They were followed by a curse in this world, as they will be on the Day of Judgment. No doubt! Verily, ‘Ad disbelieved in their Lord. So away with ‘Ad, the people of Hud.
Author: thequran
11:61
And to Thamud [We sent] their brother Salih. He said, “O my people, worship Allah ; you have no deity other than Him. He has produced you from the earth and settled you in it, so ask forgiveness of Him and then repent to Him. Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive.”
Meaning:-
Deity: a god or goddess
11:62
They said: “O Saleh! Till now you were the one in whom we had great expectations! Would you now forbid us the worship of what our forefathers worshipped? Indeed, we strongly doubt that to which you are calling us.”
Meaning:-
Forbid: not allowed; banned.
11:63
He said: “O my people! Tell me, if I have a clear proof from my Lord, and there has come to me a Mercy (Prophethood, etc.) from Him, who then can help me against Allah, if I were to disobey Him? Then you increase me not but in loss.
11:64
And O my people, this is the she-camel of Allah – [she is] to you a sign. So let her feed upon Allah’s earth and do not touch her with harm, or a swift punishment will overtake you!”
11:65
But they killed her, so he warned ˹them˺, “You have ˹only˺ three ˹more˺ days to enjoy life in your homes—this is an unfailing promise!”
11:66
When Our Judgement came to pass, We saved Saleh and those who believed with him, through a special grace from Us, from the disgrace of that Day. Indeed your Lod is All-Strong, All-Mighty.
11:67
A terrible blast overtook the wrongdoers and by the morning they were laying with their faces down in their homes,
Meaning:-
Wrongdoer: a person who behaves illegally or dishonestly; an offender.
11:68
as if they had never flourished there. Beware! Thamud denied their Lord. Gone are the people of Thamud.
11:69
And surely Our messenger-angels came to Abraham with good news ˹of a son˺. They greeted ˹him with˺, “Peace!” And he replied, “Peace ˹be upon you˺!” Then it was not long before he brought ˹them˺ a ˹fat,˺ roasted calf.
Meaning:-
Calf: the young of the domestic cow or other bovine animal.
11:70
And when he saw that their hands did not reach for the food, he became suspicious and fearful of them. They reassured ˹him˺, “Do not be afraid! We are ˹angels˺ sent ˹only˺ against the people of Lot.”
11:71
His wife, who was standing there, laughed when We gave her good news of Allah’s giving her a son Ishaq (Isaac) and after him a grandson Ya’qoob (Jacob).
11:72
She said: “O wonder! (An expression to indicate surprise) Shall I bear a child now when I have become an old woman and my husband has become well advanced in age? This is indeed a strange thing!”
11:73
They said: “Do you wonder at Allah’s decree? May Allah’s mercy and His blessings be upon you, O residents of the household; for He is indeed worthy of all praise, full of all glory.”
11:74
When the fear of Ibrahim was gone as the good news (of his son and grand son) came to him, he began to plead with Us for the people of Lut.
Meaning:-
Plead: make an emotional appeal.
11:75
Truly, Abraham was forbearing, tender-hearted, and ever turning ˹to his Lord˺.
Meaning:-
Forbearing: patient, tolerant, easygoing, lenient, clement, forgiving, understanding.
11:76
˹The angels said,˺ “O Abraham! Plead no more! Your Lord’s decree has already come, and they will certainly be afflicted with a punishment that cannot be averted!”
Meaning:-
Plead: make an emotional appeal.
Afflicted: cause pain or suffering to; affect or trouble, burden.
Avert: to turn away or aside.
11:77
When Our messenger-angels, in the form of beautiful young men, came to Lut, he became upset about them, for he felt helpless to offer them protection against his nation’s many violent homosexual men. He said: “This is a critical day.”
11:78
And ˹the men of˺ his people—who were used to shameful deeds—came to him rushing. He pleaded, “O my people! Here are my daughters ˹for marriage˺—they are pure for you. So fear Allah, and do not humiliate me by disrespecting my guests. Is there not even one good man among you?”
Meaning:-
Plead: make an emotional appeal.
11:79
They argued, “You certainly know that we have no need for your daughters. You already know what we desire!”
11:80
He said: “I wish I had power to suppress you or could find some powerful support.”
Meaning:-
Suppress:forcibly put an end to.
11:81
The angels said, “O Lut! We are the messengers of your Lord. They will not be able to harm you. Now, take your family and get out of this town while yet a part of the night remains – and let none of you turn back – except your wife, who should be left behind. She will face the same fate as they. Their scheduled time of doom is the morning. Is not the morning very close?”
Meaning:-
Fate:destruction, death, or ruin.
Doom: destruction, downfall, ruin, likely to have an unfortunate and inescapable outcome,
11:82
When Our Judgment came to pass, We turned the cities upside down and rained down on them brimstones of baked clay, layer upon layer,
Meaning:-
Brimstones: burning stone.
11:83
marked by your Lord ˹O Prophet˺. And these stones are not far from the ˹pagan˺ wrongdoers!
Meaning:-
Pagan: is a person who worships many gods or who worships nature and the Earth.
Wrongdoer: a person who behaves illegally or dishonestly; an offender.
11:84
To the people of Median We sent their brother Shu’aib. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah, you have no god but Him. Do not give short measure and weight. Although I see you in prosperity today, I fear for you the scourge of a Day that will encircle you.
Meaning:-
Scourge: a whip or lash, especially for the infliction of punishment or torture
11:85
O my people! Give full measure and weight in all fairness. Do not defraud people of their goods and do not spread mischief (corruption) in the land.
11:86
What remains with Allah is better for you if you are true believers, and I am not set up as a guardian over you.”
11:87
They said: “Oh Shu’aib! Does your Salah (prayer) command you that we give up all those deities whom our forefathers worshiped or that we have no right of doing what we like with our own goods? For sure, you are the only gracious and righteous man left in the land!”
Meaning:-
Deity: God; Supreme Being, like a god or goddess, Fake God.
Righteous: (of a person or conduct) morally right or justifiable; virtuous, very good; excellent.
11:88
He said, “O my people! Consider if I stand on a clear proof from my Lord and He has blessed me with a good provision from Him. I do not want to do what I am forbidding you from. I only intend reform to the best of my ability. My success comes only through Allah. In Him I trust and to Him I turn.
Meaning:-
Forbidden: not allowed; banned.
11:89
O my people! Do not let your opposition to me lead you to a fate similar to that of the people of Noah, or Hûd, or Ṣâliḥ. And the people of Lot are not far from you
Meaning:-
Fate:destruction, death, or ruin.
11:90
And ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. Indeed, my Lord is Merciful and Affectionate.”
11:91
They said, “O Shu’ayb, we do not understand much of what you say, and indeed, we consider you among us as weak. And if not for your family, we would have stoned you [to death]; and you are not to us one respected.”
11:92
He said: “O my people! Do you regard my family to be more powerful than Allah, that you have disregarded Him totally as turning your back on Him entirely? Surely my Lord is Fully Aware of what you do.
11:93
O my people! You keep on doing your way, and I shall keep up mine: soon you will find out who receives the disgraceful punishment and who is a liar! Wait if you will; I too am waiting with you!”
11:94
When Our command came, We saved Shu’aib and those who believed with him by a mercy from Us. And the ˹mighty˺ blast overtook the wrongdoers, so they fell lifeless in their homes,
Meaning:-
Wrongdoer: a person who behaves illegally or dishonestly; an offender.
