<s>[INST]Chapter 16 verse 115[/INST]He has forbidden you only carrion, blood, the flesh of swine and (the animal) on which the name of other than Allah is invoked at the time of slaughter. But he who is faced with survival condition (forced by necessity), neither defying (against Allah’s injunctions seeking taste of lust), nor transgressing (the limit of necessity), then Allah is surely Most Forgiving, Ever-Merciful.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 16 verse 116[/INST]And do not tell a lie which your tongues utter: ‘This is lawful and that is forbidden,’ thus fabricating a lie against Allah. Indeed those who fabricate lies against Allah will (never) be delivered.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 16 verse 117[/INST]There is only a little profit but the torment for them is painful (beyond proportion).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 16 verse 118[/INST]And We made unlawful for the Jews the same things that We have mentioned to you before and We did not wrong them but they used to wrong their souls themselves.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 16 verse 119[/INST]Indeed your Lord, for those who committed wrongs out of ignorance, then turned to Him in repentance and amended (their) state, then surely after that your Lord is Most Forgiving, Ever-Merciful.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 16 verse 120[/INST]Surely Ibrahim (Abraham) was an Umma ([Community] in himself), exclusively obedient to Allah, turning away from all falsehood (ever inclined and given to Him alone) and was not of those who associate partners with Allah,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 16 verse 121[/INST]Grateful to (Allah) for His blessings. Allah chose him (and exalted him to a high office in His Presence) and guided him to the straight path.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 16 verse 122[/INST]And We bestowed upon him good in this world, and he will surely be of the upright in the Hereafter (as well).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 16 verse 123[/INST]Then, (O Glorious Beloved,) We sent down Revelation to you: ‘Follow Din (Religion) of Ibrahim (Abraham), who was at variance with every falsehood and was not of those who associate partners with Allah.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 16 verse 124[/INST]Saturday (the Sabbath) was ordained only for those who differed about it, and indeed your Lord will judge among them on the Day of Resurrection (in the matters) in which they used to differ.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 16 verse 125[/INST](O Glorious Messenger!) Invite towards the path of your Lord with strategic wisdom and refined exhortation and (also) argue with them in a most decent manner. Surely your Lord knows him well who strayed away from His path and He also knows well the rightly guided.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 16 verse 126[/INST]And if you want to punish, then punish only (as severely) as you were afflicted, but if you remain patient then certainly that is better for those who keep patience.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 16 verse 127[/INST]And, (O Glorious Beloved,) be patient and your patience is by Allah alone. And you should not grieve over their (defiance), nor distress (your gracious and benevolent heart) on account of their deceptive plots.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 16 verse 128[/INST]Surely Allah blesses them with His (special) companionship who live with Godwariness and who (also) live with spiritual excellence.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17[/INST]The Night Journey</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 1[/INST]Holy (free of any imperfection, weakness and insufficiency) is He Who took His (most beloved and intimate) Servant in a small portion of a night from the Sacred Mosque to the al-Aqsa Mosque, whose surroundings We have blessed, in order that We might show him (the Perfect Servant) Our Signs. Surely He is the One Who is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 2[/INST]And We gave Musa (Moses) the Book (the Torah) and made it guidance for the Children of Israel (and enjoined them:) ‘Do not take anyone other than Me as Guardian.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 3[/INST](O) children of those whom We carried (in the Ark) with Nuh (Noah)! Indeed Nuh (Noah) was a highly grateful servant.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 4[/INST]And We categorically conveyed to the Children of Israel in the Book: ‘You shall make mischief twice in the land and employ a violent defiance (against obedience to Allah).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 5[/INST]So when the promised first time of the two came to pass We brought upon you those of Our servants who were great warriors. Then, in (your) search they penetrated up to your dwellings. And (this) promise was sure to be fulfilled.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 6[/INST]Then We turned the victory over them to your favour and helped you with (affluence in) wealth and children and increased your numerical strength (as well).