Sūrat Qāf

سورۃ ق

Sūrat Qāf was revealed in Makkah al-Mukarrama. It has 45 verses and 3 rukūʿs.

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Bismillāhi l-Raḥmāni l-Raḥīm.

قٓ وَالْقُرْآنِ الْمَجِيدِ

Qāf. Wa-l-qurʾāni l-majīd.

"Qāf. By the Glorious Qurʾān." (Qāf 50:1)

Qāf — Allah is the Omniscient. Wa-l-qurʾāni l-majīdi — Qāf is the oath of the Glorious Qurʾān. Read each letter, each verse of the Qurʾān and ponder on it carefully — through its sublime teaching Islām's truth will be established.

Translation: "Qāf — this is the oath of the Glorious Qurʾān."

بَلْ عَجِبُوا أَن جَاءَهُم مُّنذِرٌ مِّنْهُمْ فَقَالَ الْكَافِرُونَ هَٰذَا شَيْءٌ عَجِيبٌ

bal ʿajibū an jāʾahum mundhirun minhum fa-qāla l-kāfirūna hādhā shayʾun ʿajīb.

"Rather, they marvelled that a warner had come to them from among themselves — and the disbelievers said: 'This is a wondrous thing!'" (Qāf 50:2)

Bal ʿajibū — but they were astonished. An jāʾahum — that a person came to them. Mundhirun minhum — a warner from among themselves — one sent with the terrifying news. Fa-qāla l-kāfirūna — then the disbelievers said. Hādhā shayʾun ʿajībun — this is a very strange, astonishing thing — among us too came a human being (a Prophet) — then the unbelievers said this strange thing.

Translation: "But they were astonished that a Warner (a Prophet) came among them from their own midst — then the unbelievers called it a strange and astonishing matter."

أَإِذَا مِتْنَا وَكُنَّا تُرَابًا ذَٰلِكَ رَجْعٌ بَعِيدٌ

a-idhā mitnā wa-kunnā turāban dhālika rajʿun baʿīd.

"What! When we die and become dust — that would be a far-fetched return!" (Qāf 50:3)

A-idhā mitnā — what, when we die and become. Wa-kunnā turābān — and we become dust — dhālika — that. Rajʿun — a return. Baʿīdun — very far — to return alive again is very far-fetched.

Translation: "When we die and become dust — will we return alive again? This is an impossibility."

قَدْ عَلِمْنَا مَا تَنقُصُ الْأَرْضُ مِنْهُمْ وَعِندَنَا كِتَابٌ حَفِيظٌ

qad ʿalimnā mā tanquṣu l-arḍu minhum wa-ʿindanā kitābun ḥafīẓ.

"We know what the earth diminishes of them — and with Us is a preserved Book." (Qāf 50:4)

Qad ʿalimnā — We know well. Mā tanquṣu l-arḍu minhum — what the earth diminishes from them — that the earth eats away their flesh, their bones. Wa-ʿindanā kitābun ḥafīẓun — and with Us is a preserving Book — a preserved tablet (al-lawḥ al-maḥfūẓ) in which everything is recorded.

Translation: "We know well how much the earth diminishes of them — and with Us is a Book that preserves everything."

بَلْ كَذَّبُوا بِالْحَقِّ لَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ فَهُمْ فِي أَمْرٍ مَّرِيجٍ

bal kadhdhabū bi-l-ḥaqqi lammā jāʾahum fa-hum fī amrin marīj.

"Rather, they denied the truth when it came to them — so they are in a state of confusion." (Qāf 50:5)

Bal kadhdhabū bi-l-ḥaqqi — but the true thing they denied. Lammā jāʾahum — when the truth came to them. Fa-hum fī amrin marījin — then they are in a confused, muddled state — their ideas are in disorder.

Translation: "Rather, when the truth (religion) came to them they denied it — so their thinking is muddled (their beliefs are in disorder)."

أَفَلَمْ يَنظُرُوا إِلَى السَّمَاءِ فَوْقَهُمْ كَيْفَ بَنَيْنَاهَا وَزَيَّنَّاهَا وَمَا لَهَا مِن فُرُوجٍ

a-fa-lam yanẓurū ilā l-samāʾi fawqahum kayfa banaynāhā wa-zayyannāhā wa-mā lahā min furūj.

"Have they not looked at the sky above them — how We built it and adorned it, and it has no rifts?" (Qāf 50:6)

A-fa-lam yanẓurū — have they not looked. Ilā l-samāʾi fawqahum — to the sky above them. Kayfa banaynāhā — how We built it — just as a building is made. Wa-zayyannāhā — and We adorned it with stars, the moon and so forth. Wa-mā lahā min furūjin — and in it there is no crack of any kind — no crack and no gap in it.