11:95
As if they had never lived there! So away with Madyan (Midian)! As away with Thamud! (All these nations were destroyed).
11:96
And We did certainly send Moses with Our signs and a clear authority
11:97
to Fir’on (Pharaoh) and his chiefs; but they followed the command of Fir’on, and the command of Fir’on was not right.
11:98
He will be in front of his people on the Day of Resurrection, and will bring them down to Hell. How awful will be the place to which they will be brought?
Meaning:-
Awful:: very bad or unpleasant.
11:99
A curse followed them in this life, and a curse will follow them on the Day of Resurrection. What an evil reward for one to receive.
11:100
These are the stories of the nations which We relate to you; of them some have survived and some have ceased to exist.
11:101
We were not unjust to them, but they were unjust to themselves. The deities they invoked beside Allah did not avail them when the judgement of your Lord came to pass; they added nothing to their lot but perdition.
Meaning:-
Deity: God; Supreme Being, like a god or goddess, Fake God.
Perdition: utter destruction or ruin, loss of the soul
11:102
And thus is the seizure of your Lord when He seizes the cities while they are committing wrong. Indeed, His seizure is painful and severe.
Meaning:-
Seizure: capture, takeover, annexation, invasion.
11:103
In fact, there is a sign in this for those who fear the punishment of the hereafter; that is a Day in which mankind will be gathered together and that will be a Day of Testimony.
Meaning:-
Testimony: witness, Eye witness, evidence.
11:104
And We do not delay it except for a limited term.
11:105
When the Day will come, no one shall dare to speak except with His permission. Of them, some will be damned and some will be blessed.
Meaning:-
Damned: those condemned to suffer eternal punishment
11:106
Those who are damned shall be in the fire; in there, they will have only sighs and sobs.
Meaning:-
damned: condemned by God to suffer eternal punishment in hell.
Sigh: to let out one’s breath audibly, as from sorrow, weariness, or relief.
Sob: cry noisily, making loud, convulsive gasps.
11:107
They will dwell therein as long as the heavens and the earth shall last, unless your Lord ordain otherwise; Surely your Lord does what He intends.
Meaning:-
Dwell: to live or stay as a permanent resident; reside.
OrdainL order or decree (something) officially.
11:108
As for those who are blessed, they shall be in paradise. They will dwell therein as long as the heavens and the earth shall last, unless your Lord Ordain otherwise; an award which shall never be taken away.
Meaning:-
Dwell: to live or stay as a permanent resident; reside.
Ordain: order or decree (something) officially.
11:109
Therefore, have no doubt concerning the deities they worship, for they blindly imitate the worship of those deities whom their forefathers used to worship before them; and surely, We shall give them their share of punishment in full without any abatement.
Meaning:-
Deities: God; Supreme Being, like a god or goddess, Fake God.
Imitate: to follow as a pattern, model, or example.
Abatement: the ending, reduction, or lessening of something.
11:110
We certainly gave the Book to Musa (Moses), but differences arose about it; had not a Word gone forth from your Lord, the matter would have been decided between them regarding those differences. It is a fact that they are in suspicious doubt about this,
11:111
And indeed, each [of the believers and disbelievers] – your Lord will fully compensate them for their deeds. Indeed, He is Acquainted with what they do.
Meaning:-
Acquaint: aware
11:112
Therefore, stand firm on the Right Way as you are commanded, together with those who have turned from unbelief to belief in Allah, and do not transgress; surely, He is watching all that you do.
Meaning:-
Transgress: to violate a law, command, moral code, etc.; offend; sin.
11:113
Do not be inclined to those who are unjust, lest you be seized by the fire; and you will not have any protector besides Allah, nor you shall be helped.
Meaning:-
Inclined: that you’re likely to do something, you’re leaning toward doing it, or you do it habitually
11:114
Establish prayer ˹O Prophet˺ at both ends of the day and in the early part of the night. Surely good deeds wipe out evil deeds. That is a reminder for those who remember.
11:115
And be patient, for indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.
11:116
Why were there not among the generations before you, good persons who could forbid the people from making mischief in the land, except a few of those whom We delivered from among them? The wrongdoers, however, pursued the worldly pleasure they were provided, and became confirmed criminals.
Meaning:-
Forbid: not allowed; banned.
Wrongdoer: a person who behaves illegally or dishonestly; an offender.
11:117
And your Lord would not have destroyed the cities unjustly while their people were reformers.
11:118
If your Lord had so willed, He would have certainly made mankind one single nation but that is not what He wants, so they will continue to differ
11:119
except those on whom He has bestowed His mercy; and that very freedom of choice and action is the whole purpose of their creation. That is how the Word of your Lord, that He will fill Hell with jinns and human beings all together, will be fulfilled.
Meaning:-
Bestow: an honor, right, or gift
11:120
And all that We relate to you (O Muhammad) of the stories of the Messengers is in order that We may make strong and firm your heart thereby. And in this (chapter of the Quran) has come to you the truth, as well as an admonition and a reminder for the believers.
Meaning:-
Admonition: to caution, advise, or counsel against something.
11:121
As for those who are unbelievers, say to them: “Do whatever you want, and so shall we.
11:122
Wait if you will! Sure, we too shall wait.”
11:123
Allah Alone has the knowledge of what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and everything shall ultimately return to Him for decision; Therefore, worship Him and put your trust in Him, and your Lord is not unmindful of what you do.
36:1
Ya-Sin. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings.]
36:2
I swear by the Qur’an which is full of Wisdom
36:3
Indeed you, [O Muhammad], are from among the messengers,
36:4
on a Straight Way.
36:5
This Qur’an is revealed by the Almighty, the Merciful.
36:6
So that you may warn a people whose forefathers were not warned, hence they are unaware.
36:7
In fact the Word has been proved true against most of them who are arrogant; so they do not believe.
Meaning:-
Arrogant: a sense of superiority, self-importance, having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or abilities.
36:8
Since they have chosen to neglect Our revelations (Quran) , therefore, We have put yokes round their necks right up to their chins so their heads are raised up,
Meaning:-
Yoke: collar, coupling
36:9
and We have put a barrier in front of them and a barrier behind them, and then We have covered them over so they cannot see.
36:10
It is the same for them whether you warn them or warn them not, they will not believe.
36:11
You can only warn him who follows the Reminder (the Quran), and fears the Most Beneficent (Allah) unseen. Bear you to such one the glad tidings of forgiveness, and a generous reward (i.e. Paradise).
Meaning:-
Tidings: news; information
36:12
Verily We shall give life to the dead, and We record that which they send before and that which they leave behind, and of all things have We taken account in a clear Book (of evidence).
36:13
Narrate to them the example of the people of a certain town to whom the messengers came.
36:14
When We sent to them two Messengers, they belied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: “Verily! We have been sent to you as Messengers.”
36:15
They (people of the town) said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Most Beneficent (Allah) has revealed nothing, you are only telling lies.”
36:16
The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you,
36:17
“And our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message).”
36:18
They (people) said: “For us, we see an evil omen from you, if you cease not, we will surely stone you, and a painful punishment will touch you from us.”
Meaning:-
omen: portent, sign, signal, forewarning, warning, danger sign
36:19
They said: “Your evil omens lies within yourselves. Do you say this because you are being admonished? Indeed you are a nation of transgressors.”
Meaning:-
omen: portent, sign, signal, forewarning, warning, danger sign
Admonish: to caution, advise, or counsel against something.
