About the Surah

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

Ha-Meem (Only Allah knows their meanings).

By this Book (the Quran) which makes things clear.

We sent this Quran during the blessed night. (See Surah Al-Qadr:1) We are, indeed, warning (people about their religious gain and loss).

During this nigh,t all important decisions are made (i.e. decisions of one year are handed over to the angels for execution – Tafseer Ibn-Kathir),

As a Command from Us. Indeed, We send the messengers,

By the Mercy of your Creator (so that they explain Our Books to the peo-ple). Indeed, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.

The Creator of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, if you have firm faith.

None has the right to be worshipped but He. He gives life and causes death –  your Creator and the Creator of your forefathers. (Also see Surah Al-Araf:158)

In fact, they play about in doubt (about the above proofs of the Oneness of Allah).

So you wait for that Day when there will be visible smoke in the sky,

Covering the people. This is a painful torment.

(They will say): “Our Creator! Remove this torment from us. We promise to become believers right away!” 

How can advice benefit them? And a messenger has come to them with clear explanations.

Even then they turned away from him [Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] and said: “He is taught (by others), a mad-man!”

We shall, indeed, remove the torment for a short while [e.g. (i) Prophet Mu-hammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) prayed for rain in Mak-kah to get rid of famine there and (ii) told Thomamah () of Yamama to reinstate food grain supply for the people of Makkah]. You will definitely revert to your disbelief.

The Day (i.e. day of Badr) when We shall seize you in a big way. Indeed, We are going to take revenge (from you). 

And, indeed, We tested the people of Firaun before you when they had a noble messenger [Musa )].

(The messenger said): “Hand over to me the slaves of Allah (i.e. the Children of Israel). Indeed, I am an honest messenger sent to you (who doesn’t make any changes in the revelations).”

“And don’t rebel against Allah. Indeed, I have come to you with clear proofs (of my Prophethood).”

“And, indeed, I seek refuge with my Creator and your Creator lest you should stone me (to death).”

“And if you don’t believe me, then just leave me alone (otherwise your crime will become more severe).”

(But they still opposed violent-ly). Hence, Musa ( )said to his Creator: “These are, indeed, criminal people.”

(Allah said:) “So leave this place along with My slaves during the night and, indeed, you will be followed (by your enemies).”

“And leave the sea at rest (or dry). Indeed, (Firaun’s) army is going to be drowned.”

How many gardens and springs have they left behind?

And green fields and lovely places. 

And luxuries of life which they used to enjoy!

Thus (it was)! And We made other people inherit it (i.e. the kingdom of Egypt).

(They were so mean that)  neither the heavens nor the earth wept for them and their punishment was not delayed (so that they could enjoy a few more days of worldly life).

And, indeed, We saved the Children of Israel from a humi-liating torment,

From Firaun. Indeed, he was arrogant and an extreme trans-gressor.

And, indeed, We knowingly chose the Children of Israel above mankind and jinn (of that time).

And We gave them such signs in which there was an obvious trial for them.

 Indeed, thay (Quraish of Makkah) do say: “There is nothing except our first death (in this world) and we shall not be raised again.”

“So bring back our forefathers, if you are truthful (in your claim).”

Are they better or the people of Tubba (from Yemen) and (other nations) which have passed before them? We destroyed them since they were, indeed, criminals.

And We did not create the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them (e.g. plasma), as just a play. (Also see 15:85, 19:65, 20:6, 21:16, 25:59, 29:8, 30:8 and 32:4)

We created them with wisdom, but most of them don’t understand it.

Indeed, the Day of Judgement is a fixed time for all of them.

That Day no friend will be able to benefit another and they will not be given any help. (Also see Surah Al-Muminun:101 and Surah Al-Maarij:10)

Except on whom Allah will shower His Mercy. Indeed, He is the All Mighty, the Most Merciful.

Indeed, the tree of Zaqqum

Will be the food of sinners.

Like boiling oil, it will keep boiling in the bellies,

Like the boiling of extremely hot water.

(It will be said): “Seize him and drag him into the midst of Hell-Fire.”

“Then pour over his head the torment of boiling water.”

“Taste it now! Indeed, you were (supposed to be) the mighty, the generous!”

“Indeed, this is what you used to doubt (and deny).”

Indeed, the pious persons will be in a place of peace and security (Paradise).

Dressed in fine silk and also in thick silk, while seated facing each other.

Thus, it will be. And We shall marry them to attractive females with wide and lovely eyes.

There they will call for every kind of fruit in peace and security.

There they will never taste death except the first death (during the worldly life), and Allah saved them from the torment of Hell-Fire,

As a Bounty from your Creator! That will be the supreme success!

[O Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)! Keep up your work of preaching] so indeed, We have made this Quran easy in your language so that they may seek advice from it. 

[O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] So wait (for the torment for the disbelievers). They are also waiting (for your hardships or death).