Sūrah al-Dukhān

This is Sūrah Ḥā Mīm. This clear Book is a witness [to its own self]. Undoubtedly, We have revealed it in a blessed night because We wanted to warn people. In this night, all affairs of wisdom are allocated specially by Our directive. And because with the special mercy of your Lord We were to send a messenger [to these people]. Surely, only He hears and knows. With the mercy of the Lord who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that lies between them, if you have conviction. There is no deity except Him. He alone gives life and He alone gives death; your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers before you.

No, [they are not ones who will believe;] in fact, inflicted with doubt they are frolicking about. So, wait for the Day [O Prophet] when the sky will appear with manifest smoke and will overspread people. This is a painful torment. [They will cry out:] “Our Lord! Ward off this torment from us; we accept faith.” Where is any reminder for them now! A messenger had come to them who explains [everything]. In spite of this, they turned away from him and said: “He is a mad man who has been taught and instructed.” We can ward off this torment [from you] for sometime; but you will return to do what you used to. Bear in mind, the day We shall seize them in a mighty way; that will be the day when We shall definitely take full revenge.

Before them, We tested the nation of the Pharaoh also and [for this purpose] a noble messenger had come to them with the message: “Hand over these servants of God to me; I am a trustworthy messenger for you and that you should not show rebelliousness before God. I present to you a clear proof. And [be aware that] I have sought refuge with my and your Lord that you should stone me to death. And if you do not attest to me, leave me alone [to take the Israelites wherever I intend to].

[They were not the slightest affected by this.] So, finally he called out to his Lord: “These are a wrongdoing people.” It was directed: “So, depart with My servants during the night and be aware that you will be followed. And, yes leave the sea at ease [once you cross it]. Undoubtedly, this is now an army destined to drown.”¹

How many orchards, streams, cultivated lands, beautiful houses and provisions of luxury they left behind which they used to enjoy! This is what happens to such wrongdoers. And We made other people the inheritors of all these things. Then neither did the sky shed tears on them nor the earth; nor were they given respite.

We had delivered the Israelites from [such a] humiliating torment. From the Pharaoh – surely, he was very rebellious, transgressor of limits. And had knowingly given them preference to the people of the world and had given them such signs in which there was a clear reward [for them].

They say with full certainty: “We shall only die this first death and we shall not be raised to life again. So, [believers] if you are truthful, bring back our forefathers.”

[On what basis are they showing stubbornness? Ask them:] Are they better or the people of the nation of Tubba‘ and those who were before them? We destroyed them because they too were [similar] wrongdoers.

We have not made the heavens and the earth and what lies between them for amusement. [In reality,] We have only created them with a purpose but most of their people do not know. Certainly, the Day of Judgement is the prescribed time for all of them. The day no relative shall be of any benefit to another and nor shall they be helped. Yes, except those to whom God shows mercy. Surely, He alone is Powerful; Ever-Merciful.

Undoubtedly, the tree of zaqqūm [on that day] shall be the food of the sinners. Like the sediment of oil, it shall boil in the stomach like boiling water. It will be ordered: “Seize him and drag him to the centre of Hell. Then spill on his head the torment of scalding water,” – Taste it; it was you who posed to be very powerful; very respectful. This is the same thing you used to doubt.

Those who fear God will, however, be in peace. Among orchards and fountains, wearing attires of sundus and istabraq sitting opposite to one another. Thus shall be their majesty. And We shall wed them to large-eyed houris. There they will be asking for all types of fruits with full contentment. After the first death [which came to them in the previous world], they shall never taste death in it now. God saved them from the torment of Hell. This will be especially from your Lord’s grace. It is this which is in fact supreme success.

So, [O Prophet! Keep reminding them through this Qur’ān because] We have made it very appropriate in your tongue so that they receive reminder. [If even then they do not pay heed,] you also wait for God’s decision; they too are waiting.