Transgressors: a person who is actually breaking the law, offend; sin.
36:20
In the meantime a man came running from the remote part of the City and said: “O my people! Follow these messengers.
36:21
Follow the ones who ask no reward of you and are rightly guided.
36:22
“And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned.
36:23
Should I take other gods besides Him? If the Compassionate (Allah) should intend to harm me, their intercession will avail me nothing, nor will they be able to save me.
Meaning:-
Intercession: the action of intervening on behalf of another.
36:24
In that case I shall most surely be in clear error:
36:25
Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me.”
36:26
Consequently they killed that man and it was said to him: “Enter paradise.” He exclaimed: “Would that my people knew that what I know!
36:27
How my Lord has granted me forgiveness and included me among the honored ones.”
36:28
After that We did not send any army against his people from heaven, nor was it necessary to do so.
36:29
It was nothing but a single blast and they all became extinct.
Meaning:-
Extinct: vanished, lost, died out, no longer existing, wiped out, destroyed.
36:30
Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him.
Meaning:-
Alas: an expression of grief, pity, or concern.
Mock: making fun of someone or something in a cruel way, to ridicule by mimicry of action or speech,
36:31
Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them – that they to them will not return?
36:32
While each one of them will be brought before Us on the Day of Judgment.
36:33
The dead land may serve as a sign for them; We give it life and produce from it grain for them, which they eat.
36:34
We also produce from it gardens with date-palms and vines, and We cause springs to gush forth from it.
36:35
So that they may enjoy the fruits thereof. It was not their hands that made all this; should they not then give thanks?
36:36
Glory be to Allah Who created all things in pairs: the plants of the earth, mankind themselves and other living things which they do not know.
36:37
Another sign for them is the night; when We withdraw the daylight from it, and behold they are in darkness.
36:38
The sun runs its course, this course is pre-estimated for it by the Almighty, the All-Knowing.
36:39
As for the moon, We have designed phases for it till it again becomes like an old dry palm branch.
36:40
Neither it is possible for the sun to overtake the moon, nor for the night to outstrip the day: each floats along in its own orbit.
36:41
And a sign for them is that We carried their forefathers in a laden ship [of Nuh (Noah)].
36:42
and similar vessels We have made for them on which they ride.
Meaning:-
Vessel: a ship or large boat.
36:43
If We want, We can drown them; and they will have no helper to save them, nor can they be rescued,
36:44
except through Our mercy and unless We prolong their lives for a while.
36:45
When it is said to them: “Have fear of that which is before you and that which is behind you, so that you may receive mercy,” they pay no heed.
Meaning:-
Heed: pay attention to; take notice of.
36:46
Whenever any sign from the revelations of their Lord comes to them, they turn away from it
36:47
Whenever they are asked: “Spend out of what Allah has given you.” The disbelievers say to the believers: “Should we feed those whom Allah can feed Himself if He so chooses? You are quite obviously in error!”
36:48
Further, they say: “When will this promise of resurrection come to pass, if what you say is true?”
36:49
In fact what they are waiting for is a single blast, which will seize them while they are yet disputing among themselves in their worldly affairs.
36:50
Then neither they will be able to make a will, nor be able to return to their families.
36:51
Then a trumpet shall be blown and, behold, they will rise up from their graves and hasten to their Lord.
36:52
They will say: “Oh, Woe to us! Who has raised us up from our graves? They will be told: “This is what the Compassionate (Allah) had promised and true was the word of the messengers.”
36:53
It will not be but one blast, and at once they are all brought present before Us.
36:54
On that Day no soul will suffer the least injustice and you shall be rewarded according to your deeds.
36:55
Surely, on that Day, the residents of paradise will be busy with their joy;
36:56
They and their wives will be in pleasant shade, reclining on thrones.
Meaning:-
Recline: lean or lie back in a relaxed position with the back supported.
36:57
They will have all kinds of fruit and they will get whatever they call for;
36:58
they will be greeted with the word “Salaam (Peace)” from the Lord of Mercy (Allah).
36:59
While to the sinners He will say: “Get aside today, you criminals!
36:60
Did I not enjoin you, O children of Adam, not to worship Shaitan, who is your open enemy,
36:61
and that you should worship Me which is the Right Way?
36:62
And he (Satan) had already led astray from among you much of creation, so did you not use reason?
Astray: into error, away from the correct path or direction
36:63
This is the hell, of which you were repeatedly warned.
36:64
Now! Enter in it this Day because you persistently rejected the truth.”
36:65
On that Day, We shall seal their mouths while their hands will speak to Us and their feet will bear witness to all their misdeeds.
36:66
If it had been our Will, We could surely have blotted out their eyes; then should they have run about groping for the Path, but how could they have seen?
Meaning:-
Grope: feel about or search blindly or uncertainly with the hands.
36:67
And had it been Our Will, We could have nailed them to the ground, then neither could they move forward nor retrace their steps.
36:68
Those to whom We grant long life, We reverse their nature (making him go back to weakness after strength). Don’t they understand anything from this?
36:69
And We did not give Prophet Muhammad, knowledge of poetry, nor is it befitting for him. It is not but a message and a clear Qur’an
36:70
To warn whoever is alive and justify the word against the disbelievers.
36:71
Do they not see that We have created for them of what Our Hands have created, the cattle, so that they are their owners.
36:72
We have subjected these animals to them, that they may ride on some and eat the flesh of others,
36:73
in them there are other advantages and drinks (milk) for them. Should they not then be grateful?
36:74
Yet they have taken other gods besides Allah hoping to get their help.
36:75
But they do not have the ability to help them yet their worshippers stand like warriors ready to defend them.
36:76
Let not their words grieve you (O Muhammad). Surely We have knowledge of all that they conceal and all that they reveal.
Meaning:-
Conceal: to hide, to keep secret, to prevent or avoid disclosing, keep secret.
36:77
Does man not consider that We created him from a [mere] sperm-drop – then at once he is a clear adversary?
Meaning:-
Adversary: opponent, rival, enemy.
36:78
He starts making comparisons for Us and forgets his own creation. He says: “Who will give life to bones that have been decomposed?”
Meaning:-
Decomposed: (with reference to a dead body or other organic matter) make or become rotten; decay or cause to decay or perish
36:79
Tell them: “He Who has created them for the first time, will give them life again, He is well-versed in every kind of creation.
Meaning:-
Versed: experienced or skilled in; knowledgeable about.
36:80
He Who has made for you the fire (to burn) from the green tree, so that with it you kindle (fire).
36:81
Does He Who has created the heavens and the earth have no power to create the like thereof?” Of course He does! He is the skilful Creator.
36:82
His command is only when He intends a thing that He says to it, “Be,” and it is.
36:83
Glory be to Him in Whose hands is the Kingdom of all things; and to Whom you shall all be brought back.
12:1
Alif-Lam-Ra. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings]. These are the Verses of the Clear Book (the Quran that makes clear the legal and illegal things, legal laws, a guidance and a blessing).
12:2
Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an that you might understand.
12:3
We relate to you the best of stories through this Qur’an by Our revelation to you (O Muhammad), though before this you were one of those who did not know.
12:4
This is the narrative of that time, when Yusuf (Joseph) said to his father: “O my father! In a dream I saw eleven stars, the sun and the moon – I saw them prostrate themselves before me!”
