [listen] do not touch it with any evil intention otherwise the torment of a horrible day shall seize you.” Even then, they slew her. So, they were left to regret and finally the torment overtook them. Surely, there is a great sign in this; but most of them are not going to believe. And your Lord, without any doubt, He is Mighty and also very Merciful.

The nation of Lot too denied the messengers when their brother Lot said to them: “Do you not fear? I am a trusted messenger for you. So, fear God and obey me. I do not ask you for any recompense on this. My recompense rests with God, Lord of the worlds.

[Servants of God!] Do you go to men among people of the world [for your sexual desires,] and leave the wives which your Lord has created for you? No, [this is not something trivial.] In fact, you are a people who have crossed the limits.”

They replied: “Lot! If you do not desist [from saying such things], you shall definitely be expelled from here.”

Lot replied: “[No worries;] I am from among those who is very averse to what you do.” [He then prayed:] “My Lord! Deliver me and my family from the consequences of what they are doing.” So, We delivered him and all his family except for an old woman who was among those left behind. Then We destroyed [her and] all others and let loose a horrific storm [of stones] on them. So, what evil was the rain that was unleashed on them who had been warned!

Surely, there is a great sign in this; but most of them are not going to believe. And your Lord, without any doubt, He is Mighty and very Merciful as well. (174-175)

In a similar way, the Dwellers of the Forest also denied the messengers when Shu‘ayb said to them: “Do you not have fear? I am a trusted messenger for you. So, fear God and obey me. I do not ask you for any recompense on this. My recompense rests with God, Lord of the worlds.”

[I say to you:] “Measure fully and do not inflict loss on anyone and weigh with the correct scale and do not give things to people while lessening them. And do not go about spreading disorder in the land and fear [the God] Who has created you and the generations before you as well.”

They replied: “Nothing! someone has cast a deep spell on you [that has stripped you of your intellect] and this also that you are a mortal like us and we think that you are an absolute liar.

So, if you are truthful, drop some piece on us from the sky.” Shu‘ayb said: “My Lord knows full well what you are doing.” Finally, they rejected him; so, the punishment of the day of the canopy seized them and no doubt it was the punishment of a horrible day.²

Surely, there is a great sign in this; but most of them are not going to believe. And your Lord, without any doubt, He is Mighty and very Merciful too.

[These are the accounts of the earlier people. The disbelievers of this book are also doing the same thing. So, rest assured] there is no doubt that this Word has been revealed in a very elaborate manner by the Lord of the worlds. The Trusted Spirit has brought it down to your heart so that you also become a warner like other prophets, in very lucid Arabic – and it is also mentioned in earlier scriptures. Is this not a sign for these people that the scholars of the Israelites know it?

[They are still not believing] and had We revealed it to a non-Arab; then he would have read it out to them, even then they would not have accepted faith. In this way, We have made it pass through the hearts of these wrongdoers. They will not believe in it until they see the painful torment that it may come suddenly and they are not even aware of it. Then at that time they will say: “Will we get some respite?”³

So, are they asking to hasten Our torment? Just see [if We do not send down that torment and] let them live for some more years [like this]; then, that torment comes to them with which they are being threatened with; so, what good will this reprieve be to them?

[They should know that this respite is for conclusive communication of the truth to them.] We have never destroyed a city unless warners have first come for it to remind [its people]. And We are not unjust that We destroy them without this.

[This Book is a revelation from God. Pay heed to it.] Devils have not brought it down. Neither is it worthy of them nor can they do this. In reality, they are kept far away even to eavesdrop.

[O Prophet! These people are about to be punished]; so, do not call upon anyone besides God so that you too become worthy of punishment, and warn your near ones of kin of it also and lower your wings of affection on the believers who have followed you.

However, if these people of your family do not obey you [in spite of this], then tell them clearly: I am acquitted from whatever you are doing, and [in this phase of your preaching] trust the Mighty and the Merciful Who sees you when you get up for tahajjud at night and among those who prostrate observes your coming and going. Indeed, He hears and knows all.

[People! This is that noble person about whom you say that devils descend upon him.] Should I tell you on whom the devils descend? They descend on every lying wretched person. They intently try to hear [them as if they are listening something from the unseen world] but most of them are liars.⁴

[And say that he is also like a poet whereas] the deviant follow the poets. Do you not see that they wander in every valley and do not practice what they preach? Only they are an exception to it who accepted faith and who did righteous deeds and remembered God abundantly and sought revenge only when they were oppressed – and these oppressors, they shall soon know what their abode would be.