Translation: "Have they not looked up at the sky — how We built it and adorned it — and in it there is no crack or gap of any kind."

وَالْأَرْضَ مَدَدْنَاهَا وَأَلْقَيْنَا فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ وَأَنبَتْنَا فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ زَوْجٍ بَهِيجٍ

wa-l-arḍa madadnāhā wa-alqaynā fīhā rawāsiya wa-anbatnā fīhā min kulli zawjin bahīj.

"And the earth — We spread it out and cast therein firm mountains, and caused to grow therein every lovely pair." (Qāf 50:7)

Wa-l-arḍa madadnāhā — and the earth — We spread it out widely. Wa-alqaynā fīhā rawāsiya — and We planted therein firm mountains — like pegs in the earth. Wa-anbatnā fīhā — and We caused to grow in it. Min kulli zawjin — from every kind of pair — every pair. Bahījin — pleasant, delightful, beautiful, wonderful.

Translation: "And We spread out the earth and planted firm mountains in it — and caused to grow in it things of every lovely pair."

A Bedouin Arab asked as proof of the existence of God — he replied (using an Arabic expression of recognition): "A sign pointing along the path" — that there are traces of footprints which clearly demonstrate to us the existence of a camel. "And a rooster" — a star-crammed sky, "and the vast distances" — and a land with rivers. "Then does not such celestial beauty point to something? A Most Subtle, Most Aware (God)?" He was asked: is this word from the Book? He said no — but he had always recited this in his heart.

تَبْصِرَةً وَذِكْرَىٰ لِكُلِّ عَبْدٍ مُّنِيبٍ

tabṣiratan wa-dhikrā li-kulli ʿabdin munīb.

"A means of insight and a reminder for every servant who turns in repentance." (Qāf 50:8)

Tabṣiratun — (all this exists) to create insight — to show the displays of divine power. Wa-dhikrā — and a reminder, counsel, and a lesson. Li-kulli ʿabdin munībin — for every obedient servant — one who repents and returns — one who constantly returns to Allah.

Translation: "A means of insight and reminder — for every servant who turns ever returning to Allah."

وَنَزَّلْنَا مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً مُّبَارَكًا فَأَنبَتْنَا بِهِ جَنَّاتٍ وَحَبَّ الْحَصِيدِ

wa-nazzalnā mina l-samāʾi māʾan mubārakan fa-anbatnā bihi jannātin wa-ḥabba l-ḥaṣīd.

"And We sent down from the sky blessed water, and caused thereby gardens to grow and the grain of the harvest." (Qāf 50:9)

Wa-nazzalnā mina l-samāʾi — and We sent down from the sky. Māʾan mubārakan — blessed water. Fa-anbatnā bihi — and from it We caused to grow. Jannātin — gardens. Wa-ḥabba l-ḥaṣīdi — and the grain of harvest — the crop — the cultivated grain.

Translation: "And We sent down from the sky blessed water — and from it We caused gardens to grow and cut the grain of the harvest."

وَالنَّخْلَ بَاسِقَاتٍ لَّهَا طَلْعٌ نَّضِيدٌ

wa-l-nakhla bāsiqātin lahā ṭalʿun naḍīd.

"And tall date-palms bearing clustered spathes." (Qāf 50:10)

Wa-l-nakhla bāsiqātin — and the tall, lofty date-palms. Lahā ṭalʿun — having their spathes — their cluster-buds. Naḍīdun — stacked up, layer upon layer — this is their characteristic: very fine, very good, their fruits beautifully layered.

Translation: "And We made the tall lofty date-palm trees with their clustered buds stacked upon one another."

رِّزْقًا لِّلْعِبَادِ وَأَحْيَيْنَا بِهِ بَلْدَةً مَّيْتًا كَذَٰلِكَ الْخُرُوجُ

rizqan li-l-ʿibādi wa-aḥyaynā bihi baldatan maytatan ka-dhālika l-khurūj.

"As provision for the servants — and We revived thereby a dead land. Likewise is the Resurrection." (Qāf 50:11)

Rizqan li-l-ʿibādi — for the sustenance and nourishment of the servants. Wa-aḥyaynā bihi baldatan maytatan — and We revived thereby a dead town — a dead city. Ka-dhālika l-khurūjū — just like this is the emergence — this is how the exit (from the graves) will be.

Translation: "(Why these blessings — water, and the produce?) For the servants to eat and drink. And We revived a dead city with it. Just like this (from the graves) is the emergence."