Meaning:-
Prostrate: lying stretched out on the ground with one’s face downward, especially in reverence or submission.
12:5
He replied: “My dear little son! Do not say anything about this dream to your brothers, lest they plot an evil scheme against you; for Shaitan is an open enemy to human beings
12:6
It will happen, as you have seen in your dream, that you will be chosen by your Lord for His work. He will teach you how to interpret dreams, and will perfect His favor upon you and the children of Ya’qoob (Jacob), as He perfected it upon your forefathers Ibrahim (Abraham) and Ishaq (Isaac) before you. Surely your Lord is Knowledgeable, Wise.
12:7
Indeed, in the story of Joseph and his brothers there are lessons for all who ask.
12:8
˹Remember˺ when they said ˹to one another˺, “Surely Joseph and his brother ˹Benjamin˺ are more beloved to our father than we, even though we are a group of so many. 1 Indeed, our father is clearly mistaken.
12:9
Let us kill Yusuf or throw him out to some far-off land so that the attention of our father turns exclusively towards us, after that, we may again become righteous people!”
Meaning:-
Righteous: (of a person or conduct) morally right or justifiable; virtuous, very good; excellent.
12:10
One of them said, “Do not kill Joseph. But if you must do something, throw him into the bottom of a well so perhaps he may be picked up by some travellers.”
12:11
After this meeting, they asked their father: “O our father! Why is it that you do not trust us with Yusuf, though we are his sincere well-wishers?
12:12
Send him with us tomorrow, that he may play and enjoy himself. We shall take good care of him.”
12:13
Their father said: “I will be worried if you take him away, for I fear lest a wolf should eat him up while you are off your guard.”
12:14
They said: “If a wolf could eat him despite our strong group, then surely we would be worthless people!”
12:15
And so, when they took him away and decided to throw him into the bottom of the well, We inspired him (to Yusuf): “˹One day˺ you will remind them of this deed of theirs while they are unaware ˹of who you are˺.”
12:16
And they came to their father at night, weeping.
12:17
They said: “Father! We went off to compete in racing with one another, and left Yusuf by our belongings, and a wolf ate him ! But you will not believe us even though we are telling the truth.”
12:18
As proof they brought his shirt stained with false blood. “No!” He cried, “Your souls have tempted you to evil. I need good patience! Allah Alone can help me bear the loss you are speaking of.”
12:19
And there came some travellers, and they sent their water-boy who let down his bucket into the well. He cried out, “Oh, what a great find! Here is a boy!” And they took him secretly ˹to be sold˺ as merchandise, but Allah is All-Knowing of what they did.
12:20
They (brought him to Egypt and) sold him for a petty price, a few dirhams (silver coins), they had such a low estimation of him.
12:21
The Egyptian who bought Yusuf said to his wife: “Be kind to him. He may prove useful to us, or we may adopt him as a son.” Thus We established Yusuf in the land and arranged to teach him the understanding of affairs. Allah has full power over His affairs; though most people do not know.
12:22
And when he reached maturity, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. This is how We reward the righteous.
Meaning:-
Righteous: (of a person or conduct) morally right or justifiable; virtuous, very good; excellent.
12:23
Now, the lady of the house (his master’s wife) attempted to seduce him. She bolted the doors and said: “Come!” He replied: “May Allah protect me from this! My lord has provided me with good residence. Should I betray his trust? Such wrongdoers shall not prosper.”
Meaning:-
Seduce: to persuade or induce to have sexual intercourse.
Betray: to deceive, misguide, or corrupt:
Wrongdoer: a person who behaves illegally or dishonestly; an offender.
12:24
And she certainly determined [to seduce] him, and he would have inclined to her had he not seen the proof of his Lord. And thus [it was] that We should avert from him evil and immorality. Indeed, he was of Our chosen servants.
Meaning:-
Seduce: attract powerfully, entice into sexual activity.
Immorality: corruption, dishonesty, character, or conduct; wickedness; evilness and sexual misconduct.
12:25
They both rushed to the door. In order to stop him she caught his shirt, and as a result she ripped his shirt from behind. At the door they met her husband. Seeing him she cried: “What punishment does someone who intended evil against your wife deserve except imprisonment or a painful punishment?”
12:26
Yusuf said: “It was she who attempted to seduce me.” At this – one accusing the other – one member of her own family bore witness saying: “If his shirt is ripped from the front, then she is speaking the truth and he is lying.
Meaning:-
Seduce: attract powerfully, entice into sexual activity.
12:27
But if it is ripped from behind, then he is speaking the truth and she is lying.”
12:28
So when he (her husband) saw that Yusuf’s shirt was ripped from behind, he said to her: “It is one of the tricks of you women! Your trick was mighty indeed!
12:29
O Yusuf, say no more about this, and you (O my wife) seek forgiveness for your sins, for you were indeed the wrongdoer.”
Meaning:-
Wrongdoer: a person who behaves illegally or dishonestly; an offender.
12:30
The women of the city began to talk about this incident, saying: “The wife of Al-Aziz has seduced her young slave, for she has fallen madly in love with him. In fact, we see her in manifest error.”
Meaning:-
Seduce: attract powerfully, entice into sexual activity.
Manifest: to make clear or obvious to the eye or mind or the understanding; show plainly
12:31
When she heard about these remarks, she invited them and prepared for them a banquet, and gave each of them a knife. When they were engaged in cutting fruit, she asked Yusuf to come out before them. When they saw him, they were so amazed that they cut their hands and exclaimed spontaneously: “Good Lord! He is no human being; he is but a noble angel.”
Meaning:-
Banquet:The definition of a banquet is an elaborate dinner, usually for the purpose of celebration
exclaimed: cry out suddenly, especially in surprise, anger, or pain.
spontaneously: happening or done in a natural, often sudden way.
12:32
She said, “This is the one for whose love you criticized me! I did try to seduce him but he ˹firmly˺ refused. And if he does not do what I order him to, he will certainly be imprisoned and ˹fully˺ disgraced.”
Meaning:-
Seduce: attract powerfully, entice into sexual activity.
12:33
He prayed, “My Lord! I would rather be in jail than do what they invite me to. And if You do not turn their cunning away from me, I might yield to them and fall into ignorance.”
Meaning:-
Ignorance<: lacking knowledge, information, or awareness about something in particular.
12:34
So his Lord responded to him and averted from him their plan. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing.
Meaning:-
Averted: to turn away or aside: to ward off; prevent:
12:35
Still, even after all the evidence they had seen (of his innocence and the guilt of their women), they thought it proper to send him to prison for a while.
12:36
Two young men also entered the prison along with him. One day one of them said: “I saw in a dream that I was pressing wine.” The other said: “I saw in a dream that I was carrying bread on my head, of which birds were eating.” Tell us the interpretation of these dreams, for we see that you are a man of virtue.
Meaning:-
Pressing Wine: Pressing in winemaking is the process where the juice is extracted from the grapes with the aid of a wine press, by hand, or even by the weight of the grape berries and clusters.
Virtue: behavior showing high moral standards.
12:37
Yusuf replied, “I can even tell you what kind of meal you will be served before you receive it. This ˹knowledge˺ is from what my Lord has taught me. In fact, I have shunned the faith of a people who disbelieve in Allah and deny the Hereafter.
Meaning:-
Shunned: rejected, persistently avoided or ignored.
