English - Chapter 16 - An-Nahl

Allah´s decree is here! But do not scramble towards it! Exalted is He! Far above all those they associate with Him

He sends the angels, and through them reveals His command to His servant _ whomever He chooses _ that there is no god except Me! So, fear Me

He created the heavens and the earth with a purpose. He is far above all (false gods) they associate with Him

He created man from a drop of fluid. Yet, man is now hostile and argumentative

He created the cattle for you! Warmth and other benefits in them exist for you; you also eat their meat

In your cattle, you have a sense of an aesthetic grace; you herd them home at sundown; at dawn you bring them out to graze

They carry your burden from town to town, something you could not otherwise do except with the greatest of effort. Indeed, your Lord is the most Gracious and the most Merciful

The horse, the mule and the donkey are adornments, and also for you to ride. He creates other things about which you do not even know

The straight path leads to Allah. Other ways deviate from it. Had Allah willed, He could have guided them all (to the straight path)

He is the One Who sends rain down from the sky. That water you drink, and it grows trees from which you secure forage

With that (water) He grows crops for you; and orchards of olives, dates and grapes and all kinds of fruit. Surely, there are signs in it for a people that ponder

For you He tamed the night and the day, as well as the sun and the moon! And by His command the stars are brought under control. Surely, there are signs in it for those who think

(He created) many things of different kinds for you and dispersed them in the land. There are signs in it for any nation that pays attention

He is the One Who subdued the sea, so that you acquire fresh meat (seafood) to eat, and extract pearls to wear. And you find ships ploughing through it. Thus you seek His blessings! So that you may be grateful

He pitched mountains on the earth _ lest it sways; and He cut rivers and paths on it, so that you may find your way

(There are) many indications! They make use of the stars, too, to navigate

So then, can the One Who creates be equal to the one who does not? Do you, then, not pay attention

If you count the blessings of Allah, you can never enumerate them all! Undoubtedly Allah is Forgiving, the most Merciful

Allah knows whatever you conceal, and whatever you reveal

The others they pray to, besides Allah, create nothing. Rather, they are themselves created

They are lifeless, not alive! They have no idea when they will be resurrected

Your God is only One God. Those who do not believe in the life-to-come are arrogant. Their hearts are steeped in denial

No doubt at all! Allah knows what they conceal, and what they reveal! He certainly, does not like the arrogant ones

When asked, ´What did your Lord reveal?´ they say, "(These are) tales of those gone by

On the Day of Judgment, they shall carry the entire load of their own sins, as well as the sins of others __ the ones they led astray without knowing. Beware! Very heavy, indeed, is the burden they carry

Before them, too, people tried deception and trickery. Allah finished off their edifice from its very foundation. The roof caved in upon them. Punishment came to them from where they least expected

He will disgrace them on the Day of Judgment and will say to them, "Now, where are the ones you had appointed as My partners? On their behalf, you used to argue! And those with knowledge will cry out, "Surely, today, only shame and disgrace are for the unbelievers

The angels shall proceed to seize their souls. They __ those who had harmed themselves __ will attempt to strike peace, and will say, "We were not doing anything evil!" .... (Really)? .... "Of course, you were! Allah knows very well what you used to do

Now, enter hell through its gates, to live there forever!" Surely, wretched is the abode for the haughty

And when the righteous are asked, "What has your Lord revealed?" They say, "Excellent!" For those who do good deeds, there are advantages in this life and their abode in the life-to-come is far superior! What an exquisite home exists for the pious

An eternal paradise! Rivers run right through it! There, anything they desire shall be theirs. That is how Allah rewards the pious

The angels will take possession of their souls in a state of purity and will say to them, "Peace upon you! Enter the paradise as a reward for what you used to do

Are they (evildoers) waiting for the angels to visit them? Or for Allah´s decree to come crashing down on them? Other folks before them did just that! Allah did not victimize them wrongfully. Rather, they used to treat their own selves unjustly

The evil of their own deeds struck them down. Their acts of ridiculing and mocking (the truth) engulfed them

Those guilty of ´shirk´ (ascribing partners to Allah) said, "Unless Allah had so willed, we would not worship anyone else besides Him. Nor would our ancestors. We could not have sanctified anything else other than Him." Those others before them said that too! Is there any (obligation) upon the messengers, except to convey the message distinctly