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 7[/INST]If you do good, you do it (only) for your own benefit but if you do evil, you will sin against your own souls. Then, when the hour of second promise came (We sent against you other tyrants) so that, (lashing and whipping,) they should deform your faces and enter the al-Aqsa Mosque (the same way) as (the invaders) had entered it the first time and so that they completely destroy whatever (place) they overpower.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 8[/INST]It may well be that (after this) your Lord will have mercy on you, but if you revert to the same (rebellious and defiant behaviour), then We too will get back to the same (tormenting once again). And We have made Hell a prison for the disbelievers.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 9[/INST]Indeed this Qur’an leads to that (destination) which is most right, and gives this good news to those believers who do righteous works, that for them is a mighty reward,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 10[/INST]And that those who do not believe in the Hereafter, We have prepared for them painful punishment.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 11[/INST]And (intolerant and anguished) man prays (sometimes) for evil as he prays for good (for himself). And man has happened to be very impulsive indeed.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 12[/INST]And We have made the night and the day two Signs (of Our Might). Then We made the Sign of the night dark and We made the Sign of the day bright so that you may look for your Lord’s bounty (provision) and that you may work out the number of years and do reckoning and We have made everything clear in detail.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 13[/INST]And We have slung every man’s record of deeds around his neck, and on the Day of Resurrection We shall bring forth (this) record which he will find spread out (before him).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 14[/INST](It will be said to him:) ‘Read your book (of deeds). Today you yourself are enough for examining your own account.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 15[/INST]Whoever adopts the path of guidance follows it to his own benefit and whoever goes astray, then evil consequences of his error also fall back on him alone. And no bearer of burden will bear the burden (of the sins) of any other. And We do not torment (any people) at all until We send a Messenger (to them).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 16[/INST]And when We resolve to destroy a town, We send (some) command to the rich and the affluent among them (so that the common man and the poor too may make amends) but they act disobediently in (the town). Thus Our decree (of torment) becomes due against it. Then We totally smash that town.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 17[/INST]And how many a community have We destroyed after Nuh (Noah)! And your Lord is Sufficient. (He) is Well Aware of the sins of His servants, All-Seeing.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 18[/INST]Whoever longs for (quick recompense for his labour in the form of) worldly riches alone, We readily grant whatever We like to whoever We please, here in this world. Thereafter, We have set up Hell for him which he will enter hearing condemnation and contempt, rejected (from the mercy of his Lord).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 19[/INST]And whoever longs for the Hereafter and toils for it befittingly and he is a believer (as well), it is they whose struggle will earn recognition.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 20[/INST]We extend help to all: those (ambitious of this world) as well as those (aspiring to the Hereafter. O Glorious Beloved, all this) is of your Lord’s Bestowal. And the Bestowal of your Lord is not forbidden (to) and restricted (to anyone).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 21[/INST]See how We have exalted some of them above the others! And surely the Hereafter (as compared to this world) is far greater in terms of degrees and in terms of superiority (as well).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 22[/INST](O listener!) Do not set up another god along with Allah (lest) you should sit back condemned (and) forsaken.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 23[/INST]And your Lord has commanded you not to worship anyone other than Allah and treat the parents with benevolence. If either or both of them attain to old age in your presence, then do not say even ‘Ugh!’ to them nor reproach them. And always speak to both of them submissively, observing polite manners.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 24[/INST]And always lower your arms of submissiveness and humility out of soft-heartedness for both of them and keep supplicating (Allah): ‘O my Lord, have mercy on both of them as they brought me up in (my) childhood (with mercy and clemency).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 25[/INST]Your Lord is well aware of the (matters and intentions) that are in your hearts. If you acquire righteous conduct then surely He (Allah) is Most Forgiving to those who turn (towards Him).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 26[/INST]And give to the kindred their rightful due and also (give) to the needy and the wayfarer and do not exhaust (your wealth) by expending wastefully.