12:38
I follow the faith of my forefathers Ibrahim (Abraham), Ishaq (Isaac) and Ya’qoob (Jacob). It is not ˹right˺ for us to associate (partners) anything with Allah ˹in worship˺. It is the grace of Allah on us and on mankind (that He has not made us the servants of anyone else other than Himself), yet most of the people are not grateful.
12:39
O my fellow-prisoners! Which is far better: many different lords or Allah—the One, the Supreme?
12:40
Whatever ˹idols˺ you worship instead of Him are mere names which you and your forefathers have invented -a practice Allah has never authorized. It is only Allah Who decides. He has commanded that you worship none but Him. That is the upright faith, but most people do not know.
Meaning:-
Mere: Mere means pure and simple, nothing more and nothing less. If the mere mention of someone’s name makes you happy, then just hearing his name — and that alone — is enough to make you smile.
12:41
“O my fellow-prisoners! (Here is the interpretation of your dreams), one of you will be released and serve wine to your lord (the king of Egypt); and the other will be crucified and the birds will eat from his head. That’s how your cases will be decided concerning which you inquired (that is the answer to your question).”
Meaning:-
Interpretation: act of explaining, reframing, to explain or tell the meaning of, understand action or situation in particular way.
Crucify: put (someone) to death by nailing or binding them to a cross, especially as an ancient punishment.
12:42
Then he said to the one who he thought would be released, he said: “Mention me to your master.” But Shaitan made him forget to mention (Yusuf) to his master, so he remained in the prison a few more years.
12:43
One day the king of Egypt said: “I saw seven fat cows in my dream which were eaten up by seven lean cows, likewise I saw seven green ears of corn and seven others that were dried up. O chiefs! Tell me the meaning of my dream if you can interpret the dreams.”
Meaning:-
Lean: Fatless, lithe, skinny, slender, slim, spare, svelte, thin.
Ear: the part at the top of a plant such as wheat that contains the grain.
Interpret: to explain or tell the meaning of, understand action or situation in particular way.
12:44
They said, “[It is but] a mixture of false dreams, and we are not learned in the interpretation of dreams.”
Meaning:-
Interpretation: act of explaining, reframing, to explain or tell the meaning of, understand action or situation in particular way.
12:45
Thereupon one of the two inmates (prisoner) who was released remembered Yusuf after all that time, and he said: “I will tell you its interpretation; just send me to Yusuf in the prison.”
Meaning:-
Inmate: a person who is confined in a prison.
Interpretation: act of explaining, reframing, to explain or tell the meaning of, understand action or situation in particular way.
12:46
He came to Yusuf in the prison and said: “O Yusuf the truthful one! Tell us the meaning of the dream of seven fat cows which are eaten up by seven lean ones and of seven green ears of corn and seven others dried up: so that I may return to the people and let them know the meaning of this dream.”
Meaning:-
Lean: Fatless, lithe, skinny, slender, slim, spare, svelte, thin.
Ear: the part at the top of a plant such as wheat that contains the grain.
12:47
He replied: “You will cultivate for seven consecutive years. During this time you should leave the corn you reap in the ear, except what may be sufficient for your food.
Meaning:-
Ear: the part at the top of a plant such as wheat that contains the grain.
12:48
Then, after that period, there will come upon you seven hardship years which will eat away all that you had stored except a little which you may have specifically set aside.
Meaning:-
Hardship: something difficult or unpleasant, a condition that is difficult to endure.
12:49
Then will come after that a year in which the people will be given rain and in which they will press [olives and grapes].”
Meaning:-
Press: Squeeze, to extract juice or oil.
12:50
The king said: “Bring this man to me.” When the messenger came to Yusuf, he said: “Go back to your lord and ask him about the case of those women who cut their hands. Indeed my Lord has full knowledge of their snare.”
Meaning:-
Snare: catch or involve by trickery or wile.
12:51
The king questioned those women, saying: “What do you say about the incident when you attempted to seduce Yusuf?” They replied: “God forbid! We know of no evil on his part.” The `Aziz’s wife said: “Now that the truth has come to light, it was I who attempted to seduce him. In fact he is absolutely truthful.”
Meaning:-
Seduce: attract powerfully, entice into sexual activity.
God forbid: a way of saying that you hope something does not happen.
12:52
Yusuf said, “By this inquiry I meant to let him (Al-Aziz) know that I did not betray him in his absence, and that Allah does not bless with His guidance the artful schemes of those who betray their trust.
Meaning:-
Betray: disloyalty, to be unfaithful in guarding, your actions hurt and disappoint them.
Artful: slyly crafty or cunning; deceitful; tricky: artful schemes. skillful or clever in adapting means to ends; ingenious: an artful choice of metaphors and similes.
Schemes: an underhand plot, a plan. (underhand meaning: done in secret)
12:53
And I do not seek to free myself from blame, for indeed the soul is ever inclined to evil, except those shown mercy by my Lord. Surely my Lord is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
Meaning:-
Inclined: having an interest in or a talent for something, wanting to do something or likely to do something.
12:54
The king said: “Bring him to me; I will take him for my special service.” When Yusuf had a talk with the King, he said: “From now on, you have an honorable place with us, and you will enjoy our full confidence.”
12:55
Yusuf said: “Place me over all the resources of the land. Certainly I know how to manage; I have the necessary knowledge.”
12:56
Thus We established Yusuf in the land to live therein in any way he wished. We bestow Our mercy on whom We please and We do not let the reward of good people go to waste.
Meaning:-
Bestow: an honor, right, or gift
12:57
Yet the reward in the hereafter will be even better for those who believe and are righteous.
12:58
Several years later when the famine started and there was no food available outside of Egypt, Yusuf’s brothers came to Egypt for seeking food and entered his office. He recognized them but they did not recognize him.
Meaning:-
Famine: food shortages, scarcity of food; starvation.
Seeking: to go in search, to try to find or discover by searching.
12:59
When he had provided them with their supplies, he demanded, “Bring me your brother on your father’s side. Do you not see that I give full measure and provide the best hospitality?
Meaning:-
Hospitality: Generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests, Generous reception.
12:60
But if you do not bring him to me ˹next time˺, I will have no grain for you, nor will you ever come close to me again.”
12:61
They replied: “We shall certainly try our best to bring him from his father. This we will surely do.”
12:62
Yusuf told his servants to put his brother’s money into their saddlebags secretly so that they should know about it only when they reach their family, so that they may come back again.”
Meaning:-
Saddlebag: each of a pair of bags attached behind the saddle on a horse.
12:63
When Yusuf’s brothers returned to their father, they said: “O our Father! Grain is henceforth denied us unless we take our stepbrother with us; please send our brother with us so that we may get our measure; we take full responsibility for his safety.”
Meaning:-
Henceforth: starting from this time, from this point on.
12:64
He said: “Should I trust you with him as I once trusted you with his brother? Allah is the best protector and He is the Most Merciful of the mercy-givers.”
12:65
When they opened their baggage, they discovered that their money had been returned to them. “O our Father!” They cried with joy, “What more can we ask for? Here is our money returned back to us. We will buy more food for our family, we will take good care of our brother and obtain an extra camel load of grain. This way, it will be easy to add another camel load of grain.”
12:66
Ya’qoob (Jacob) replied: “I will never send him with you until you pledge in the name of Allah that you will surely bring him back to me unless you become helpless.” And when they had given their pledge, he said: “Allah is the Witness over the pledge you made.”
Meaning:-
Pledge: promise, undertaking, vow, word of honor, commitment, oath.
