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S[rah F
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al-Kahf F
F The Chapter of the Cave
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fisabilillah-digital.org Islam-digital.org
 INTRODUCTION

Amongst the treasures of the Qur’\n that All\h I has revealed is S[rah
al-Kahf (the cave). This s[rah is a Makk| s[rah, which means it was
revealed to the Prophet r in Makk\h before his migration to Mad|nah.

The time of the revelation of this s[rah was when the Muslims were
being persecuted both physically and psychologically. The physical
torture that the Muslims were undergoing has been well documented,
the psychological suffering that they were made to bear includes
amongst other things the constant efforts of the opposing pagans to
undermine and humiliate the beliefs of the new “heretics”. One such
effort was the forming of the three questions.

It has been narrated by Ibn `Abb\s t that the Jews of Mad|nah had
instructed the pagan Quraysh tribe to ask Mu#ammad three questions,
of which if he answered two and not the third, then he indeed was a
Prophet of God. The first question was regarding the “youths who
were lost”, which All\h I revealed to the Messenger r (verses 9-26).
The second question was regarding Dhul Qarnain, which All\h I
revealed to the Messenger r (verses 83-99). The third question was
regarding the R[# (soul/spirit), for which All\h I revealed, “Say (O
Mu#ammad r)! The soul is of the order of my Lord. And you have not
been given anything of knowledge apart from very little.” (Surah al-
Isr\’, 17:85) Tafs|r Z\d al Mas|r of Ibn Jawz|

Thus the third question remained unanswered, with the reason

highlighted that man is not worthy or is incapable of acquiring true
understanding of the soul.

There is a difference of opinion as to whether these questions were

asked all together or not. Most scholars, including Im\m Bukh\r| and

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Im\m Muslim, believe that some were actually asked in Mad|nah.
Other scholars think that the questions may have been asked on
numerous occasions with revelation taking place with the first time the
questions were asked. Whatever the case may be, this s[rah answers
the two questions and also includes other incidents and advices that
we can benefit from.

SUMMARY
S[rah al Kahf (kahf meaning cave) is a Makkan s[rah, and consists of
one hundred and ten verses arranged in twelve sections. The s[rah has
been named kahf due to a major theme therein describing the ordeal
of some youths who were forced to flee into a cave to escape the
persecution of their pagan village and leader.

The s[rah begins with the declaration that all praise belongs to All\h I
the Supreme Being, Who sent His chosen servant with a book free
from errors and contradictions. Such a book which promises an eternal
life of bliss in paradise to the virtuous, and warns the transgressors of a
hereafter full of punishment.

The s[rah then narrates the story of the A]#\b al-Kahf (companions of
the Cave). These companions were a group of youths who had faith in
All\h I at a time when all around them did not believe in Him. All\h I
protected them by giving them sanctuary from the oppressive rule of
the king in a cave. All\h I then made their ordeal a lesson for eternity
by putting them to sleep for a period of three hundred years, to escape
the tyranny of their time to awake in a time where their example would
serve to strengthen the faith of the living.

As their abnormal sleep was reminiscent of death, the incident of

Companions of the Cave is also proof to the fact that All\h I can
resurrect the dead, be it after a period of time.
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The s[rah then describes a dialogue between two people. One was
arrogant, and the other was God-fearing. Through the dialogue the
s[rah establishes the absurdity of unfounded hopes in this world,
simply because there is no guarantee in man getting his way - as he
does not possess the power to make anything happen. The former
boasts of his wealth and gardens, and he believes that his wealth and
power is everlasting, and even the Day of Judgement “if it ever
comes”, will not deprive him of his wealth and possessions. Allah I
makes it clear that the things of this world are perishable and only faith
and good deeds will survive to be profitable.

The s[rah then proceeds to describe the worldly life in general. All\h
I compares it to the falling rain water, which irrigates the earth causing
rich foliage to grow, but soon it becomes dry and the wind destroys it.
All\h I informs the believers that children and wealth are only an
adornment of this life and will ultimately perish, while only good deeds
that last are better.

Thereafter the Day of Judgement is described as a time when the great

mountains will be destroyed and the earth will become a level plane.
The whole of mankind will be gathered and their books of deeds will
be placed before them and they will find that the book (i.e. the
account of their deeds) has left nothing out.

The s[rah then narrates the Story of the Prophet M[sa u (Moses) and
the mysterious servant of All\h, Khi}r. The incident highlights the
limitations of man’s knowledge, especially in regard to what is beyond
his sight, whether it be in distance or in the time that is yet to pass.

The s[rah then refers to Dhul Qarnain; a just and righteous king of
ancient times, who travelled to the furthest reaches of the East and
West. The s[rah describes how in his travels he arrived at a place
situated between two steep-sided mountains. The inhabitants
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complained to him of the nations of Gog and Magog who were causing
mischief and damage. To put a stop to this, Dhul Qarnain built a huge
wall of iron and molten lead between the two mountains.

The s[rah concludes with All\h’s I command to the Messenger r to

declare that he is a human being and that when he proclaims All\h’s
unity, he does so because this knowledge has been revealed to him by
All\h I. and he who seeks success in the hereafter should do good
deeds and not ascribe any partner to All\h I.

VIRTUES

Mu`\dh ibn Anas reports that the Messenger of All\h r said,

"Whoever recites the whole of S[rah al Kahf, it will be a source of light
for him between the heaven and the earth." A#mad, a{-^abr\n|

Ab[ Sa`|d narrates that the Messenger of All\h r said,

“Whoever recites S[rah al kahf on Friday it will continue to be a light
for him between this Friday and the next." al *\kim, al Bayhaq|

Ab[ Sa`|d reports that the Messenger of All\h r said,

"Whoever reads S[rah al Kahf as it was revealed, it will be a source of
light for him on the Day of Judgement." al Bayhaq|

Ad[ ad-Dard\ reports that the Messenger of All\h r said,

"Whoever memorises the first ten verses of S[rah al-kahf will be
protected from Dajj\l’s trials." Muslim, at-Tirmidh|, Ibn *ibb\n, and al *\kim

Ab[ ad-Dard\ reports the Messenger of All\h said, "He who reads the
last ten verses of S[rah al-Kahf will be safe from Dajj\l’s trials."
Muslim, A#mad, and an-Nasa’|

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 Bismil-lchir-raxmcnir-raxem.