Surely We raised into every people, messengers who exhorted them to worship Allah and to avoid false gods. Among the people were those whom Allah guided, while waywardness became the lot of others. Move about in the land and observe the demise of those who denied

You may desire guidance for them, but Allah does not show the way to anyone He has already led astray. They have no allies

They swear by Allah a lot, claiming emphatically that Allah will not bring the dead back to life. On the contrary, though most people do not understand, this is the promise incumbent upon Him

(Allah will fulfill His promise) in order to clarify the matter for those who dispute, and so that the unbelievers would realize that, for sure, they are the liars

Indeed, when We intend for anything to happen, We need only to express and say to it, ´Be´ and it happens

Allah will provide nicer homes to those who __ because they are oppressed for the sake of Allah __ leave their homes and emigrate. This (He will do) in this life, and the reward in the afterlife is far superior! If only they realize

(It is for) those who are patient, and place their trust in their Lord

Prior to you, too, We appointed men and sent revelations to them. If you do not know, ask the people of the scriptures

(We sent) clear proofs and the scriptures. Now, We have sent you this reminder (Qur´an) so that you may demonstrate the revelations to them. Perhaps they may reflect and ponder

While playing their dirty tricks, do they not worry that Allah might make the ground swallow them, or that the punishment may pounce on them from an unexpected source

And grab them while they are bustling with activity? They cannot thwart (Allah´s designs)

Or seize them first with terror, then grab them as they dread? Yet, your Lord is most Forgiving and most Beneficent, indeed

Do they not observe all the things Allah has created? Their shadows shift from right to left, falling prostrate before Allah, and recognizing their meagerness and infirmity

All those in the heavens and the earth __ angels and animals, alike __ fall prostrate before Allah! They are not arrogant

They fear their Lord above, and they carry out their orders

And Allah proclaimed, "Do not accept two gods! Indeed, He is the only One God! So fear Me alone

Everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him. This is the permanent lasting religion! Will they then, fear those other than Allah

Every benefit you enjoy is from Allah, and when a calamity befalls, you implore Him

And when He eases your distress, a group among you commits ´shirk´ (associates partners with Allah)

For the blessings of Allah they show ingratitude. So, have fun! Soon, you will know (your folly)

Out of the bounties Allah has provided, they allot a portion for those, about whom they know nothing! (I swear) by Allah! They will very definitely be asked about the lies they invent

For Allah they imagine daughters. Exalted is He! And for themselves (sons), which they prefer

Just break the good news of a daughter to any one of them. His face darkens with dismay, and he struggles to hide (his feelings)

He hides this fact from his people and wonders, "Should he bear the shame in public? Or perhaps he should bury (the infant girl) in the ground?" Evil is what they decide

Wicked are the attributes of those who do not believe in the afterlife. Allah´s attributes are sublime! He is the Powerful, the Wisest

If Allah were to punish people for (all) their evil deeds (in this life), no one would be left with any life (on this planet). But, for a determined time, He has postponed the final judgment. Once that time comes, no stay shall be allowed __ not even for an hour

To Allah they assign that which they despise for themselves. They utter lies, that theirs would be all the good things. No doubt at all! Fire is for them, and they will enter it ahead of all others

By Allah, surely, We also sent messengers to the nations before you (Oh Mohammed, SAW). Shaitan, however, made their deeds appear adorable to them. Today too, he is their friend and theirs is the painful punishment

We revealed this Book to you so that you may resolve their disputes. (It is) a guidance and mercy for any nation that believes

Allah sends rain down from the sky. With that (water), He brings the dead barren land back to life. Surely, there is a sign in it for any nation that listens

Surely, there exists a lesson for you in the cattle. We bring out _ from between the dung and the blood _ pure milk, a tasty soothing drink

And from the dates and grapes, you extract wine as well as healthy nourishment. Surely, there is a sign in it for any nation that thinks

And your Lord inspired the bee to build its hive on the hills and the trees, and on the rooftops of buildings