12:67
Then he said; “O my sons! Do not enter the capital city of Egypt through one gate, enter from the different gates. I cannot save you against Allah; this advice is just a precaution, because none can accurately judge except Allah. In Allah I put my trust. And in Allah let the faithful put their trust.”
12:68
When they entered the city as their father had advised them, it did not avail them against the will of Allah. Of course, Ya’qoob did his best to avert the fear he had in his heart. Indeed he possessed the knowledge which We had given him, but most people do not know.
Meaning:-
Avert: to turn away or aside:
12:69
When they entered to Yusuf, he called his brother (Benjamin) alone to himself, and said: “In fact, I am your brother (Yusuf), now you need not grieve at what they have been doing.”
12:70
When Yusuf had provided them with supplies, he put the drinking cup in his brother’s saddlebag. Then a herald cried, “O people of the caravan! You must be thieves!”
Meaning:-
Saddlebag: each of a pair of bags attached behind the saddle on a horse.
Herald: a person who brings news or announces something.
12:71
They turned back and asked: “What have you lost?”
12:72
The royal servants said: “We have lost the King’s drinking cup. (The leader of the royal servants added) and the one who brings it, will be awarded a camel-load of corn, I guarantee it.”
12:73
Yusuf’s brothers said: “By Allah! You should know, by our behavior during our stay here, that we did not come here to make mischief in the land and we are no thieves.”
12:74
The royal servants said: “What should be the punishment of the thief, if you are liars?”
12:75
They said: The penalty for it! He in whose bag (the cup) is found, he is the penalty for it. That is how we punish the wrongdoers.”
Meaning:-
Wrongdoer: a person who behaves illegally or dishonestly; an offender.
12:76
After this Yusuf first began to search the bags of his stepbrothers before the bag of his own brother (Benjamin). Finally he took it out (drinking-cup) of his brother’s bag. That is how We planned an excuse for Yusuf. He could not seize his brother under the King’s law (i.e. the law of Egypt); but Allah willed otherwise. We exalt in ranks whom We please, He is the One Whose knowledge is far greater than the knowledge of all others.
12:77
At this accusation, his brothers remarked: “This is not strange if he has committed a theft – for his brother also committed a theft before him.” Hearing this, Yusuf suppressed his feelings and did not reveal anything to them – he simply whispered to himself: “What a bad people you are! You are accusing me of something, the truth of which Allah knows best.”
12:78
They said: “O noble prince! He (Benjamin) has a very aged father who may not be able to survive without him, so please take one of us instead of him. We see that you are one of those who do good to others.”
12:79
Yusuf replied: “God forbid that we should seize other than the one with whom we found our property: if we did so then indeed we would be unjust.”
Meaning:-
God forbid: a way of saying that you hope something does not happen.
12:80
When they lost all hope in him, they spoke privately. The eldest of them said, “Do you not know that your father had taken a Solemn oath by Allah from you, nor how you failed him regarding Yusuf before? So I am not leaving this land until my father allows me to, or Allah decides for me. For He is the Best of Judges.
Meaning:-
Solemn: sincere, earnest, honest, genuine, firm,
oath: a formal and very serious promise.
12:81
Go back to your father and tell him, “father, your son committed theft. We did not see him stealing, we testify only to what we know. How could we guard against the unforeseen?
Meaning:-
Unforeseen: unpredicted, unexpected, unanticipated, unplanned.
12:82
You may enquire from the people of the city where we lodged and the caravan in which we travelled that we are indeed telling the truth.”
12:83
When they went back and told all this to their father, ” No!” Cried their father, ” Your souls must have tempted you to do something ˹evil˺. So ˹I am left with nothing but˺ beautiful patience! I trust Allah will return them all to me. Surely He ˹alone˺ is the All-Knowing, All-Wise.”
12:84
He turned his face away from them, crying: “How great is my grief for Yusuf!” And his eyes became white with sorrow, and he fell into silent melancholy.
Meaning:-
Melancholy: sadness, sorrow, unhappiness, depression.
12:85
They said: “By Allah! It appears that you will not cease to remember Yusuf until you ruin your health or kill yourself.”
12:86
He said, “I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah , and I know from Allah that which you do not know.
12:87
O my sons! Go and search for Yusuf and his brother. Never give up hope of Allah’s mercy; in fact none despairs of Allah’s mercy except the unbelieving people.”
Meaning:-
Despair: the complete loss or absence of hope.
12:88
When they went back to Egypt and entered Yusuf’s office, they said: “Noble prince! We and our family are in great distress, we have hardly any money, please give us our supplies in full and be charitable to us. Indeed, Allah rewards the charitable.”
Meaning:-
Distress: extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.
12:89
He said: “Do you know what you did with Yusuf (Joseph) and his brother, when you were ignorant?”
Meaning:-
Ignorant: lacking knowledge, information, or awareness about something in particular.
12:90
They replied ˹in shock˺, “Are you really Yusuf?” He said, “I am Yusuf, and here is my brother ˹Benjamin˺! Allah has truly been gracious to us. In fact as for the righteous and patient; Allah really does not let the reward of the righteous be wasted.”
12:91
They admitted, “By Allah! Allah has truly preferred you over us, and we have surely been sinful.”
12:92
Yusuf said: “There is no blame on you today. May Allah forgive you! He is the most Merciful of those who show mercy!
12:93
Go, take this shirt of mine and cast it over the face of my father, he will recover his sight. Then come back to me with all the members of your family.”
12:94
When the caravan started (from Egypt) their father (who was in Ken’an) said: “Certainly I feel the scent of Yusuf, even though you may think I am out of my mind.”
12:95
They replied, “By Allah! You are definitely still in your old delusion.”
Meaning:-
Delusion: an idiosyncratic belief or impression that is firmly maintained despite being contradicted by what is generally accepted as reality.
12:96
But when the bearer of the good news arrived, he cast the shirt of Yusuf over his face and he regained his sight. Then he said: “Didn’t I tell you that I know from Allah what you do not know?”
12:97
They said: “Father! Pray for the forgiveness for our sins. We have indeed done wrong.”
12:98
He replied: “Soon I will ask my Lord for your forgiveness; surely He is the One who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”
12:99
When they entered Yusuf’s presence, he received his parents ˹graciously˺ and said, “Enter Egypt, Allah willing, you will live here in security.”
12:100
After entering the city he helped his parents to seats on the throne, and they all fell down in prostration before him. “This,” said Yusuf to his father, “is the interpretation of my dream which I dreamt long before. My Lord has really made it come true. It was His grace that He took me out of prison, and brought you all from the desert after Satan had ignited rivalry between me and my brothers. For sure my Lord fulfills His plan in mysterious ways. Surely He is the One Who is the Knowledgeable, the Wise.
Meaning:-
Prostrate: lying stretched out on the ground with one’s face downward, especially in reverence or submission.
Ignited: make something start to burn; start a fight or argument.
12:101
O Lord! You have indeed given me a kingdom and taught me the interpretation of dreams. O, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, You are my Protector in this world and in the hereafter, make me die as a Muslim and admit me among the righteous.”
12:102
O Muhammad, this story which We have revealed to you is a tale of the unseen; for you were not there with (the brothers of Yusuf) when they collectively conspired and schemed against him.
Meaning:-
Conspire: make secret plans jointly to commit an unlawful or harmful act.
Scheme: plan, project, plan of action, program, strategy, tactic, game plan,
12:103
And most of the people, although you strive [for it], are not believers.