In the Name of All\h, the most Merciful, the most Beneficent

1. ‘Alxamdu lil-lchil-ladhe ‘anzala `alc

`abdihil kitcba wa lam yaj`al lahp `iwajc.

1. Praise be to All\h, Who has sent to His Servant the Book,

and has allowed therein no Crookedness:

2. Qayyimal li yundhira ba‘san shadedam mil

ladunhu wa yubash-shiral mu‘minenal-ladhena
ya`malpnav-vclixcti ‘anna lahum ‘ajran xasanc.

2. (He has made it) Straight (and Clear) in order that He may warn
(the godless) of a terrible Punishment from Him,
and that He may give Glad Tidings to the Believers who do
righteous deeds, that they shall have a good Reward,

3. Mckithena fehi ‘abadc.

3. Wherein they shall remain forever:

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 4. Wa yundhiral-ladhena
qclut-takhadhal lchu waladc.

4. Further, that he may warn those

who say, "Allah has taken a son":

5. Mc lahum bihe min `ilmiw-wa lc li ‘cbc‘ihim,

kaburat kalimatan takhruju min ‘afwchihim,
‘iy-yaqplpna ‘illc kadhibc.

5. No knowledge have they of such a thing, nor had their fathers.

It is a grievous statement that issues from their mouths:
What they say is nothing but falsehood!

6. Fa la`allaka bckhi`un nafsaka `alc ‘cthcrihim

‘il lam yu‘minp bi hcdhal xadethi ‘asafc.

6. You are likely to fret yourself to death,

following after them, in grief, if they believe not in this Message.

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 7. ‘Innc ja`alnc mc `alal ‘ar[i zenatal lahc
li nabluwahum ‘ayyuhum ‘axsanu `amalc.

7. That which is on the earth We have made an adornment for it,

that We may test them, as to which of them are best in conduct.

8. Wa ‘innc la jc`ilpna mc `alayhc va`edan juruzc.

8. Verily what is on the earth We shall make it barren soil.

9. ‘Am xasibta ‘anna ‘avxcbal kahfi war-raqemi

kcnp min ‘cyctinc `ajabc.

9. Do you think that the people of the Cave

and of the Inscription were wonders among Our Signs?

10. ‘Idh ‘awal fityatu ‘ilal kahfi

fa qclp rabbanc ‘ctinc mil ladunka raxmah,
wa hayyi‘ lanc min ‘amrinc rashadc.

10. (Rememeber) when the youths took refuge in the Cave, they
said, "Our Lord! bestow on us mercy from Yourself,
and dispose of our affair for us in the right way!"

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 11. Fa [arabnc ‘alc ‘cdhcnihim fil kahfi
sinena `adadc.

11. Therefore We covered up (their sense of) hearing (causing them

to go in deep sleep) in the Cave for a number of years.

12. Thumma ba`athnchum li na`lama ‘ayyul xizbayni

‘axvc limc labithp ‘amadc.

12. Then We raised them, in order to test which of the two parties
was best at calculating the term of years they had tarried!

13. Naxnu naquvvu `alayka naba‘ahum bil xaqq,

‘innahum fityatun ‘cmanp bi rabbihim
wa zidnchum hudc.

13. We relate to you their story in truth: they were youths who
believed in their Lord, and We advanced them in guidance:

14. Wa raba]nc `alc qulpbihim ‘idh qcmp

fa qclp rabbunc rabbus-samcwcti wal ‘ar[i
lan nad`uwa min dpnihe ‘ilchan

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 la qad qulnc ‘idhan sha]a]c.

14. We gave strength to their hearts: behold, they stood up and

said: "Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and of the earth:
never shall we call upon any god other than Him:
if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity!”

15. Hc ‘ulc‘i qawmunct takhadhp min dpnihe ‘clihah.

law lc ya‘tpna `alayhim bi sul]cnim bayyin,
fa man ‘a{lamu mim maniftarc `alal lchi kadhibc.

15. "These gods other than Him our people have taken for worship:
why do they not bring forward a clear authority for what they do?
Who is more wrong than he who invents a falsehood against Allah?

16. Wa ‘idhi`-tazal-tumphum
wa mc ya`budpna ‘illal lcha
Fa‘wp ‘ilal kahfi yanshur lakum
rabbukum mir-raxmatihe
wa yuhayyi‘ lakum min ‘amrikum mirfaqc.

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16. "When you turn away from them and the things they worship
other than Allah, betake yourselves to the Cave: your Lord will
shower His mercies on you and dispose of your affair towards
comfort and ease.”

17. Wa tarash shamsa ‘idhc ]ala`at

tazcwaru `an kahfihim dhctal yamen,
wa ‘idhc gharabat taqri[uhum dhctash-shimcl,
wa hum fe fajwatim minh,
dhclika min ‘cyctil-lch,
may yahdil lchu fa huwal muhtad,
wa may yu[lil fa lan tajida lahp
waliyyam-murshidc.

17. You would have seen the Sun, when it rose,

declining to the right from their Cave,
and when it set, turning away from them to the left,
while they lay in the open space in the midst of the Cave.
Such are among the Signs of Allah:
he whom Allah guides is rightly guided;
but he whom Allah leaves to stray;
for him wilt You find no protector to lead him to the Right Way.

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 18. Wa taxsabuhum ‘ayqc{aw-wa hum ruqpd,
wa nuqal-libuhum dhctal yameni wa dhctash-
shimcl wa kalbuhum bcsi]un dhirc`ayhi bil waved,
lawi]-]ala`ta `alayhim la wallayta minhum
fircraw-wa la muli‘ta minhum ru`bc.