And (He inspired the bee) to suck the nectar of all kinds of fruit, and follow the smooth path laid down by your Lord. Extracts of varying colors, having medicinal properties for people, ooze out from its body. Surely, there is a sign in it for any nation that ponders

Allah created you and He will give you death. Some of you live to a feeble old age, so that once again you forget those few things you learn in life! Surely, Allah is the Knower and really Proficient

And Allah has excelled some of you over others in wealth. Those given preferences do not hand over their riches to their slaves, letting their slaves rise to a status equal to theirs. Yet they fail to acknowledge the blessings of Allah

And Allah provided you spouses from your own kind, and through them He granted you children and grand children. He gave you good clean means of living! Yet, they believe the absurd and show ingratitude for the blessings of Allah

And they worship others besides Allah __ those who do not provide any subsistence from the heavens or the earth. Nor do they have any such power

Therefore, do not try to teach Allah! Surely, Allah knows it (all), while you know nothing (at all)

Allah quotes the example of a bonded slave who does not own a thing. To another, We have granted enough riches, and he spends his wealth, openly and in secret. Can the two be equal? (Of course not)! All praise is for Allah! But most people do not know

Allah quotes another example, that of the two men. One is deaf and dumb, has no ability and is nothing but a liability for his master. He fails every task he is asked to perform. Can he be compared to the man who manages his affairs with fairness, and is on the straight path

The mysteries of the heavens and the earth belong to Allah, and the hour (of Judgment) will come about in a blink of an eye, even less than that. Surely, Allah has power over all things

Allah brings you out of your mother´s womb, devoid of any knowledge! He gives you the faculties of hearing and sight, and He gives you the heart! Perhaps you will be thankful

Have they not observed the birds? Freely they glide in the sky! No one holds them there except Allah! Surely, there are signs in it for a nation that believes

Allah provided houses for you to rest and stay in peace, and from the hides of cattle He brought about for you the tents (temporary abodes). You find it light as you pitch it to stay, and as you pack it to travel. From the wool, fur and the hair of cattle, He brought about furnishings and other benefits for you __ all for a while

Allah brought about shelters and protection for you out of what He created. He provides you refuge in the mountains (caves), the garments to shield you from heat, and the shirts to shield you from injury (during combat). Thus, He made His blessings complete upon you! Perhaps, you would bow in obedience

Of course, in case they ignore and turn away, your obligation is to convey the message in clear and precise terms

They recognize the blessings of Allah, and yet renounce them! Most of them are unbelievers

On that day, out of every nation We will call out a witness to testify against them. The unbelievers, then, will neither be allowed to offer excuses, nor urged to seek forgiveness

They will witness their inevitable torture! Their sentence will not be lightened! Nor shall they have a respite

Those guilty of ascribing partners to Allah, will spot those partners (on the Day of Judgment) and will cry out, "Oh our Lord, these are the ones we used to worship besides You!" In response, they will retort, "You are liars

On that day, they will extend an offer of peace towards Allah. The lies they used to invent will fritter away

There are those who refuse to believe, and also place obstacles on the path of Allah. Because of their treachery, We will augment their agony by enhancing their punishment

That day, against each nation We will summon one of their own as a witness, and (Oh Mohammed, SAW) against these people We will bring you out to testify. We have granted you this book, which explains everything. It is the guidance, the mercy and glad tidings for those who submit

Indeed, Allah orders you to be fair and magnanimous, and to show kindness to the kinsfolk! He forbids immoral deeds, detestable acts and fornication. He counsels you; perhaps you will heed

And if you undertake a pledge with Allah, live up to it. Do not break your vows once you have affirmed them and have invoked Allah as your guarantor! Allah knows what you do

Do not be like the woman who spun her yarn into fine thread and then shredded it to pieces. You employ your oaths as mere ploys, so that your nation gains superiority over all others. In fact, Allah tests you with it! On the Day of Judgment, He will disclose to you all that you used to dispute

Had Allah wished, He would have created you all as a single nation. But He guides or leads astray whomever He pleases. And you would very definitely be interrogated regarding everything you used to do

And do not employ your oaths as ploys, lest you stumble again just as you are becoming steady on your feet. If you prevent people from the path of Allah, you will experience a calamity and a terrible punishment