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 27[/INST]Surely the spendthrifts are the brothers of Satan, and Satan is most ungrateful to his Lord.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 28[/INST]And if, in waiting for your Lord’s mercy (i.e. prosperity) which you look forward to, you seek to avoid these (deserving ones due to scarcity of means), then say to them kind words.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 29[/INST]And neither keep your hand tied to your neck (giving nothing to anyone) nor stretch it wide open (giving away all) lest you should sit back blamed (and) consumed.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 30[/INST]Truly your Lord opens up sustenance for whom He pleases and folds up (for whom He wills). Verily, He is All-Knowing of His servants’ (works and affairs), All-Seeing.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 31[/INST]And do not kill your children due to fear of poverty. We alone provide for them and for you (as well). Indeed killing them is a major sin.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 32[/INST]And do not even go near unlawful sex (adultery). Verily it is an act of lewdness and is the most evil way.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 33[/INST]Do not kill any soul whose (killing) Allah has declared unlawful unless (killing him) is just (according to the law of Shari‘a). But whoever is killed unjustly, We have indeed given to his heir the right (of retribution), but he too has not to exceed limits in killing (by way of retribution). He is indeed helped (by Allah. The responsibility of his help and support will be on the government.)</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 34[/INST]And do not (also) go near the orphan’s property but in a way that is beneficial (to the orphan) until he reaches his maturity. And do fulfil the promise. No doubt the promise will be questioned about.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 35[/INST]And measure in full whenever you measure out (anything), and (when you weigh anything) weigh with a straight balance. This (honesty) is better and much better with regard to its consequence (as well).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 36[/INST]And, (O man,) do not follow that of which you have no (authentic) knowledge. Indeed the ear, the eye and the heart — each of them will be questioned.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 37[/INST]And do not walk arrogantly on earth. Certainly you cannot cleave the earth (with the force of your arrogance), nor can you reach the mountains in height. (You will remain what you are.)</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 38[/INST]The evil of all these (mentioned) acts is most despicable to your Lord.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 39[/INST]This is of those wisdom-loaded values which your Lord has revealed to you and, (O man,) do not set up another god with Allah (lest) you should be cast into Hell cursed (and) rejected (from Allah’s Mercy).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 40[/INST](O idolaters! Think for yourselves!) Has your Lord picked you for sons and taken (for Himself) angels as daughters? Indeed you utter a most awful saying (in the framework of your own fabricated ideas).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 41[/INST]And surely We have explained (facts and admonitions) in this Qur’an repeatedly and alternating styles so that people may take direction and guidance, but (the disbelievers’ state of mind is such that) this only increases their hatred.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 42[/INST]Say: ‘Had there been some other gods with Him, as they (the idolaters and the disbelievers) say, then they would certainly have (jointly) found some passage to reach the Lord of the Throne (to interfere in His Command and Control System).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 43[/INST]Holy is He and Most Exalted and Most High, far above all that they keep saying.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 44[/INST]The seven heavens and the earth and all that exists in them persistently extol the Glory of Allah and there is not a single object (in the entire universe) but it glorifies Him with His Praise. Yet you cannot appreciate their (state of) glorification. He is surely Most Forbearing, Most Forgiving.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 45[/INST]And when you recite the Qur’an, (then) We place an imperceptible veil between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 46[/INST]And We (also) cover their hearts in wrappers so that they may (not) get to its meaning and plug their ears with a sensation of heaviness (so that they may not listen to it). And when you mention your Lord alone in the Qur’an (and the names of their idols are not mentioned) then, in extreme dislike, they turn their backs and flee away.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 47[/INST]We know best the motive with which they listen to with active attention when they give you ears, and when they whisper and when these wrongdoers say (to the Muslims): ‘You are following only a person that is bewitched (i.e. a spell has been cast on him. And We see and hear all this).