18. You would have thought them awake, while they were asleep,
and We turned them on their right and on their left sides:
their dog stretching forth his two fore-legs on the threshold:
if you had come up on to them, you would have certainly
turned back from them in flight,
and you would certainly have been filled with terror of them.

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 19. Wa kadhclika ba`ath nchum
li yatasc‘alp baynahum,
qcla qc’ilum minhum kam labithtum,
qclp labithnc yawman ‘aw ba`[a yawm,
qclp rabbukum ‘a`lamu bi mc labith tum,
fab`athp ‘axadakum bi wariqikum hcdhihe
‘ilal madenati falyan{ur ‘ayyuhc ‘azkc ]a`cmc,
fal ya‘tikum bi rizqim-minh,
wal yatala]]af wa lc yush`iranna bikum ‘axadc.

19. Such (being their state), We raised them up (from sleep),

that they might question each other.
Said one of them, "How long have you stayed (here)?"
They said, "We have stayed (perhaps) a day, or part of a day."
(At length) they (all) said, "Allah (alone) knows best
how long you have stayed here...
Now send one of you with this money of yours to the town:
let him find out which is the best food
and bring to you provisions therewith:
and let him behave with care and courtesy,
and let him not inform any one about you.

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‫_ ك‬ ‫ ِچ م‬ƒt /‫ ِن‬3‹nّ =t‫ و‬#rô ‫چ‬y‫ م‬gôàƒ¨ b‫ِ ) ِخ‬N‫ه‬k¨X)‫خ‬

‫ بةثا‬#Y‰t/r& #¸Œ‫ )خ‬#‫‏‬q‫ ّك‬s‫ے=خ‬èّ ? `s ّ 9ur

20. ‘Innahum ‘iy-ya{harp `alaykum yarjumpkum
‘aw yu`edpkum fe millatihim
wa lan tuflixp ‘idhan ‘abadc.

20. "For if they should come upon you, they would stone you
or force you to return to their cult,
and in that case you would never attain prosperity."

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 21. Wa kadhclika ‘a`tharnc `alayhim
li ya`lamp ‘anna wa`dAl-lchi xaqquw-wa
‘annas-sc`ata lc rayba fehc,
‘idh yatancza`pna baynahum ‘amrahum,
fa qclub-np `alayhim bunycnc,
rabbuhum ‘a`lamu bi him,
qclal-ladhena ghalabp `alc ‘amrihim
la nat-takhidhanna `alayhim masjidc.

21. Thus did We make their case known to the people,

that they might know that the promise of Allah is true,
and that there can be no doubt about the Hour of Judgment.
Behold, they dispute among themselves as to their affair.
(Some) said, "Construct a building over them":
their Lord knows best about them: those who prevailed over their
affair said, "Let us surely build a place of worship over them."

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22. Sa yaqplpna thalcthatur-rcbi`uhum kalbuhum,
Wa yaqplpna khamsatun scdisuhum kalbuhum,
Rajmam-bil ghayb,
Wa yaqplpna sab`atuw-wa thcminuhum kalbuhum,
qur-rabbe ‘a`lamu bi `iddatihim
mc ya`lamuhum ‘illc qalel,
fa lc tumcri fehim ‘illc mirc‘an {chirc,
wa lc tas tafti fehim minhum ‘axadc.

22. (Some) say they were three, the dog being the fourth among
them; (others) say they were five, the dog being the sixth;
doubtfully guessing at the unknown;
(yet others) say they were seven, the dog being the eighth.
Say: "My Lord knows best their number;
it is but few that know their (real case)."
Enter not, therefore, into controversies concerning them,
except on a matter that is clear,
nor consult any of them about (the affair of) the Sleepers.

23. Wa lc taqplanna li shay‘in

‘inne fc`ilun dhclika ghadc.

23. And say not of anything, "I shall be sure to do it tomorrow",

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 24. ‘Illc ‘ay-yashc ‘Allch,
Wadh-kur rabbaka ‘idhc nasetA Wa qul `asc
‘ay-yahdiyanI rabbe li ‘aqraba min hcdhc rashadc.

24. Without adding, "if Allah wishes!" and call your Lord to mind
when you forget, and say, "I hope that my Lord will guide me ever
closer (even) than this to the right road.”

25. Wa labithp fe kahfihim thalctha mi‘atin sinena

waz-dcdp tis`c.

25. So they stayed in their Cave three hundred (solar) years, and
add nine (for lunar years).

26. Qulil-lchu ‘a`lamu bimc labithp,

lahp ghaybus samcwcti wal ‘ar[,
‘abvir bihe wa ‘asmi`,
mc lahum min dpnihe miw waliyyIW,
wa lc yushriku fe xukmihe ‘axadc.

26. Say: "Allah knows best how long they stayed:

with Him are the secrets of the heavens and the earth:

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 how clearly He sees, how finely He hears (everything)!
they have no protector other than Him;
nor does He share His Command with any person whatsoever.

27. Watlu mc ‘pxiya ‘ilayka min kitcbi rabbik,

lc mubaddila li kalimctih,
wa lan tajida min dpnihe multaxadc.

27. And read what has been revealed to you of your Lord’s Book:
none can change His Words,
and none will you find as a refuge other than Him.

28. Wavbir nafsaka ma`al-ladhena yad`pna

rabbahum bil ghadcti wal `ashiyyI
yuredpna wajhahp wa lc ta`du `ayncka `anhum
turedu zenatal xayctid-dunyc,
wa lc tu]i` man ‘aghfalnc qalbahp `an dhikrinc
wat taba`a hawchU wa kcna ‘amruhp furu]c.

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28. And keep your soul content with those who call on their Lord
morning and evening, seeking His Countenance;
and let not your eyes pass beyond them,
seeking the pomp and glitter of this Life;
nor obey any whose heart We have permitted to neglect the
remembrance of Us, one who follows his own desires,
whose case has gone beyond all bounds.