كَذَّبَتْ قَبْلَهُمْ قَوْمُ نُوحٍ وَأَصْحَابُ الرَّسِّ وَثَمُودُ

kadhdhabat qablahum qawmu nūḥin wa-aṣḥābu l-rassi wa-thamūd.

"Before them the people of Nūḥ denied it, and the companions of the well, and Thamūd." (Qāf 50:12)

Kadhdhabat qablahum — before them they denied it. Qawmu nūḥin — the people of the Prophet Nūḥ (upon him be peace). Wa-aṣḥābu l-rassi — and the companions of the well (the Rass). Wa-thamūdu — and the people of Thamūd who denied it.

Translation: "Before them the people of Nūḥ, the companions of Rass, and the people of Thamūd all denied."

وَعَادٌ وَفِرْعَوْنُ وَإِخْوَانُ لُوطٍ

wa-ʿādun wa-firʿawnu wa-ikhwānu lūṭ.

"And ʿĀd, and Firʿawn, and the brothers of Lūṭ." (Qāf 50:13)

Wa-ʿādun wa-firʿawnu wa-ikhwānu lūṭin — and the people of ʿĀd who denied, and Firʿawn and the brothers of Lūṭ (the people of Lot).

Translation: "And ʿĀd and Firʿawn (denied), and the brothers of Lūṭ (also denied)."

وَأَصْحَابُ الْأَيْكَةِ وَقَوْمُ تُبَّعٍ كُلٌّ كَذَّبَ الرُّسُلَ فَحَقَّ وَعِيدِ

wa-aṣḥābu l-aykati wa-qawmu tubbaʿin kullun kadhdhaba l-rusulu fa-ḥaqqa waʿīd.

"And the companions of the thicket, and the people of Tubbaʿ — each one denied the messengers, and so My threat was fulfilled." (Qāf 50:14)

Wa-aṣḥābu l-aykati — and the companions of the Aykah — the place of the dense jungle. Wa-qawmu tubbaʿin — and the people of Tubbaʿ, the Shuʿayb's people. Kullun kadhdhaba l-rusula — each one denied the messengers. Fa-ḥaqqa waʿīdī — so My threat was realised — My promise of punishment proved true.

Translation: "And the companions of Aykah and the people of Tubbaʿ also denied — all of them denied their messengers — and so My punishment was confirmed upon them (arrived)."

أَفَعَيِينَا بِالْخَلْقِ الْأَوَّلِ بَل هُمْ فِي لَبْسٍ مِّنْ خَلْقٍ جَدِيدٍ

a-fa-ʿayinā bi-l-khalqi l-awwali bal hum fī labsin min khalqin jadīd.

"Were We then exhausted by the first creation? Rather, they are in confusion about a new creation." (Qāf 50:15)

A-fa-ʿayinā — were we then exhausted? Bi-l-khalqi l-awwali — by the first creation? Bal hum fī labsin — but they are in confusion, in doubt. Min khalqin jadīdin — about a new creation — a new coming into being.

Translation: "Were We exhausted by the first creation? — But they are in doubt about creating anew."

Some noble scholars express at this point that the entire world is a state of ever-renewed actuality and freshness — its metaphor is this: it flickers like a lamp, and this entire moment is illuminated. And a lamp flickers like a carbon dioxide gas lamp — burning continuously, keeping people warm — but actually it is a single flame that is self-extinguishing — those whom the scholars call the mithlāl (the similarity) arrive — this flame is always coming from one source and going to another. All these things have nothing truly stable — the divine Names and Divine Self-Manifestations (Tajalliyāt) continuously renew themselves — their truth is ever-present, ever-renewed in every moment.

وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ وَنَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهِ نَفْسُهُ وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ الْوَرِيدِ

wa-la-qad khalaqnā l-insāna wa-naʿlamu mā tuwaswisu bihi nafsuhu wa-naḥnu aqrabu ilayhi min ḥabli l-warīd.

"And We have created man and We know what his soul whispers within him — and We are nearer to him than his jugular vein." (Qāf 50:16)

Wa-la-qad khalaqnā l-insāna — and indeed We created the human being. Wa-naʿlamu — and We know. Mā tuwaswisu bihi nafsuhu — what his nafs (soul) whispers — this is the nafs that creates whispers within the heart. Wa-naḥnu aqrabu ilayhi — and We are nearer to him. Min ḥabli l-warīdi — than the jugular vein — his own jugular vein — that great vein from which the heart pumps.

Translation: "And We created the human being — and We know the whisperings that his nafs makes — and We are nearer to him than his jugular vein."