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 48[/INST](O Beloved!) See what similes (these people) find for you! So they have gone astray. Now they are unable to find a way to the right path.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 49[/INST]And they say: ‘When we shall become (decomposed) bones and dust particles (after dying), shall we be raised up alive anew?’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 50[/INST]Say: ‘(Yes, even though) be you stones or iron,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 51[/INST]Or any other created matter which you deem even harder (than these things and which is not susceptible to becoming a living thing). Then (in this condition) they will say: ‘Who will bring us back to life?’ Say: ‘He Who created you the first time.’ They will then shake their heads at you (by way of wonder and ridicule) and will say: ‘When will it happen?’ Say: ‘It is expected to occur soon.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 52[/INST]The Day when He will call you, you will respond praising Him, deeming that you tarried (in the world) for only a short while.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 53[/INST]And tell My servants that they should say things that are most balanced. Surely Satan causes contention among people. Indeed Satan is man’s declared enemy.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 54[/INST]Your Lord is well aware of your state of affairs. If He wills, He may have mercy on you or if He likes, He may torment you. And We have not sent you as a guardian over them (to care for all their matters).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 55[/INST]And your Lord knows them best who (live) in the heavens and the earth. And surely We exalted some Messengers above the others and bestowed the Zabur (Psalms) upon Dawud (David).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 56[/INST]Say: ‘Call all those that you consider (gods) apart from Allah. They do not have the power to remove distress from you, nor (have they the capability) to shift (it to others).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 57[/INST]Those that they worship (i.e. they prepare sculptures and images of angels, jinn, the Prophets ‘Isa [Jesus], Uzair [Ezra] and others and worship them) look for mediation to their Lord (themselves) as to who among them is most intimate (in the Presence of Allah). And (they (themselves) hope for His mercy and fear His torment. (Now say yourselves how they can be gods. They are prostrating themselves before the True God.) Indeed the torment of your Lord is a thing to fear.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 58[/INST]And there is not a community (comprising disbelievers and the denying rebels) but We shall destroy it before the Day of Resurrection or afflict it with most severe torment. This (decree) is written in the Book (the Protected Tablet [al-Lawh al-Mahfuz]).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 59[/INST]And (nothing) has prevented Us from sending down the Signs (on their demand even now) except that the bygone people denied the same (Signs. Thereupon, they were immediately seized by destruction and were not granted any respite. O Beloved, We do not want to repeat that with your people after We have raised you as Our Messenger.) And We gave the people of Thamud an open Sign (of) a she-camel (of Salih) but they did her wrong. And We do not send Signs but to rouse fear (for the last time before the torment arrives. Then, when that Sign is rejected, the devastating torment is sent forthwith).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 60[/INST]And (recall the time) when We said to you: ‘Indeed your Lord has encompassed (all) mankind (within His knowledge and might). And We have made the vision (on the Night of Ascension) that We showed you but a trial for the people; (the believers believed in it while those having superficial vision got confused;) and also that tree (of Zaqqum) which has been cursed in the Qur’an. And We warn them but this (warning too) does not add anything to them except greater disobedience and rebelliousness.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 61[/INST]And (call to mind the time) when We said to the angels: ‘Fall down in prostration before Adam.’ Then all prostrated themselves except Iblis (Satan). He said: ‘Shall I prostrate myself before him whom You have created of clay.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 62[/INST](And Satan also said:) ‘Tell me, is it he You have exalted over me? (What is its reason after all?) If you grant me respite till the Day of Resurrection, I shall root out his children except a few of them (by bringing them under my control).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 63[/INST]Allah said: ‘Go (respite is granted to you). So whoever of them follows you, Hell indeed is the only befitting punishment for you all.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 64[/INST]And whoever you can influence, destabilize (him) with your voice and invade them with (all the forces at your disposal) mounted and infantry troops, and become a partner with them in their wealth and children and make them (false) promises. And Satan does not make them (any) promises but fraud and deceit.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 65[/INST]Assuredly you will not be able to overpower those who are My servants, and your Lord is Sufficient to protect and help these (friends of Allah).