29. Wa qulil xaqqu mir rabbikum,

Fa man shc‘a fal yu‘miW Wa man shc‘a fal yakfur,
‘innc ‘A`tadnc li{-{climena ncrc,
‘axc]a bi him surcdiquhc,
Wa ‘iy-yastaghethp yughcthp bi mc‘in
kal muhli Yashwil wujph,
Bi‘sash sharcbu wa sc‘at murtafaqc.

29. Say, "The Truth is from your Lord": Let him who will, believe,
and let him who will, reject (it):
for the wrong-doers We have prepared a Fire which,
like the wall and roof of a tent, will hem them in:
if they implore relief they will be granted water like melted brass,
that will scald their faces: How dreadful the drink!
How uncomfortable a couch to recline on!

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 30. ‘Innal-ladhena ‘cmanp wa `amiluv-vclixcti
‘innc lc nu[e`u ‘ajra man ‘axsana `amalc.

30. As to those who believe and work righteousness,

verily We shall not suffer to perish the reward of any
who do a (single) righteous deed.

31. ‘ulc‘ika lahum jannctu `adnin

tajre min taxtihimul ‘anhcr,
yuxallawna fehc min ‘ascwira min
dhahabiw-wa yalbaspna thiycban
khu[ram-min sundusiw wa ‘istabraq,
Muttaki‘ena fehc `alal ‘arc‘ik,
ni`math thawcb, wa xasunat murtafaqc.

31. For them will be Gardens of Eternity;

beneath them rivers will flow;
they will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold,
and they will wear green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade;

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 they will recline therein on raised thrones.
How good the recompense!
How beautiful a couch to recline on!

32. Wa[rib lahum mathalar-rajulayni

ja`alnc li ‘axadihimc jannatayni min ‘a`ncb
wa xafafnchumc bi nakhliw-wa
ja`alnc baynahumc zar`c.

32. Set forth to them the parable of two men:

for one of them We provided two gardens of grape-vines
and We surrounded them with date-palms;
in between the two We placed fields (for crops).

33. Kiltal jannatayni ‘ctat ‘ukulahc

wa lam ta{lim minhu shay‘c
Wa fajjarnc khilclahumc naharc.

33. Each of those gardens brought forth its produce,

and failed not in the least therein:
in the midst of them We caused a river to flow.

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 34. Wa kcna lahp thamar,
Fa qcla li vcxibihe wa huwa yuxcwiruhp
‘ana ‘aktharu minka mclaw-wa ‘a`azzu nafarc.

34. And this man had fruits (benefits in abundance):

he said to his companion, in the course of an argument:
"More wealth have I than you,
And more honour and power amongst men.”

35. Wa dakhala jannatahp wa huwa {climul li

nafsih, qcla mc ‘a{unnu ‘an tabeda hcdhihe ‘abadc.

35. He went into his garden in a state unjust to his soul:

he said, "I deem not that this will ever perish,

36. Wa mc ‘a{unnus-sc`ata qc‘imah,

wa la ‘iR rudiTtu ‘ilc rabbe la ‘ajidanNa
khayram-minhc munqalabc.

36. "Nor do I deem that the (Last) Hour will (ever) come:
and even if I am brought back to my Lord,
I shall surely find (there) something better in exchange."

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 37. Qcla lahp vcxibuhp wa huwa yuxcwiruh,
‘a kafarta bil-ladhe khalaqaka min turcbin
thumma min nu]fatin thumma sawwcka rajulc.

37. His companion said to him, while arguing with him:

"Do You deny Him Who created you out of the dust,
then out of a sperm-drop, then fashioned you into a man?

38. Lckinna huwal-lchu rabbe

wa lc ‘ushriku bi rabbe ‘axadc.

38. "But He is Allah, my Lord,

and none shall I associate as partners with my Lord.

39. Wa lawlc ‘idh dakhalta jannataka

qulta mc shc‘Al lchu lc quwwata ‘illc billch,
‘in tarAni ‘ana ‘aqalla minka mclaw-wa waladc.

39. "Why did You not, as You went into your garden, say:
‘Allah's Will (be done)! there is no power but with Allah!’ if You do
see me less than you in wealth and sons,

40. Fa `asc rabbe ‘ay-yu‘tiyanI khayram-min jannatik,

wa yursila `alayhc xusbcnam-minas-samc‘i
fa tuvbixa va`edan zalaqc.

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40. "It may be that my Lord will give me better than your garden,
and that He will send on your garden thunderbolts from the skies,
making it (but) slippery sand!

41. ‘Aw yuvbixa mc‘uhc ghawrAN

Fa lan tasta]e`A lahp ]alabc.

41. "Or the water of the garden becomes deep-sunken

(underground)
so that you will never be able to seek it."

42. Wa ‘uxe]a bi thamarihe fa ‘avbaxa yuqallibu

kaffayhi `alc mc ‘anfaqa fehc
wa hiya khcwiyatun `alc `urpshihc,
wa yaqplu yc laytane lam ‘ushrik bi rabbe ‘axadc.

42. So his fruits were encompassed (with ruin), and he remained

turning his hands over what he had spent on his property,
which had (now) tumbled to pieces to its very foundations,
and he could only say, "Woe is me! would that I had never
ascribed partners to my Sustainer!"

43. Wa lam takul lahp fi‘atuy-yanvurpnahp

min dpnil-lch, wa mc kcna muntavirc.

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 43. Nor had he numbers to help him against Allah,
nor was he able to deliver himself.

44. Hunclikal walcyatu lil-lchil xaqq,

huwa khayrun thawcbaw-wa khayrun `uqbc.

44. There, protection comes (only) from Allah, the True One.
He is the Best to reward, and the Best to give success.

45. Wa[rib lahum mathalal xayctid-dunyc

ka mc‘in ‘anzalnchu minas-samc‘i
Fakh-tala]a bihe nabctul ‘ar[i
fa ‘avbaxa hasheman tadhrphur-riycx,
Wa kcnal-lchu `alc kulli shay‘im-muqtadirc.