Esteemed readers! The human being is the centre of the soul — in blood is the subtlety of the soul. This example links the material world to the immaterial world — and it is this certain truth, these immovable names and attributes which are related: everything is something — but there is nothing which can encompass the Divine Self (Dhāt Ilāhī) — the Self is nearer to everything. Intermediaries exist — but for relating to God there is no need of intermediary — therefore regarding the jugular vein — the nearness of Allah to the human being is greater than anything.

إِذْ يَتَلَقَّى الْمُتَلَقِّيَانِ عَنِ الْيَمِينِ وَعَنِ الشِّمَالِ قَعِيدٌ

idh yatalaqqā l-mutalaqqiyāni ʿani l-yamīni wa-ʿani l-shimāli qaʿīd.

"When the two receivers receive — sitting on the right and on the left." (Qāf 50:17)

Idh yatalaqqā l-mutalaqqiyāni — when the two receivers are receiving — two constant companions receiving and writing. ʿAni l-yamīni — on the right side — the right side angel for good deeds. Wa-ʿani l-shimāli qaʿīdun — and sitting on the left is the angel for bad deeds. Qaʿīdun — one who has sat down — the angel has been placed here by whoever placed it to write.

Translation: "When the two receivers are positioned — one is sitting on the right side and the other on the left side."

مَا يَلْفِظُ مِن قَوْلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ

mā yalfiẓu min qawlin illā ladayhi raqībun ʿatīd.

"He utters not a word except that with him is an observer ready." (Qāf 50:18)

Mā yalfiẓu min qawlin — a person does not utter a single word from his mouth — there is no word that he speaks. Illā ladayhi — except that with him is. Raqībun — an observer, a guard. ʿAtīdun — one who is already present, at the ready.

Translation: "No word falls from the mouth of a person except that there is an observer immediately present recording it."

وَجَاءَتْ سَكْرَةُ الْمَوْتِ بِالْحَقِّ ذَٰلِكَ مَا كُنتَ مِنْهُ تَحِيدُ

wa-jāʾat sakratu l-mawti bi-l-ḥaqqi dhālika mā kunta minhu taḥīd.

"And the agony of death comes in truth — that is what you were fleeing from." (Qāf 50:19)

Wa-jāʾat sakratu l-mawti — and the stupor, the agony of death came. Bi-l-ḥaqqi — in truth — with that which is true. Dhālika — that. Mā kunta minhu taḥīdū — is the very thing you were fleeing from — taḥīdu — fleeing, shrinking away from.

Translation: "And the agony of death came in truth — and it is the very thing you were fleeing from."

وَنُفِخَ فِي الصُّورِ ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ الْوَعِيدِ

wa-nufikha fī l-ṣūri dhālika yawmu l-waʿīd.

"And the Trumpet shall be blown — that is the Day of the Threat." (Qāf 50:20)

Wa-nufikha fī l-ṣūri — and the Trumpet will be blown — all will be startled and blown away — it will be blown into. Dhālika yawmu l-waʿīdi — this is the Day of the Threat — the Day of the promise of punishment — this word waʿīd is used.

Translation: "The Trumpet is blown (all are startled and blown away) — this is the Day of the threat (of punishment)."

وَجَاءَتْ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَّعَهَا سَائِقٌ وَشَهِيدٌ

wa-jāʾat kullu nafsin maʿahā sāʾiqun wa-shahīd.

"And every soul shall come — with it a driver and a witness." (Qāf 50:21)

Wa-jāʾat kullu nafsin — and every person on the Day of Resurrection will come. Maʿahā sāʾiqun — with it a driver, one who drives it ahead. Wa-shahīdun — and a witness — one who bears witness, one who states its deeds.

Translation: "And every person shall come — with it a driver and a witness."

لَّقَدْ كُنتَ فِي غَفْلَةٍ مِّنْ هَٰذَا فَكَشَفْنَا عَنكَ غِطَاءَكَ فَبَصَرُكَ الْيَوْمَ حَدِيدٌ

la-qad kunta fī ghiflatin min hādhā fa-kashafnā ʿanka ghiṭāʾaka fa-baṣaruka l-yawma ḥadīd.

"You were indeed heedless of this — now We have removed your veil, and today your sight is sharp." (Qāf 50:22)

La-qad kunta fī ghiflatin — you were truly heedless. Min hādhā — of the coming events of the Day of Resurrection — the scenes about to come. Fa-kashafnā ʿanka ghiṭāʾaka — We have removed your veil. Fa-baṣaruka l-yawma ḥadīdun — and today your sight is sharp — very keen.