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 66[/INST]Your Lord is He Who makes (the ships and) vessels sail in the sea (and rivers) for you so that you may look for His bounty (i.e sustenance through internal and external trade). Indeed He is Ever-Merciful towards you.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 67[/INST]And when some adversity afflicts you in the sea, then (all) those (idols) disappear (from your minds) you keep worshipping apart from Him (Allah Whom you remember at that time). Then when He rescues you and takes you safe ashore (you once again) start turning away (from Him). And man has happened to be extremely thankless!</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 68[/INST]Do you feel free of this fear that He may sink you (into the land) right at the shore or may send to you stone storm? Then you will not find any helper for yourselves.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 69[/INST]Or have you become fearless that He may take you back once more (into the sea) and let loose upon you the ship-wrecking tempest and drown you (into the sea) because of your disbelief you used to practise. Then you will not find for yourselves anyone to impeach Us (on this drowning).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 70[/INST]And We have indeed honoured the children of Adam and provided them with (means of transport) over the land and in the sea (i.e. in the cities, deserts, rivers and oceans) and bestowed upon them sustenance out of clean and pure things. And We have exalted them above most of Our creation by conferring on them superiority.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 71[/INST](Call to mind) the Day when We shall call every section of people along with their leaders. So whoever will be given the record of his deeds in his right hand, so they will read their records (rejoicing) and they will not be wronged a whit.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 72[/INST]And whoever remains blind (to the Truth) in this (world) will be blind in the Hereafter as well, distracted from the path (of deliverance).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 73[/INST]And that is what the disbelievers were up to that they might tempt you away from that (Commandment) which We have revealed to you, so that you ascribe to Us some other (things) apart from this (Revelation), and then make you their friend.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 74[/INST]And had We not (already) made you firm-footed (through holiness and impeccability of Prophethood), even then you (owing to your holy and sanctified self and natural potential) would have but trivially gone near to inclining towards them. (You would not have even then bent much towards them and they would have failed. But Allah has protected you from even nearing such a probability through the holiness of Prophethood.)</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 75[/INST](But if supposedly you inclined then) We would make you taste double of the torment in the worldly life and double of the torment in death. You would not then find (even) for yourself any helper against Us.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 76[/INST]And the disbelievers also sought to shake you off the land (of Makka) so that they might banish you from here. (But had that supposedly happened) then they (themselves) would also not have stayed there but for a little while.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 77[/INST]This (has been) the practice (of Allah) with all those Messengers We sent before you and you will not find any change in Our Way.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 78[/INST]Establish the Prayers (Zuhr [Midday], ‘Asr [Afternoon], Maghrib [Sunset] and ‘Isha [Evening]) from the declining of the sun till deep darkness of the night. And also (make obligatory) the recitation of Fajr Prayer, for the Qur’an in Fajr (Dawn) Prayer is attended (by the angels and a state of divine consciousness also permeates).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 79[/INST]And in some part of the night (as well, rising from sleep,) offer the Tahajjud Prayer with the Qur’an. This is added especially for you. Your Lord will certainly raise you to a station of praise and glory (i.e. the glorious station of intercession where all the former and later generations will turn towards you and glorify you).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 80[/INST]And keep praying (to your Lord): ‘O my Lord, make me enter (wherever You are to make me enter) with the Truth (Your pleasure), and bring me out (from wherever You are to bring me out) with the Truth (Your pleasure). And bestow upon me from Your Presence the dominance that assists and the power that backs.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 81[/INST]And say: ‘The Truth has come and falsehood has fled. Surely falsehood has to perish.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 82[/INST]And We are sending down in the Qur’an what is healing and mercy for the believers. And it only increases the wrongdoers in loss.