45. Set forth to them the similitude of the life of this world:
it is like the rain which We send down from the skies:
the earth's vegetation absorbs it.
But soon it becomes dry stubble, which the winds do scatter:
it is (only) Allah Who prevails over all things.

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46. ‘Almclu wal banpna zenatul xayctid-dunyc,
Wal bcqiyctuv-vclixctu khayrun `inda rabbika
thawcbaw-wa khayrun ‘amalc.

46. Wealth and sons are allurements of the life of this world;
but the enduring things of good (deeds) are best, in the sight of
your Lord, as rewards; and best as (from what to) hope.

47. Wa yawma nusayyirul jibcla

wa taral ‘ar[a bcrizataw-wa xasharnchum,
fa lam nughcdir minhum ‘axadc.

47. One Day We shall remove the mountains, and You will
see the earth as a level stretch, and We shall gather them,
all together, We shall not leave out any one of them.

48. Wa `uri[p `alc rabbika vaffc,

La qad ji‘tumpnc kamc khalaqnckum
‘awwala marrah,
bal za`amtum ‘al-lan naj`ala lakum maw`idc.

48. And they will be marshalled before your Lord in ranks,

"Now have you come to Us (bare) as We created you first:
Indeed, you thought We shall not fulfil the appointment
made to you to meet (Us)!"
25
 49. Wa wu[i`al kitcbu fa taral mujrimena
mushfiqena mimmc fehi
Wa yaqplpna yc waylatanc mc li hcdhal kitcb,
lc yughcdiru vagherataw-wa lc kaberatan
‘illc ‘axvchc,
wa wajadp mc `amilp xc[irc,
wa lc ya{limu rabbuka ‘axadc.

49. And the Book (of Deeds) will be placed (before you);
and you will see the sinful in great terror because of what is therein;
they will say, "O! woe to us! what a Book is this!
it leaves out nothing small or great, but takes account thereof!"
they will find all that they did, placed before them:
and not one will your Lord treat with injustice.

26
50. Wa ‘idh qulnc lil malc‘ikatis judp li ‘cdama
Fa sajadp ‘illc ‘ibles,
kcna minal jinni fa fasaqa `an ‘amri rabbih,
‘a fa tattakhi-dhpnahp wa dhurriy-yatahp
‘awliyc‘a min dpne Wa hum lakum `aduww,
Bi‘sa li{-{climena badalc.

50. Behold! We said to the angels, "Bow down to Adam":

they bowed down except Iblis.
He was of the Jinns, and he broke the Command of his Lord.
Will you (O man) then take him and his progeny as protectors
rather than Me? and they are enemies to you!
Evil would be the exchange for the wrong-doers!

51. Mc ‘ash-haTtuhum khalqas-samcwcti

wal ‘ar[i Wa lc khalqa ‘anfusihim,
Wa mc kuntu muttakhidhal mu[illena `a[udc.

51. I called them not to witness the creation of the heavens

and the earth, nor (even) their own creation:
nor is it for Me to take as helpers such as lead (men) astray!

52. Wa yawma yaqplu ncdp shurakc‘iyal-ladhena

za`amtum, fa da`awhum fa lam yastajebp lahum,
Wa ja`alnc baynahum mawbiqc.

52. That Day He will say,

"Call on those whom you thought to be My partners,"

27
 and they will call on them, but they will not listen to them;
and We shall make for them a place of common perdition.

53. Wa ra‘al mujrimpnan-ncra fa {annp ‘annahum

muwcqi`phc Wa lam yajidp `anhc mavrifc.

53. And the Sinful shall see the Fire and apprehend that they have
to fall therein: no means will they find to turn away therefrom.

54. Wa la qad varrafnc fe hcdhal qur‘cni

lin-ncsi min kulli mathal,
Wa kcnal ‘inscnu ‘akthara shay‘in jadalc.

54. We have explained in detail in this Qur’an,

for the benefit of mankind, every kind of similitude:
but man is ever more quarrelsome than anything.

55. Wa mc mana`an-ncsa ‘ay-yu‘minp ‘idh

jc‘ahumul hudc Wa yastaghfirp rabbahum
‘illc ‘an ta‘tiyahum sunnatul ‘awwalena
‘aw ya‘tiyahumul `adhcbu qubulc.

28
 55. And what is there to keep back men from believing,
now that guidance has come to them,
nor from praying for forgiveness from their Lord,
but that (they wish) the ways of the ancients be repeated with them,
or the Wrath be brought to them face to face?

56. Wa mc nursilul mursalena

‘illc mubash-shirena wa mundhiren,
Wa yujcdilul-ladhena kafarp bil bc]ili
li yudxi[p bihil xaqqa
Wat-takhadhp ‘cycte wa mc ‘undhirp huzuwc.

56. We only send the Messengers to give glad tidings and

to give warnings: but the Unbelievers dispute with vain argument,
in order therewith to weaken the Truth,
and they treat My Signs and what they are warned of as jest

57. Wa man A{lamu mimman dhukkira

bi ‘cycti rabbihi

29
 fa‘A`ra[a `anhc wa nasiya mc qaddamat yadch,
‘innc ja`alnc `Alc qulpbihim ‘akinnatan
‘ay yafqahphu wafe ‘cdhcnihim waqrc,
wa‘in tad`uhum ‘ilal hudc
fa laY yahtadp ‘iDhan ‘abadc.

57. And who does more wrong than one

who is reminded of the Signs of his Lord,
but turns away from them, forgetting the (deeds)
which his hands have sent forth?
Verily We have set veils over their hearts
lest they should understand this,
and over their ears, deafness.
If You call them to guidance,
even then will they never accept guidance.

58. Wa rabbukal ghafpru dhur-raxmah,

law yu‘ckhidhuhum bimc kasabp
la`ajjala lahumul `adhcb
bal lahum maw`idul-lay-yajidp min dpnihe maw‘ilc.

