# The Holy Qur'an (Maulana Muhammad Ali)/44. The Drought
#### 44. The Drought (Al-Dukhan)

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
$^1$ Beneficent God!
$^2$ By the Book that makes manifest!
$^3$ We revealed it On a blessed night truly We are ever warning.
$^4$ Therein is made clear every affair full of wisdom --
$^5$ A command from Us -- truly We are ever sending messengers --
$^6$ A mercy from thy Lord -- truly He is the Hearing, the Knowing,
$^7$ The Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them, if you would be sure.
$^8$ There is no God but He; He gives life and causes death -- your Lord and the Lord of your fathers of yore.
$^9$ Nay, in doubt they sport.
$^{10}$ So wait for the day when the heaven brings a clear drought,
$^{11}$ Enveloping men. This is a painful chastisement.
$^{12}$ Our Lord, remove from us the chastisement -- surely we are believers.
$^{13}$ When will they be reminded? And a Messenger has indeed come, making clear;
$^{14}$ Yet they turned away from him and said: One taught (by others), a madman!
$^{15}$ We shall remove the chastisement a little, (but) you will surely return (to evil).
$^{16}$ On the day when We seize (them) with the most violent seizing surely We shall exact retribution.
$^{17}$ And certainly We tried before them Pharaoh's people and a noble messenger came to them,
$^{18}$ Saying: Deliver to me the servants of Allah. Surely I am a faithful messenger to you.
$^{19}$ And exalt not yourselves against Allah. Surely I bring to you a clear authority.
$^{20}$ And I take refuge with my Lord and your Lord, lest you stone me to death.
$^{21}$ And if you believe not in me, leave me alone.
$^{22}$ Then he called upon his Lord: These are a guilty people.
$^{23}$ So go forth with My servants by night; surely you will be pursued,
$^{24}$ And leave the sea behind calm. Surely they are a host to be drowned.
$^{25}$ How many the gardens and springs they left behind!
$^{26}$ And cornfields and noble places!
$^{27}$ And goodly things wherein they rejoiced!
$^{28}$ Thus (it was). And We made other people inherit them.
$^{29}$ So the heaven and the earth wept not for them, nor were they respited.
$^{30}$ And We indeed delivered the Children of Israel from the abasing chastisement,
$^{31}$ From Pharaoh. Surely he was haughty, prodigal.
$^{32}$ And certainly We chose them above the nations, having knowledge.
$^{33}$ And We gave them signs wherein was clear blessing.
$^{34}$ These do indeed say:
$^{35}$ There is naught but our first death and we shall not be raised again.
$^{36}$ So bring our fathers (back), if you are truthful.
$^{37}$ Are they better or the people of Tubba', and those before them? We destroyed them, for surely they were guilty.
$^{38}$ And We did not create the heavens and the earth and that which is between them in sport.
$^{39}$ We created them not but with truth, but most of them know not.
$^{40}$ Surely the day of Decision is the term for them all,
$^{41}$ The day when friend will avail friend in naught, nor will they be helped --
$^{42}$ Save those on whom Allah has mercy. Surely He is the Mighty, the Merciful.
$^{43}$ Surely the tree of Zaqqum
$^{44}$ Is the food of the sinful,
$^{45}$ Like molten brass; it seethes in (their) bellies
$^{46}$ Like boiling water.
$^{47}$ Seize him, then drag him into the midst of hell;
$^{48}$ Then pour on his head of the torment of boiling water --
$^{49}$ Taste -- thou art forsooth the mighty, the honourable!
$^{50}$ Surely this is what you doubted.
$^{51}$ Those who keep their duty are indeed in a secure place --
$^{52}$ In gardens and springs,
$^{53}$ Wearing fine and thick silk, facing one another --
$^{54}$ Thus (shall it be). And We shall join them to pure, beautiful ones.
$^{55}$ They call therein for every fruit in security --
$^{56}$ They taste not therein death, except the first death; and He will save them from the chastisement of hell --
$^{57}$ A grace from thy Lord. This is the great achievement.
$^{58}$ So We have made it easy in thy tongue that they may mind.
$^{59}$ Wait then; surely they (too) are waiting.