Translation: "Indeed you were heedless of this Day — We have removed the veil from your eyes — and today your sight is very sharp."

وَقَالَ قَرِينُهُ هَٰذَا مَا لَدَيَّ عَتِيدٌ

wa-qāla qarīnuhu hādhā mā ladayya ʿatīd.

"And his companion (angel) will say: 'This is what is prepared with me.'" (Qāf 50:23)

Wa-qāla qarīnuhu — and his companion will say — the angel who was always with him as a companion. Hādhā mā ladayya — this is what I have — ʿatīdun — ready, prepared — the deeds, the registers — all that was written day by day.

Translation: "And his companion (the recording angel) will say: 'This is what I have prepared and ready.'"

أَلْقِيَا فِي جَهَنَّمَ كُلَّ كَفَّارٍ عَنِيدٍ

alqiyā fī jahannama kulla kaffārin ʿanīd.

"Cast into Hell every stubborn disbeliever." (Qāf 50:24)

Alqiyā fī jahannama — throw into Hell — two angels take hold by the arms and throw in. Kulla kaffārin — every great disbeliever. ʿAnīdun — extremely stubborn — arrogant — one who stubbornly refuses to submit.

Translation: "Throw every stubborn disbeliever into Hell."

مَّنَّاعٍ لِّلْخَيْرِ مُعْتَدٍ مُّرِيبٍ

mannāʿin li-l-khayri muʿtadin murīb.

"A persistent preventer of good, a transgressor, a doubter." (Qāf 50:25)

Mannāʿin li-l-khayri — who prevented people from doing good excessively — who persistently blocked good — who exceeded limits —

Muʿtadin — transgressor, one who goes beyond limits, self-harming. Murībun — doubter, one who is always in doubt, one who keeps others in doubt and does not trust Allah and the afterlife.

Translation: "One who prevents good — who goes beyond bounds — a doubter."

الَّذِي جَعَلَ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا آخَرَ فَأَلْقِيَاهُ فِي الْعَذَابِ الشَّدِيدِ

alladhī jaʿala maʿa llāhi ilāhan ākhara fa-alqiyāhu fī l-ʿadhābi l-shadīd.

"Who set up another deity alongside Allah — so cast him into the severe punishment." (Qāf 50:26)

Alladhī jaʿala — the one who set up alongside. Maʿa llāhi ilāhan ākhara — a god other than Allah — one who set up another deity besides Allah. Fa-alqiyāhu — so cast him. Fī l-ʿadhābi l-shadīdi — in the severe punishment — in the torment of Hell.

Translation: "Who made another deity besides Allah and set it up — so cast him into the severe punishment."

قَالَ قَرِينُهُ رَبَّنَا مَا أَطْغَيْتُهُ وَلَٰكِن كَانَ فِي ضَلَالٍ بَعِيدٍ

qāla qarīnuhu rabbanā mā aṭghaytahu wa-lākin kāna fī ḍalālin baʿīd.

"His companion will say: 'Our Lord! I did not cause him to transgress — but he was himself in far-reaching error.'" (Qāf 50:27)

Qāla qarīnuhu — his companion (Shayṭān or the accompanying jinn) will say. Rabbanā — our Lord, our Nourisher. Mā aṭghaytahu — I did not drive him into rebellion. Wa-lākin kāna fī ḍalālin baʿīdun — but he was himself in far-reaching deviation.

Translation: "His companion will say: 'Our Lord! I did not incite him to transgression — he was himself in great error.'"

قَالَ لَا تَخْتَصِمُوا لَدَيَّ وَقَدْ قَدَّمْتُ إِلَيْكُم بِالْوَعِيدِ

qāla lā takhtaṣimū ladayya wa-qad qaddamtu ilaykum bi-l-waʿīd.

"Allah will say: 'Do not dispute in My presence — I had already sent you the warning of the threat.'" (Qāf 50:28)

Qāla — Allah Most High will say. Lā takhtaṣimū ladayya — do not quarrel and dispute in My presence. Wa-qad qaddamtu ilaykum bi-l-waʿīdi — I had previously sent the message of threatened punishment to you.

Translation: "Allah will say: 'Do not quarrel before Me — I had already given you the notification of the threat of punishment.'"

Esteemed readers! Allah's warning arrives with a promise — people fall into the error that warning and threat are in place — this word waʿīd (threat) is a serious one. People are mistaken in thinking that warning is of no consequence. These people who know the matter of threat and retribution do not know — Allah Most High gives the time but does not release it — His threat arrives but His mercy is also great and extensive.