58. But your Lord is Most Forgiving, Full of Mercy.

If He were to call them to account for what they have earned,
then surely He would have hastened their Punishment:
but they have their appointed time,
beyond which they will find no refuge.

30
 59. Wa tilkal qurc ‘ahlaknchum lamma {alamp
wa ja`alnc li mahlikihim maw`idc.

59. Such were the populations We destroyed when they committed

iniquities; but We fixed an appointed time for their destruction.

60. Wa ‘idh qcla mpsc lifatchu lc ‘abraxu xattc

‘ablugha majma`al baxrayni ‘aw ‘am[iya xuqubc.

60. Behold, Moses said to his attendant,

"I will not give up until I reach the junction of the two seas
or (until) I spend years and years in travel.”

61. Fa lammc balaghc majma`a baynihimc

nasiyc xptahumc
fat-takhadha sabelahp fil baxri sarabc.

61. But when they reached the Junction,

they forgot (about) their Fish,
which took its course through the sea as in a tunnel.

31
 62. Fa lammc jcwazc qcla li fatchu
‘Ctinc ghadc‘anc
la qad laqenc min safarinc hcdhc navabc.

62. When they had passed on (some distance),

Moses said to his attendant: "Bring us our early meal;
truly we have suffered due to this journey of ours much fatigue."

63. Qcla ‘ara‘ayta ‘idh ‘awaync

‘ilav-vakhrati fa ‘inne nasetul xpt,
wa mc ‘anscnehu ‘illash-shay]cnu ‘an ‘adhkurah,
wat-takhadha sabelahp fil baxri `ajabc.

63. He replied: "Do you remember when we betook ourselves to

the rock? I did indeed forget the fish;
none but Satan made me forget to tell (you) about it:
it took its course through the sea in a strange way!"

64. Qcla dhclika mc kunnc nabghi,

far-taddc `alc ‘cthcrihimc qavavc.

64. Moses said: "That was what we were seeking after:"

so they went back following their footsteps.

32
 65. Fa wajadc `abdam-min `ibcdinc
‘ctaynchu raxmatam-min `indinc
wa `allamnchu mil-ladunnc `ilmc.

65. So they found a servant amongst Our servants,

on whom We had bestowed mercy from Us,
and whom We had taught knowledge from Ourselves.

66. Qcla lahp mpsc hal ‘attabi`uka

`Alc ‘an tu`allimani mimmc `ullimta rushdc.

66. Moses said to him: "May I follow you,

on (the condition) that you teach me something
of the Truth which you have been taught?"

67. Qcla ‘innaka lan tasta]e`a ma`iya vabr c.

67. He (the other) said:

"Verily you will not be able to have patience with me!

68. Wa kayfa tavbiru `alc mc lam tuxi] bihe khubrc.

68. "And how can you have patience on things

about which your understanding is not complete?”

69. Qcla satajidune ‘in shc‘al-lchu vcbirc,

wa lc ‘a`ve laka ‘amrc.

33
 69. Moses said: "You will find me patient, if Allah so wills:
And I shall not disobey your command.”

70. Qcla fa ‘init-taba`tane fa la tas‘alne `an shay‘,

xattc ‘uxditha laka minhu dhikrc.

70. He (the other) said: "If then you would follow me, ask me no
questions about anything until I myself speak to you concerning it."

71. Fan-]alaqc
xattc ‘idhc rakibc fis-safenati kharaqahc,
qcla ‘a kharaqtahc li tughriqa ‘ahlahc,
la qad ji‘ta shay‘an ‘imrc.

71. So they both proceeded:

until, when they were in the boat, he scuttled it.
Said Moses: "Have you scuttled it to drown those in it?
Truly a strange thing have you done!"

72. Qcla ‘a lam ‘aqul

‘innaka lan tasta]e`a ma`iya vabrc.

72. He answered: "Did I not tell you

‘Verily you will not be able to have patience with me?’”

34
 73. Qcla lc tu‘ckhidhne bimc nasetu
wa lc turhiqne min ‘amre `usrc.

73. Moses said: "Rebuke me not for forgetting, nor grieve me by

raising difficulties in my case.”

74. Fan-]alaqc
xattc ‘idhc laqiyc ghulcmAn fa qatalah,
qcla ‘a qatalta nafsan zakiyyatam bi ghayri nafs,
la qad ji‘ta shay‘an-nukrc

74. Then they proceeded:

until, when they met a young man, he slew him.
Moses said: "Did you slay an innocent person who had slain none?
Truly a foul thing have you done!"

75. Qcla ‘a lam ‘aqul-laka

‘innaka lan tasta]e`a ma`iya vabrc.

75. He answered: "Did I not tell you

‘Verily you will not be able to have patience with me?’”

35
76. Qcla ‘in sa‘altuka `an shay‘im ba`dahc fa lc
tuvaxibne, qad balaghta mil-ladunne `udhrc.

76. (Moses) said: "If I ask you about anything after this,
keep me not in your company:
then you would have received (full) excuse from my side."

77. Fan-]alaqc,
xattc ‘idhc ‘atayc ‘ahla qaryatinis-ta]`amc
‘ahlahc fa ‘abaw ‘ay-yu[ay-yifphumc,
fa wajadc fehc jidaray-yuredu
‘ay-yanqa[[a fa ‘aqcmah,
qcla law shi‘ta lat-takhadhta `alayhi ‘ajrc.

77. Then they proceeded:

until, when they came to the inhabitants of a town,
they asked them for food, but they refused them hospitality.
They found there a wall on the point of falling down,
but he set it up straight. (Moses) said: "If you had wished,
you could have exacted some recompense for it!”

78. Qcla hcdhc fircqu bayne wa baynik,

Sa ‘unabbi‘uka bi ta‘weli mc lam tasta]i`
`alayhi vabrc.

36
 78. He answered: "This is the parting between me and you:
now will I tell you the interpretation of (those things)
over which you were unable to hold patience.