Meaning:-
Strive: make great efforts to achieve or obtain something.
12:104
even though you are not asking them for a reward for this ˹Quran˺. It is only a reminder to the whole world.
12:105
There are many signs in the heavens and the earth which they pass by; yet they pay no attention to them!
12:106
As a result most of them who believe in Allah also commit shirk.
Meaning:-
shirk (Arabic) : is the sin of practicing idolatry or polytheism, i.e. the deification or worship of anyone or anything other than the singular God i.e. Allah. Literally, it means ascribing or the establishment of “partners” placed beside God.
12:107
Do they feel secure that Allah’s scourge will not fall on them, or that the Hour of Doom will not come upon them suddenly while they do not suspect it?
Meaning:-
Scourge: a whip or lash, especially for the infliction of punishment or torture
Doom: death, destruction, or some other terrible fate.
12:108
Say, “This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight, I and those who follow me. And exalted is Allah ; and I am not of those who associate others with Him.”
Meaning:-
Insight: the power or act of seeing into a situation, the act or result of apprehending the inner nature of things or of seeing intuitively.
Exalted: placed at a high or powerful level; held in high regard.
12:109
All the messengers that We sent before you, O Muhammad, were men, to whom We sent Our Revelations after choosing them from the people of their town. Have these unbelievers not traveled through the land and seen what was the end of those who passed away before them? From their destiny you should know that the home of the hereafter is better for those who are righteous. Why don’t you understand?
Meaning:-
Destiny: what happens in the future : the things that someone or something will experience in the future.
12:110
And when the messengers despaired and their people thought the messengers had been denied help, Our help came to them ˹at last˺. We then saved whoever We willed, and Our punishment is never averted from the wicked people.
Meaning:-
Despaired: loss of hope, feeling of not having any hope left.
Averted: to turn away or aside
Wicked: Evil or morally wrong.
12:111
There is a lesson in these stories of former people for the men of common sense. This story of Yusuf revealed in the Qur’an is not an invented tale, but a confirmation of previous scriptures – a detailed explanation of all things, and is a guidance and blessing for the people who believe.
13:1
Alif-Lam-Mim-Ra [These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings]. These are the Verses of the Book (the Quran), and that which has been revealed unto you (Muhammad) from your Lord is the truth, but most men believe not.
13:2
Allah is the One Who raised the heavens without any pillars that you can see, then firmly established Himself on the throne of authority and subjected the sun and the moon to His law – each one pursuing its course for an appointed time. He regulates all affairs. He has spelled out His revelations so that you may believe in meeting your Lord.
13:3
And He is the One Who spread out the earth and placed firm mountains and rivers upon it, and created fruits of every kind in pairs. He covers the day with night. Certainly in these things there are signs for those who use their common sense.
Meaning:-
Pairs: Males and females, sweet and bitter, etc.
13:4
And on the earth there are ˹different˺ neighbouring tracts, gardens of grapevines, ˹various˺ crops, palm trees—some stemming from the same root, others standing alone. They are all irrigated with the same water, yet We make some taste better than others. Surely in this, there are signs for people who use their common sense.
Meaning:-
Tracts: a system of body parts or organs that act together to perform some function.
irrigated: supply water to (land or crops) to help growth, typically by means of channels.
13:5
Now, if there is anything that feels strange, then strange is their saying: “What! When we will become dust, could we then be raised to a new life again?” They are the people who have denied their Lord, they are the ones who will have yokes around their necks and they are the ones who will be the inmates of hellfire to live therein forever.
Meaning:-
Yoke: collar, coupling, a wooden bar or frame by which two work animals (as oxen) are harnessed at the heads or necks for drawing a plow or load.
Inmate: a person who is confined in a prison,
13:6
They ask you ˹O Prophet˺ to hasten on the evil (Allah’s scourge) rather than the good, although there have been instances of exemplary punishments before them. In fact your Lord is the Lord of Forgiveness to the people, notwithstanding their wrongdoing; and it is also the fact that your Lord is stern in retribution.
Meaning:-
Scourge: to cause great suffering or punishment.
exemplary :serving as a warning, (of a punishment) serving as a warning or deterrent.
Stern: firm, strict, or uncompromising
Retribution: the distribution of rewards and punishments in a future life
13:7
The unbelievers say: “Why is not a sign sent down to him (Muhammad) from his Lord?” You are nothing but a Warner and every nation was assigned a guide.
13:8
Allah knows what every female bears in her womb. He is fully aware of what decrease or increase (miscarriage or a long wait) takes place in the womb. Everything has a due measure with Him.
13:9
He has perfect knowledge of both the seen and the unseen. He is the Great, the Most High.
13:10
It is the same to Him whether any of you speak in secret or aloud, whether anyone hides under the darkness of night or walks about in broad daylight.
13:11
Each person has been assigned guardian angels before him and behind him, who watch him by the command of Allah. The fact is that Allah never changes the condition of a people until they intend to change it themselves. If Allah wants to afflict a people with misfortune, none can ward it off, nor they can find any protector besides Him.
Meaning:-
Afflict: (of a problem or illness) cause pain or suffering to; affect or trouble
13:12
He is the One Who shows you lightning, inspiring ˹you with˺ hope and fear, and brings up heavy clouds (with rain).
Meaning:-
Inspiring: Exciting and makes you feel strongly interested and enthusiastic.
13:13
The thunder glorifies His praises, as do the angels in awe of Him. He is the One Who sends thunderbolts and smites with them whomever He wants. Yet these unbelievers dispute concerning Allah; He is mighty in strength.
Meaning:-
Awe: feeling of respect and amazement that you have when you are faced with something wonderful and often rather frightening.
thunderbolts: a flash of lightning with a simultaneous crash of thunder.
Smite: strike with a firm blow, to strike or hit hard, with or as with the hand, a stick, or other weapon
13:14
Praying to Him (Allah) Alone is the right thing. But those ˹idols˺ the pagans invoke besides Him ˹can˺ never respond to them in any way. They are like a man who stretches forth his hands to the water and asks it to reach his mouth. It cannot reach his mouth this way; likewise the prayer of the unbelievers is nothing but a fruitless effort.
Meaning:-
Idols: an image or representation of a god used as an object of worship.
Pagans: is a person who worships many gods or who worships nature and the Earth.
Invoke: call on (a deity or spirit) in prayer, as a witness, or for inspiration.
13:15
Whatever is in the heavens and the earth do prostrate before Allah Alone willingly or unwillingly, and so do their shadows in the mornings and evenings.
Meaning:-
Prostrate: lying stretched out on the ground with one’s face downward, especially in reverence or submission.
Shadows: I.e., the varying lengths of the shadow projected by any material object depend on the position of the sun in relation to the earth; and since the earth’s rotation around the sun is – as everything else in the universe – an outcome of God’s creative will, the greater length of a shadow in the morning and evening and its contraction towards noon visibly expresses the shadow’s subjection to Him.
13:16
Ask them: “Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth?” If they hesitate to respond, say: “Allah.” Then ask them: “When this is the fact, why do you take other deities, besides Him, who do not control any benefit or harm even to themselves, as your protectors?” Say: “Are the blind and the seeing equal? Or can the darkness and light be equal?” If that is not so, then, have their shoraka’ (other deities they worship) created anything like His creation which has made the matter of creation doubtful for them? Say: “Allah Alone is the Creator of everything and He is the One, the Irresistible.”