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 83[/INST]And when We bestow upon man (some) blessing he turns away (from gratitude) and escapes, but when some distress comes upon him he despairs (i.e. he is neither grateful nor patient).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 84[/INST]Say: ‘Everyone acts according to his own (respective) style and nature, and your Lord knows full well who is best guided to the straight path.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 85[/INST]And they (the disbelievers) ask you about the spirit. Say: ‘The spirit is from my Lord’s Command and you have been given but a very little knowledge.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 86[/INST]And if We so will, We can erase this (Book) which We have revealed to you, (from people’s minds and from the written copies,) and you will not then find anyone who may plead your case before Us for the communication of this (Revelation),</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 87[/INST]But that by your Lord’s Mercy (We have kept it intact. This) is indeed His mighty favour to you (and through you to your Umma [Community]).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 88[/INST]Say: ‘Should all men and jinn join in the attempt to produce (some other book) the like of this Qur’an, (even) then they will not be able to produce the like thereof, though they may become supporters to one another.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 89[/INST]And surely We have repeatedly explained for people every sort of example in this Quran (in diverse ways), but most people have not accepted (it. This is nothing) but sheer ingratitude.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 90[/INST]And they (the disbelievers of Makka) say: ‘We shall never believe in you until you cause some water spring to gush out of the earth,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 91[/INST]Or you have some garden of date-palms and grapes and you may cause streams to flow profusely therein,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 92[/INST]Or, as you have an idea, cause some pieces of the sky to fall upon us (just now) or bring Allah and the angels before us,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 93[/INST]Or you have a house of gold (wherein you live luxuriously) or you ascend up to heaven, but even then we will not believe in your ascension (to the heaven) until you bring down to us (from there) a Book which we may read (ourselves).’ Say: ‘Holy is my Lord (far above these vagaries). I am only a human being (and a Messenger) sent by Allah.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 94[/INST]And nothing prevented (these) people from believing, while there had come to them guidance (as well), except that they said: ‘Has Allah sent (a) man as Messenger?’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 95[/INST]Say: ‘Had there been angels (instead of human beings) walking about, residing in the earth, then We (too) would have certainly sent down from heaven some angel as a Messenger.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 96[/INST]Say: ‘Sufficient is Allah for a witness between me and you. Surely He is Well Aware of His servants, All-Seeing.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 97[/INST]And he whom Allah guides, then he it is the rightly guided. But he whom He holds astray, you will not find for them any helper except Him. And We shall raise them on the Day of Resurrection prone, blind, dumb and deaf. Hell is their abode. Every time it abates We shall flare it more ablaze (to torment them).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 98[/INST]That is their punishment because they denied Our Revelations. And they kept saying: ‘Shall we be raised alive afresh after (we die) reduced to (decomposed) bones and dust particles?’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 99[/INST]Have they not seen that Allah Who has created the heavens and the earth does (also) have the power to create the like of these people (again)? And He has fixed a term for them wherein there is no (chance of) doubt. The wrongdoers have even then refused to believe but (this) is ingratitude.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 100[/INST]Say: ‘If you were the owners of the treasures of my Lord’s Mercy, you would even then hold (your hands) back (from spending) for fear of (total) exhaustion. And man has turned out to be highly narrow-minded and niggardly.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 101[/INST]And indeed We bestowed upon Musa (Moses) nine bright Signs. And ask the Children of Israel, when (Musa [Moses]) came to them, Pharaoh said to him: ‘O Musa (Moses), in my opinion you are but a bewitched man (a spell has been cast upon you).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 102[/INST]Musa (Moses) replied: ‘(In your heart of hearts) you know that none has sent down these Signs as a means of warning and insight except the Lord of the heavens and the earth and, O Pharaoh, in my opinion you are a wreck (i.e. you are going to perish soon).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 103[/INST]Then (Pharaoh) resolved to uproot and cast away (Musa [Moses] and his people) from the land of (Egypt). So We drowned him and all those who were with him.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 104[/INST]Then after this We said to the Children of Israel: ‘Settle in this land. Then when the promise of the Hereafter comes to pass We shall take you all mustered together.