And do not trade away your covenant with Allah for a mere pittance. That which is with Allah is better for you, if you only know

What you have does not last, while that which is with Allah is eternal. We will most certainly reward those who persevere __ a reward commensurate with the best of their deeds

We will let those who do good deeds __ men or women, provided they believe __ have a wholesome life in this world. And We will surely, reward them in keeping with the best of their deeds

So, before you recite the Qur´an, seek refuge with Allah from Shaitan, the cursed one

He (Shaitan) certainly does not hold sway over anyone who believes and reposes his trust in Allah

In fact, he exerts his power over those who befriend him and ascribe him to be a partner

And when We bring a verse in place of another __ Allah knows best what He reveals __ they say, "Surely, you have made it up." Most of them in fact do not understand

Say, "The Holy Spirit (Angel Gibra´eel) brings the absolute truth from your Lord, in order to consolidate those who believe. It is the guidance and the glad tiding for the obedient

And surely, We know what they allege! That a man has taught him (Mohammed, SAW)! The language of the one they allude to, however, is not Arabic, while this (Qur´an) is in precise and perfect Arabic

Surely, Allah does not guide those who refuse to believe in the verses of Allah. For them, there is the painful punishment

Surely, the unbelievers fabricate lies __ those who do not believe in the verses of Allah. They, indeed, are the liars

The one who denies after having first believed __ not the one who is coerced (into unbelief) while his heart is firm on belief, but rather the one who rejects with the full approval of his heart __ earns the wrath of Allah. For him, there is a tremendous punishment

Because they prefer the life of this world to that of the afterlife! Allah does not guide the nation of unbelievers

Allah has sealed off their hearts, their hearing and their sight. They are careless and neglectful

No doubt at all! They will be the losers in the life-to-come

Surely, your Lord is the most Forgiving and the most Merciful for those who, having been tortured (for the sake of Allah), emigrate and continue to struggle and persevere patiently

That day, every soul will arrive squabbling about itself, and each will receive in full the result of its action. Not a soul will be treated unjustly

Allah cites the example of a peaceful and tranquil town. It enjoyed abundance and opulence. Its provisions came to it from every source. But its inhabitants showed ingratitude towards the blessings of Allah. So, as a result of their deeds, Allah wrapped them in famine and fear

Indeed, a messenger __ from amongst their own people __ had already come to them. But they called him a liar! So the punishment grabbed them. They were evildoers

Eat the allowable wholesome food Allah has provided, and show gratitude for the blessings of Allah __ if you in fact, worship Him exclusively

Dead animal, blood and swine-flesh are what Allah has forbidden for you, and also the offerings made to deities other than Allah. But if someone (eats because he) is forced by dire necessity __ not out of desire or habit __ then, surely Allah is the most Forgiving and the most Kind

You concoct lies about Allah! You blurt out and falsely claim some things to be permissible, others not! Those who fabricate lies about Allah will never prosper

(After this) brief enjoyment, theirs is the painful punishment

And for those who became Jews, We prescribed what We have described to you earlier. We did not oppress them. Rather, they used to treat their own selves unjustly

There are those who commit wrongful acts out of foolish ignorance, but later repent and make amends. Surely, for them your Lord is the most Forgiving and the most Kind

And Ibraheem was a nation (all by himself), obedient to Allah and a true believer. He was not an idolater

He was grateful for the blessings. (Allah) chose him and led him to the straight path

In this world, We gave him the bounties, and surely, in the afterlife, he will be amongst the righteous

Then, We revealed to you to follow the nation of Ibraheem, the true believer. He was not an idolater

The Sabbath was something made obligatory upon those who quarreled about it. On the Day of Judgment your Lord will definitely decide and settle all matters in which they now differ

Call them towards the path of your Lord with wisdom and right advice, and debate with them amicably. Surely, your Lord knows very well who has deviated from His path, just as He knows best who are the well guided

Should you want to retaliate, get even only to the extent you were wronged. But to endure and bear calmly is much better for those who are steadfast

Be patient! The patience, too, comes from Allah! Do not grieve over them! Do not feel uneasy about their deceit

Of course, Allah is on the side of the righteous and the beneficent