مَا يُبَدَّلُ الْقَوْلُ لَدَيَّ وَمَا أَنَا بِظَلَّامٍ لِّلْعَبِيدِ

mā yubaddalu l-qawlu ladayya wa-mā anā bi-ẓallāmin li-l-ʿabīd.

"The word with Me does not change, and I am not unjust to My servants." (Qāf 50:29)

Mā yubaddalu l-qawlu ladayya — My word cannot change — what I have said stays. Wa-mā anā bi-ẓallāmin li-l-ʿabīdi — and I am not unjust at all to My servants — This verse concerns the disbelievers.

Translation: "My word cannot change — and I am in no way unjust to My servants."

يَوْمَ نَقُولُ لِجَهَنَّمَ هَلِ امْتَلَأْتِ وَتَقُولُ هَلْ مِن مَّزِيدٍ

yawma naqūlu li-jahannama hali mtalaʾti wa-taqūlu hal min mazīd.

"On the Day when We shall say to Hell: 'Are you full?' — and it will say: 'Is there more?'" (Qāf 50:30)

Yawma naqūlu li-jahannama — on that Day We shall say to Hell. Hali mtalaʾti — are you filled up? Wa-taqūlu — and Hell will say. Hal min mazīdin — is there anything more? Some and more still.

Translation: "On that Day We shall say to Hell — 'Are you full?' — and it will say: 'Is there still more?'"

وَأُزْلِفَتِ الْجَنَّةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ غَيْرَ بَعِيدٍ

wa-uzlifati l-jannatu li-l-muttaqīna ghayra baʿīd.

"And Paradise shall be brought near to the God-fearing — not far." (Qāf 50:31)

Wa-uzlifati l-jannatu — and Paradise shall be brought near — azlafa — brought near. Li-l-muttaqīna — for the God-fearing, the pious. Ghayra baʿīdin — not far — not at all far.

Translation: "And Paradise will be brought near to the God-fearing — it will not be at any distance from the pious."

هَٰذَا مَا تُوعَدُونَ لِكُلِّ أَوَّابٍ حَفِيظٍ

hādhā mā tūʿadūna li-kulli awwābin ḥafīẓ.

"This is what you were promised — for every one who constantly returns (to Allah) and guards (His limits)." (Qāf 50:32)

Hādhā mā tūʿadūna — this is what was promised to you — the promise that was made to you. Li-kulli awwābin — for every person who returns. Ḥafīẓun — one who preserves the divine commands and protects them — awwābun — turning, repenting — awwāb means returning, repenting to Allah.

Translation: "This is what was promised to you — for every person who constantly returns to Allah, preserves His commands and obeys them."

مَنْ خَشِيَ الرَّحْمَٰنَ بِالْغَيْبِ وَجَاءَ بِقَلْبٍ مُّنِيبٍ

man khashiya l-raḥmāna bi-l-ghaybi wa-jāʾa bi-qalbin munīb.

"Who feared the Most Merciful in the unseen and came with a heart that turns in repentance." (Qāf 50:33)

Man khashiya l-raḥmāna — one who feared the Most Merciful Allah — who has awe and reverence in the heart. Bi-l-ghaybi — in the unseen — without seeing. Wa-jāʾa bi-qalbin munībin — and who came with a heart turned and returning. Qalbin munībin — heart returning to Allah, inabat — the heart returning to the divine court.

Translation: "One who fears the Merciful Lord unseen — and arrives with a heart turned ever towards Allah."

…turning towards Him and maintaining constant inabat.

ادْخُلُوهَا بِسَلَامٍ ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ الْخُلُودِ

udkhulūhā bi-salāmin dhālika yawmu l-khulūd.

"Enter it in peace — that is the Day of Eternity." (Qāf 50:34)

Udkhulūhā bi-salāmin — enter Paradise with peace and tranquillity. Dhālika yawmu l-khulūdi — this is the Day of eternal abode — this day is for eternal dwelling. No one will ever be expelled from Paradise.

Translation: "Enter Paradise with peace — today you will receive the eternal dwelling (and from Paradise no one will ever be expelled)."

لَهُم مَّا يَشَاءُونَ فِيهَا وَلَدَيْنَا مَزِيدٌ

lahum mā yashāʾūna fīhā wa-ladaynā mazīd.