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 105[/INST]And We have sent down this (Qur’an) with the Truth and it is with the Truth alone that it has come down. And, (O Glorious Beloved,) We have sent you but as a Bearer of glad tidings and as a Warner.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 106[/INST]And We sent down the Qur’an piecemeal so that you may recite it to the people distinctly with pauses. And We have revealed it piecemeal gradually (in accordance with the circumstances and expediencies).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 107[/INST]Say: ‘Believe in it or not, indeed those who were given the knowledge (of the Book) before you, they fall down upon their faces in prostration when this (Qur’an) is recited to them.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 108[/INST]And they say: Holy is our Lord. Surely the promise of our Lord was bound to come true.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 109[/INST]And they fall down on their faces sighing and wailing, and this (Qur’an) increases on their fear and submissiveness ever more.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 110[/INST]Say: ‘Call out Allah or call out ar-Rahman (the Most Compassionate), by whatever Name you invoke Him, (all) Best Names are His. And recite (the Qur’an in) your Prayer neither too loud nor too low but adopt a (middle) course in between the two.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 17 verse 111[/INST]And say: ‘All praise belongs to Allah alone Who has neither taken any son (for Himself) nor is there any partner in (His) kingdom and regime and nor has He any aide due to any handicap. (O Beloved,) keep extolling His Greatness and Glory with conviction and magnify Him with all His magnificence.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18[/INST]The Cave</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 1[/INST]All praise belongs to Allah Who revealed the (Glorious) Book to His (Most Beloved and Intimate) servant and left not in it any crookedness.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 2[/INST](He made it) straight and moderate so that he may warn (the disbelievers) of fierce torment (coming) from Allah and give good news to the believers who do pious deeds that for them is excellent reward (Paradise),</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 3[/INST]Wherein they will live forever,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 4[/INST]And (moreover) create fear in those who say that Allah has taken a son (for Himself).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 5[/INST]Neither they have any knowledge of it nor had their fathers. How dreadful is (this) utterance that is coming out of their mouths! They speak nothing but (sheer) falsehood.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 6[/INST](O Venerable Beloved!) Will you put your (dear) life at stake with the traumatic grief for them if they do not put faith in this Word (of Allah)?</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 7[/INST]And indeed We have made whatever is on earth a means of its beauty (and adornment) so that We test (the inhabitants of the earth) as to who is better on merit of their deeds.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 8[/INST]And, surely, We shall reduce it to a barren land (perishing all) that is on (the surface of the earth).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 9[/INST]Have you thought of it (how) wondrous a Sign of the Signs (of Our Might) were the people of the Kahf and the Raqim (i.e. the people of Cave and the Cave Tablet or the Raqim valley)?</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 10[/INST](Call to mind the time) when a few youths took refuge in the cave. They said: ‘O our Lord, bestow upon us mercy from Your Presence and provide (means of) guidance in our affair.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 11[/INST]So We patted their ears (putting them to slumber) for some countable years in that cave.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 12[/INST]Then We raised them up to see which of the two groups would most rightly calculate (the time) that they stayed (in the cave).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 13[/INST]We (now) narrate to you their actual state of affairs. They were indeed (a few) young men who believed in their Lord and We increased for them (the light of) guidance.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 14[/INST]And We strengthened and stabilized their hearts (through Our communication and divine affinity). When they stood (before their king), they said: ‘Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. We shall never worship any (false) god besides Him. (If we do that) then we shall certainly say something profane.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 15[/INST]These are the people of our community who have made many gods apart from Him. Why do they not bring any clear proof (in support of their godhood)? So, who is a greater wrongdoer than he who fabricates a lie against Allah?