79. ‘Ammas-safenatu fa kcnat li masckena

ya`malpna fil baxr, fa ‘araTtu ‘an ‘a`ebahc
wa kcna warc‘ahum malikuy-ya‘khudhu kulla
safenatin ghavbc.

79. "As for the boat, it belonged to certain men in dire want:
they plied on the water: I but wished to render it unserviceable,
for there was after them a king who seized every boat by force.

80. Wa ‘ammal ghulcmu

fa kcnA ‘abawchu mu‘minayn, fa khashenc
‘Ay-yurhiqahumc ]ughycnaw-wa kufrc.

80. "As for the youth, his parents were people of Faith, and we
feared that he would grieve them by obstinate rebellion and
ingratitude (to Allah and man).

81. Fa ‘aradnc ‘ay-yubdilahumc rabbuhumc

khayram-minhu zakctaw-wa ‘aqraba ruxmc.

37
 81. "So we desired that their Lord would give them in exchange
(a son) better in purity (of conduct) and closer in affection.

82. Wa ‘ammal jidcru fa kcna

li ghulcmayni yatemayni fil madenati
wa kcna taxtahp kanzul-lahumc
wa kcna ‘abphumc vclixc,
fa ‘arcda rabbuka ‘ay-yablughc ‘ashuddahumc
wa yastakhrijc kanzahumc,
raxmataM mir-rabbik,
wa mc fa`altuhp `an ‘amre,
Dhclika ta‘welu mc lam tas]i` `Alayhi vabrc.

82. "As for the wall, it belonged to two orphan youths, in the Town;
there was, beneath it, a treasure, to which they were entitled;
and their father had been a righteous man:
so your Lord desired that they should attain their age of full strength
and get out their treasure, a mercy (and favour) from your Lord.
I did it not of my own accord. Such is the interpretation of (those
things) over which you were unable to hold patience."

38
 83. Wa yas’alpnaka `an dhil qarnayn,
qul sa‘atlp `Alaykum minhu dhikrc.

83. They ask you concerning Dhul-Qarnain.

Say, "I will recite to you something of his story."

84. ‘Innc makkannc lahp fil ‘ar[i

wa ‘ctaynchu min kulli shay‘in sababc.

84. Verily We established his power on earth,

and We gave him the ways and the means to all ends.

85. Fa ‘atba`a sababc.

85. One (such) way he followed,

86. xattc ‘idhc balagha maghribash-shams,

wajadahc taghrubu fe `aynin xami‘ah,
wa wajada `indahc qawmc,
qulnc yc dhal qarnayni ‘immc ‘an tu`adh-dhiba
wa ‘immc ‘an tattakhidha fehim xusnc.

86. Until, when he reached the setting of the sun, he found it

39
set in a spring of murky water: near it he found a people:
We said: "O Dhul-Qarnain! (you have authority),
either to punish them, or to treat them with kindness.”

87. Qcla ‘ammc man {alama fa sawfa

nu`adh-dhibuhp thumma yuraddu ‘ilc rabbihe
fa yu`adh-dhibuhp `adhcban nukrc.

87. He said: "Whoever does wrong, him we shall punish;

then shall he be sent back to his Lord;
and He will punish him with a severe punishment.

88. Wa ‘ammc man ‘cmana wa `amila vclixan

fa lahp jazc‘anil xusnc,
Wa sa naqplu lahp min ‘amrinc yusrc.

88. "But whoever believes, and works righteousness,

he shall have the best reward,
and easy will be his task as we order it by our command."

89. Thumma ‘atba`a sababc.

89. Then he followed (another) way.

40
 90. xattc ‘idhc balagha ma]li`ash-shamsi
wajadahc ta]lu`u `alc qawmil-lam
naj`al lahum min dpnihc sitrc.

90. Until, when he came to the rising of the sun, he found it rising
on a people for whom We had provided no covering against it.

91. Kadhclik, Wa qad ‘axa]nc bimc ladayhi khubrc.

91. (He left them) as they were:

We completely understood what was before him.

92. Thumma ‘atba`a sababc.

92. Then followed he (another) way,

93. xattc ‘idhc balagha baynas-saddayni

wajada min dpnihimc qawmc,
lc yakcdpna yafqahpna qawlc.

93. Until, when he reached (a tract) between two mountains,

he found, beneath them, a people who scarcely understood a word.

41
 94. Qclp yc dhal qarnayni
‘inna ya‘jpja wa ma‘jpja mufsidpna fil ‘ar[,
fa hal naj `Alu laka kharjan `alc ‘an taj`ala
baynanc wa baynahum vaddc.

94. They said: "O Dhul-Qarnain!

The Gog and Magog do great mischief on earth:
shall we then render you tribute in order that
you might erect a barrier between us and them?

95. Qcla mc makkanne fehi rabbe khayr,

fa ‘a`enpne bi quwwah,
‘Aj`al baynakum wa baynahum radmc.

95. He said: "What my Lord has established me in is better:

help me therefore with strength (of labour):
I will erect a strong barrier between you and them:

96. ‘ctpne zubaral xaded,

xattc ‘idhc scwc baynav-vadafayn,
qclan-fukhp,
xattc ‘idhc ja`alahp ncran
qcla ‘ctpne ‘ufrigh `alayhi qi]rc.

96. "Bring me blocks of iron."

42
At length, when he had filled up the space between the valley walls,
he said, "Blow (with your bellows)"
then, when he had made it (red) as fire,
he said: "Bring me, that I may pour over it, molten lead."

97. Fa mas]c`p ‘ay-ya{-harphu

wa masta]c`p lahp naqbc.

97. Thus were they made powerless to scale it or to dig through it.

98. Qcla hcdhc raxmatum-mir-rabbe,

fa ‘idhc jc‘a wa`du rabbe ja`alahp dakkc‘,
wa kcna wa`du rabbe xaqqc.

98. He said: "This is a mercy from my Lord:

but when the promise of my Lord comes to pass,
He will make it into dust; and the promise of my Lord is true."