"For them therein is whatever they will — and with Us there is yet more." (Qāf 50:35)

Lahum mā yashāʾūna fīhā — for them is whatever they desire in Paradise. Wa-ladaynā mazīdun — and with Us there is still more and over. Allah gives in Paradise from His bounty and generosity beyond even the record of deeds — He replaces name by name, deed by deed. And all this is from Allah's grace — wa-ladaynā mazīdun means the Divine Vision (ruʾyat Allāh). One of our noble elders had a dream — a certain pious great one is asked: these people are in their garden sitting in comfort. Before them is a gentle hill — the Divine Almighty is in front of them, then beyond that one hill further — wa-ladaynā mazīdun means this — the vision of Allah. The best reward in Paradise is the Divine Vision — in this world the curtain of divine nearness is always behind the veil — in the hereafter it will be without veil. Allah Most High's habit is that He mentions the good among the bad — allāhu yadhkuruhum maʿa l-akhyāri — the good and the pious He always mentions together.

Translation: "For them therein is everything they wish — and with Us there is yet more. It is Allah Most High's grace to always mention the good ones (with reference to the righteous)."

وَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا قَبْلَهُم مِّن قَرْنٍ هُمْ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُم بَطْشًا فَنَقَّبُوا فِي الْبِلَادِ هَلْ مِن مَّحِيصٍ

wa-kam ahlaknā qablahum min qarnin hum ashaddu minhum baṭshan fa-naqqabū fī l-bilādi hal min maḥīṣ.

"And how many generations before them We destroyed — they were mightier than them in power — yet they searched through the lands: was there any escape?" (Qāf 50:36)

Wa-kam ahlaknā — and We have destroyed how many. Qablahum — before them. Min qarnin — from among generations, groups. Hum ashaddu minhum baṭshan — they who were far more powerful than those people in force. Fa-naqqabū fī l-bilādi — then they searched and probed through all the cities. Hal min maḥīṣin — was there any escape?

Translation: "And We destroyed so many generations before them — those who were more powerful than these. They searched through all the cities — but was there any place of escape?"

إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَذِكْرَىٰ لِمَن كَانَ لَهُ قَلْبٌ أَوْ أَلْقَى السَّمْعَ وَهُوَ شَهِيدٌ

inna fī dhālika la-dhikrā li-man kāna lahu qalbun aw alqā l-samʿa wa-huwa shahīd.

"Indeed in this there is a reminder for whoever has a heart, or lends an ear while being present in mind." (Qāf 50:37)

Inna fī dhālika — indeed in this there is. La-dhikrā — certainly a reminder, a lesson. Li-man kāna lahu qalbun — for whoever has a heart within his chest — an attentive heart. Aw alqā l-samʿa — or who lends his ear — listened as well. Wa-huwa shahīdun — and he is present — with mind present.

Translation: "Indeed there is a reminder in this (for whoever?) for whoever has a heart within his chest and is present, and whoever listens and is present in mind."

وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا فِي سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ وَمَا مَسَّنَا مِن لُّغُوبٍ

wa-la-qad khalaqnā l-samāwāti wa-l-arḍa wa-mā baynahumā fī sittati ayyāmin wa-mā massanā min lughūb.

"And We certainly created the heavens and the earth and what is between them in six days — and no weariness touched Us." (Qāf 50:38)

Wa-la-qad khalaqnā — We created. Al-samāwāti wa-l-arḍa — the heavens and the earth. Wa-mā baynahumā — and all things between them. Fī sittati ayyāmin — in six days — in a period of six periods, six days. Wa-mā massanā min lughūbin — and no weariness touched Us — We never became tired.

Translation: "We created the heavens and the earth and all between them — We created them all in a period of six days — and no weariness or fatigue touched Us."

فَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ الْغُرُوبِ

fa-ṣbir ʿalā mā yaqūlūna wa-sabbiḥ bi-ḥamdi rabbika qabla ṭulūʿi l-shamsi wa-qabla l-ghurūb.

"So be patient over what they say, and glorify with praise of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting." (Qāf 50:39)

Fa-ṣbir ʿalā mā yaqūlūna — therefore be patient over what they say — whatever they say, be steadfast. Wa-sabbiḥ bi-ḥamdi rabbika — and glorify your Lord with praise — recite the tasbiḥ of your Lord. Qabla ṭulūʿi l-shamsi — before the rising of the sun — that is, Fajr prayer — the morning prayer. Wa-qabla l-ghurūbi — and before the setting of the sun — the ʿAṣr prayer.

Translation: "Therefore be patient over their sayings (and carry on your own work) — offer tasbīḥ and praise of your Lord — the ṣalāh before sunrise (Fajr and ʿAṣr) and before the setting of the sun."

وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْهُ وَأَدْبَارَ السُّجُودِ

wa-mina l-layli fa-sabbiḥhu wa-adbāra l-sujūd.