Meaning:-
Deity: God; Supreme Being, like a god or goddess, Fake God.
Irresistible: too powerful or convincing to be resisted.
13:17
He sends down water from the skies and each channel starts flowing according to its measure, and then the torrent bears a swelling foam – like the scum which appears from metal which are melted in the furnace for making ornaments and utensils. This is how Allah compares truth to falsehood. As for the scum, it is thrown away, being worthless, but that which is useful for the mankind remains behind on the earth. In this way Allah cites examples to make His message clear.
Meaning:-
Torrent: a strong and fast-moving stream of water or other liquid.
Scum: a layer of unpleasant or unwanted material that has formed on the top of a liquid or body of water
Depicts: to represent by or as if by painting; portray; delineate, characterize in words.
Cites: to mention in support, proof, or confirmation;
13:18
There is an excellent reward for those who respond to the call of their Lord. As for those who do not respond to Him – even if they had all that is in the earth, and as much besides, to offer as a ransom in order to save themselves from punishment, it would be of no use. They are the ones who will have terrible reckoning; their abode will be hell – what an evil resting place.
Meaning:-
Reckoning: the settlement of accounts.
Abode: a place in which a person resides; residence; dwelling; habitation; home.
13:19
How can the one who knows that which has been revealed to you from your Lord is the Truth, be like the one who is blind to this fact? Only those who use their common sense benefit from this reminder.
13:20
They are the ones who fulfill their covenant with Allah and do not break their pledge;
Meaning:-
Covenant: contract, agreement, undertaking, commitment, guarantee, pledge, promise.
Pledge: promise, undertaking, vow, word, word of honor, commitment, oath.
13:21
And those who join that which Allah has ordered to be joined and fear their Lord and are afraid of the evil of [their] account,
13:22
also they are the ones who are patient, seek the pleasure of their Lord, establish Salah (prayer) , spend secretly and openly out of the sustenance which We have provided for them, and repel evil with good – they are the ones for whom there is the home of the hereafter
Meaning:-
Sustenance: food and drink regarded as a source of strength; nourishment.
13:23
Gardens of perpetual residence; they will enter them with whoever were righteous among their fathers, their spouses and their descendants. And the angels will enter upon them from every gate, [saying],
Meaning:-
Perpetual: continuing or enduring forever; everlasting.
13:24
saying: “Peace be upon you for all that you steadfastly endured in the world. Now! How excellent will be the home of the hereafter!”
Meaning:-
Steadfast: fixed in direction, firm in purpose.
Endured: To carry on through, despite hardships; undergo or suffer.
13:25
But those who break Allah’s Covenant after it has been affirmed, break whatever ˹ties˺ Allah has ordered to be maintained, and spread corruption in the land—for them is the curse, and they will have the worst home.
Meaning:-
Covenant: contract, agreement, undertaking, commitment, guarantee, pledge, promise.
13:26
Allah grants the provision to whomsoever He wills abundantly and grants others in strict measure. They rejoice in the life of the world, although compared with the Hereafter, the life of the world is no more than temporary enjoyment.
Meaning:-
Abundantly: in large quantities; plentifully.
Rejoice: feel or show great joy or delight.
13:27
The disbelievers say, “If only a sign could be sent down to him from his Lord.” Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Indeed, Allah leaves to astray whoever He wills, and guides to Himself whoever turns to Him—
Meaning:-
Astray: into error, away from the correct path or direction.
13:28
those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.
13:29
As for those who believe and do good deeds, for them there will be prosperity and a beautiful place of final return.”
13:30
O Muhammad! We have sent you among a nation before whom other nations have passed away; so that you may recite to them Our revelations which We have sent down to you; yet they are rejecting the Compassionate (Allah). Say: “He is my Lord! There is no god but Him. In Him I have put my trust and to Him shall I return.”
13:31
Even if there were a Qur’an that could move mountains, cleft the earth asunder or make the dead speak (do you think the result would have been different?) Surely all things are subject to Allah’s Will. Have not yet the believers been satisfied that if Allah wanted, He would have certainly guided the whole of mankind? As for the unbelievers, the disaster will not cease to afflict them every now and then or strike close to their homes for their misdeeds, until the promise of Allah is fulfilled; surely Allah will not fail His promise.
Meaning:-
Cleft: a split
Asunder: into separate parts; in or into pieces, apart or widely separated:
Afflict: (of a problem or illness) cause pain or suffering to; affect or trouble.
13:32
And indeed (many) Messengers were mocked at before you (O Muhammad), but I granted respite to those who disbelieved, and finally I punished them. Then how (terrible) was My Punishment!
Meaning:-
Mock: to make fun of, to laugh at someone or something and try to make them look stupid by saying unkind things about them
Respite: a period of temporary delay, postpone.
13:33
Then is He who is a maintainer of every soul, [knowing] what it has earned, [like any other]? Yet the pagans have associated others with Allah ˹in worship˺. Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Name them! Or do you ˹mean to˺ inform Him of something He does not know on the earth? Or are these ˹gods˺ just empty words?” In fact, the disbelievers’ falsehood has been made so appealing to them that they have been turned away from the Path. And whoever Allah leaves to astray will be left with no guide.
Meaning:-
Pagans: is a person who worships many gods or who worships nature and the Earth
Falsehood: lie, untruth, fabrication, fairy tale.
Astray: into error, away from the correct path or direction
13:34
For them will be punishment in the life of [this] world, and the punishment of the Hereafter is more severe. And they will not have from Allah any protector.
13:35
The example of Paradise, which the righteous have been promised, is [that] beneath it rivers flow. Its fruit is lasting, and its shade. That is the consequence for the righteous, and the consequence for the disbelievers is the Fire.
Meaning:-
Beneath: below; in or to a lower place, position, underneath
consequence: a result of a particular action, often one that is bad.
13:36
O Prophet, some of those to whom We have given the Book (i.e. the Quran) rejoice at what is revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺, while there are some factions who deny a part of it. Tell them: “I am commanded to worship Allah and to associate none with Him. To Him I invite you and to Him I shall return.”
Meaning:-:-
Faction:-: a group, small group with different opinions.
13:37
With these instructions, We have revealed this commandment in the Arabic language. Now, if you were to follow their desires after ˹all˺ the knowledge that has come to you, there will be none to save you or protect you against the wrath of Allah.
Meaning:-
Wrath extreme anger, great anger that expresses itself in a desire to punish someone.
13:38
We have sent forth other Messengers before you (O Muhammad) and given them wives and children and it was never in the power of a Messenger to show any miracle without the permission of Allah. For each period is a Book (revealed).
13:39
Allah abrogates and confirms what He pleases – with Him is the Master Copy of the Book.
Meaning:-
Abrogate: repeal or to officially revoke, cancel or abolish.
13:40
O Muhammad! Whether We let you see, within your lifetime, a part of what We threaten them with or cause you to die ˹before that˺, your duty is only to deliver ˹the message˺. Judgment is for Us.
13:41
Do they not see that We are gradually reducing the land in their control through curtailing its borders? When Allah commands, there is none to reverse His command and He is swift in taking accountability.
Meaning:-
Curtailing: impose a restriction on. put restrictions on it, or stop it entirely.
13:42
Those unbelievers who have passed before them also devised plots; but Allah is the Master of all planning. He knows the actions of every soul. Soon the unbelievers will come to know who will get the home of paradise in the hereafter.