99. Wa taraknc ba`[ahum

Yawma‘idhiY yampju fe ba`[,
wa nufikha fiv-vpri fa jama`nchum jam`c.

99. We shall leave them on that day

to surge like waves on one another;
the trumpet will be blown, and We shall collect them all together.

43
 100. Wa `ara[nc jahannama
yawma‘idhiL lil kcfirena `ar[c.

100. And We shall present Hell that day

for Unbelievers to see, all spread out,

101. ‘Alladhena kcnat ‘a`yunuhum fe ghi]c‘in

`an dhikre wa kcnp lc yasta]e`pna sam`c.

101. (Unbelievers) whose eyes had been under a veil from My

remembrance, and who had been unable even to hear.

102. ‘A fa xasibal-ladhena kafarp ‘ay-yattakhidhp

`ibcde min dpne ‘awliyc’,
‘Innc ‘a`tadnc jahannama lil kcfirena nuzulc.

102. Do the Unbelievers think that they can take

My servants as protectors besides Me? Verily We have
prepared Hell for the Unbelievers for (their) entertainment.

103. Qul hal nunabbi‘ukum bil ‘akhsarena ‘a`mclc.

103. Say: "Shall we tell you of those who lose most in their deeds?

44
104. ‘Alladhena [alla sa`yuhum fil xayctid-dunyc
wa hum yaxsabpna ‘annahum yuxsinpna vun`c.

104. "Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life.

While they thought that they were acquiring good by their works?

105. ‘ulc‘ikal-ladhena kafarp

bi ‘cycti rabbihim wa liqc‘ihe
fa xabi]at ‘a`mcluhum fa lc nuqemu
lahum yawmal qiycmati waznc.

105. They are those who deny the Signs of their Lord
and the fact of their having to meet Him (in the Hereafter):
vain will be their works, nor shall We, on the Day of Judgment,
give them any Weight.

106. dhclika jazc‘uhum jahannamu bimc kafarp

wat-takhadhp ‘cycte wa rusule huzuwc,

106. That is their reward, Hell; because they rejected Faith,

and took My Signs and My Messengers by way of jest.

45
 107. ‘Innal-ladhena ‘cmanp wa `amiluv-vclixcti
kcnat lahum jannctul firdawsi nuzulc.

107. As to those who believe and work righteous deeds, they have,
for their entertainment, the Gardens of Paradise,

108. Khclidena fehc lc yabghpna `anhc xiwalc.

108. Wherein they shall dwell (forever):

no change will they wish for themselves.

109. Qul law kcnal baxru midcdal-li kalimcti rabbe

la nafidal baxru qabla ‘an tanfada kalimctu rabbe
wa law ji‘nc bi mithlihe madadc.

109. Say: "If the oceans were ink, measuring the words of my Lord,
the oceans would be exhausted before the words of my Lord,
even if we added another ocean like it, for its aid."

110. Qul ‘innamc ‘ana basharum-mithlukum

46
Ypxc ‘ilayya ‘annamc ‘ilchukum ‘ilchuw wcxed,
fa man kcna yarjp liqc‘a rabbihe
fal ya`mal `amalan vclixc,
wa lc yushrik bi`ibcdati rabbihe ‘axadc.

110. Say: "I am but a man like yourselves,

the Inspiration has come to me, that your God is one God:
whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness,
and, in the worship of his Lord,
admit no one as partner.

47
 TRANSLITERATION GUIDE
Please take note of the table below as our transliteration method may be
different to those adopted by others.
The transliterated symbols are unvarying in pronunciation, e.g. the
representation “s” will remain pronounced as “s” and not distort to “z” in any
circumstance, e.g. Isl\m is not pronounced Izl\m.
While every effort has been made to ensure the transliteration is as close to the
Arabic as possible, no alphabet can ever fully represent another.
This is all the more true where recitation of Qur’\nic verses is concerned as this
must adhere to the very precise science of Tajw|d. It is therefore imperative that
the readers do not consider a transliteration a substitute for learning to read
Arabic correctly from a competent teacher.
VOWELS
A/a SHORT “A”AS IN “AGO” I/i SHORT “I”AS IN “SIT”
¬/\ LONG “A”AS IN “HAT” £/| LONG VOWEL AS IN “SEE”
AY or AI DIPHTHONG AS IN “PAGE” AW or AU DIPHTHONG AS IN “HOME”
‘ ABRUPT START/PAUSE DOES U/u SHORT “U”AS IN “PUT”
NOT OCCUR IN ENGLISH $/[ LONG VOWEL AS IN “FOOD”

CONSONANTS
“B” NO “H” ATTACHED “DH” USING SIDES OF
THE TONGUE
“T” NO “H” ATTACHED
"T" WITH RAISED TONGUE
“TH” AS IN THIN
"TH" AS IN THEN, SOUND
“H” GUTTURAL SOUND IS WITH RAISED TONGUE
“KH” VERY GUTTURAL GUTTURAL SOUND -
NO TONGUE USAGE ACCOMPANIES VOWEL
“D” NO “H” ATTACHED "GH" VERY GUTTURAL
“TH” AS IN THEN NO TONGUE USAGE
“S” ONLY - NOT “Z” “K” WITH BACK OF
TONGUE RAISED
“SH” AS IN SHIN “W” READ - NOT SILENT
"S" WITH RAISED TONGUE “Y” ONLY - NOT “I”
Note: Double consonants must be pronounced with emphasis on both letters
without pause, e.g. allchumma should be read al-lchum-ma.
SYMBOLS
SUB*¬NAH$ WA TA`¬L¬ %ALLALL¬HU `ALAYHI WA SALLAM
I FOR ALLAH “GLORIFIED AND EXALTED IS HE”
r FOR MUHAMMAD “PEACE BE UPON HIM”
RA<IYAL-L¬HU `ANHU `ALAYHIS-SAL¬M
FOR COMPANIONS “ALLAH BE PLEASED WITH HIM” FOR PROPHETS “PEACE BE UPON THEM”