"And glorify Him during part of the night and after the prayers." (Qāf 50:40)

Wa-mina l-layli — and in the hours of the night. Fa-sabbiḥhu — glorify Him — Maghrib and ʿIshāʾ prayers. Wa-adbāra l-sujūdi — and after the prostrations (that is, after prayers). A Hadīth states: thirty-three (33) times subḥān allāh after prayers, thirty-three (33) times al-ḥamdu li-llāh, and thirty-four (34) times Allāhu akbar — Sayyidah Fāṭimah (may Allah be pleased with her) was instructed to recite this by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Translation: "And during the night too perform tasbīḥ (Maghrib and ʿIshāʾ prayers) — and after the prostrations (after prayers) perform tasbīḥ and ḥamd."

وَاسْتَمِعْ يَوْمَ يُنَادِ الْمُنَادِ مِن مَّكَانٍ قَرِيبٍ

wa-stamiʿ yawma yunādi l-munādi min makānin qarīb.

"And listen on the Day when the caller calls from a near place." (Qāf 50:41)

Wa-stamiʿ — and listen, give ear. Yawma yunādi l-munādi — on the Day when the caller calls — the trumpet-blast angel on that Day of Resurrection will call out. Min makānin qarībin — from a near place — it will be very close — the voice will come from very nearby.

Translation: "And listen — on that Day a caller will call — and the calling voice will be from very nearby."

يَوْمَ يَسْمَعُونَ الصَّيْحَةَ بِالْحَقِّ ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمُ الْخُرُوجِ

yawma yasmaʿūna l-ṣayḥata bi-l-ḥaqqi dhālika yawmu l-khurūj.

"On the Day when they hear the Shout in truth — that is the Day of Emergence." (Qāf 50:42)

Yawma yasmaʿūna l-ṣayḥata — on the Day they hear the great shout. Bi-l-ḥaqqi — in truth, for certain. Dhālika yawmu l-khurūji — this is the Day of Emergence — the Day of coming out from the graves.

Translation: "On that Day, people will certainly hear the great shout — this is the Day of Emergence (coming out from the graves)."

إِنَّا نَحْنُ نُحْيِي وَنُمِيتُ وَإِلَيْنَا الْمَصِيرُ

innā naḥnu nuḥyī wa-numītu wa-ilaynā l-maṣīr.

"Indeed, it is We who give life and We who cause death — and to Us is the return." (Qāf 50:43)

Innā naḥnu nuḥyī wa-numītu — it is We who grant life and death — We also make alive and also cause death. Wa-ilaynā l-maṣīru — and to Our side is the return of everything — to come back to Us.

Translation: "Indeed We are the ones who grant life and death — and the return of everything is to Us."

يَوْمَ تَشَقَّقُ الْأَرْضُ عَنْهُمْ سِرَاعًا ذَٰلِكَ حَشْرٌ عَلَيْنَا يَسِيرٌ

yawma tashaqqaqu l-arḍu ʿanhum sirāʿan dhālika ḥashrun ʿalaynā yasīr.

"On the Day when the earth splits open from above them — they rush forth — that is a gathering easy for Us." (Qāf 50:44)

Yawma tashaqqaqu l-arḍu ʿanhum — on the Day when the earth will split open above them — the earth will split and open from below. Sirāʿan — and they run, rushing, running with alarm and anxiety. Dhālika ḥashrun ʿalaynā yasīrun — that gathering (bringing together) is easy for Us.

Translation: "On the Day when the earth splits open — they run from it hurriedly — this gathering (ḥashr) is easy for Us."

نَحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَقُولُونَ وَمَا أَنتَ عَلَيْهِم بِجَبَّارٍ فَذَكِّرْ بِالْقُرْآنِ مَن يَخَافُ وَعِيدِ

naḥnu aʿlamu bi-mā yaqūlūna wa-mā anta ʿalayhim bi-jabbārin fa-dhakkir bi-l-qurʾāni man yakhāfu waʿīd.

"We know well what they say — and you are not a compeller over them. So remind with the Qurʾān whoever fears My threat." (Qāf 50:45)

Naḥnu aʿlamu bi-mā yaqūlūna — We know well what things they say. Wa-mā anta ʿalayhim bi-jabbārin — and you are not a compeller over them — not someone who forces people to obey. Fa-dhakkir bi-l-qurʾāni — so remind with the Qurʾān — make them aware, give counsel. Man yakhāfu waʿīdī — the one who fears My threat, My warning — the one who is frightened of My punishment — he takes counsel and accepts it.

Translation: "We know well what they say — and you cannot force them — therefore remind through the Qurʾān those who fear My warning."