</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 16[/INST]And (those young men mutually discussed:) ‘When you have withdrawn yourselves from them and those (false gods) which they worship other than Allah, take shelter in (this) cave. Your Lord will open up His mercy for you and will facilitate you in your affair.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 17[/INST]And you see that the sun, when it rises, moves to the right from their cave and inclines obliquely from them to the left when it sets while they are (lying) in the open chamber of the cave. This (change of the sun’s course) is one of the (great) Signs of Allah’s (Might). He whom Allah guides is the one who is rightly guided, but one whom He holds strayed you will not find for him any wali (friend to help) and murshid (guide to show the path).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 18[/INST]And, (O listener,) if you (look) at them, you will deem them awake whereas they are asleep. And We keep changing their sides to the right and to the left (after regular intervals), and their dog is sitting on (their) threshold sprawling both its forelegs. Had you glanced peeping at them, you would have run away turning your back on them, and your heart would have been filled with their terror.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 19[/INST]And likewise We raised them up so that they could probe among themselves. (So,) the vocal one among them said: ‘How long have you stayed (here)?’ They said: ‘We have tarried (here) for a day or (even) a part of that.’ (Winding it up, they) said: ‘Your Lord knows best how long you have stayed (here). So send someone of you to the city with this coin of yours. He should then find which food is more lawful and clean and bring you some of that. He should remain slow and polite (in going, buying and coming back), not leaving any clue about you (even) to a single person.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 20[/INST]Surely if they overpower you (after becoming aware of you), they will surely stone you to death or force you (through oppression) to return to their faith. And (if it so happens) then you will not prosper at all.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 21[/INST]And in this way We unveiled their (state) to those (who succeeded them some centuries later) so that they might know that Allah’s promise is true and (also) that there is no doubt about the coming of the Last Hour. (When these people of the cave died) and the people of the town developed a dispute concerning their matter, they said: ‘Raise a building over their (cave as a monument). Their Lord knows best their state of (saintly) affairs.’ Those (believers) who had the upper hand in their matter said: ‘We shall certainly build a mosque (at their door so that the believers may pray therein and acquire special bounty by obtaining spiritual nearness to the people of the cave).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 22[/INST](Now) some will say: ‘(The people of the cave) were three and the fourth was their dog,’ and still some will say: ‘(They) were five and the sixth was their dog.’ These are the estimations made without seeing. And others will say: ‘(They) were seven and the eighth was their dog.’ Say: ‘My Lord is the One Who exactly knows their number and none knows their (exact number) except a few.’ So do not discuss about them with anyone except the details that have been revealed. Nor seek any information from any of them (about the people of the Cave).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 23[/INST]And never say about anything: ‘I shall do this work tomorrow.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 24[/INST]But that: ‘If Allah so wills. (i.e. saying: Insha Allah).’ And remember your Lord when you forget and say: ‘I believe my Lord will show me the path of guidance which is (even) nearer than this one.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 25[/INST]And (the people of the Cave [Kahf]) stayed in their cave for three hundred years and they added another (nine) years (to that).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 26[/INST]Say: ‘Allah is the One Who knows best for how long they remained (there).’ He alone knows (all) the secrets of the heavens and the earth. How well He sees and how well He hears! They have no protector besides Him, nor does He share His Sovereignty with anyone.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 27[/INST]And recite that (Revelation) which has been revealed to you from the Book of your Lord. There is none who can change His Word, nor will you find any place of refuge except with Him.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 28[/INST](O My servant!) Stay tenaciously in the companionship of those who remember their Lord morning and evening, ardently seeking His pleasure, (keen on the glimpse of His sight and eagerly aspiring to glance at His radiant Countenance). Your (affectionate and caring) looks must not but focus them. Do you seek the charisma of the worldly life (shifting your attention away from these self-denying devotees)? And (also) do not follow him whose heart We have made neglectful of Our remembrance and who follows but the urge of his (ill-commanding self) and his case has exceeded all bounds.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 29[/INST]And say: ‘(This) Truth is from your Lord. So whoever desires may believe and whoever desires may deny.’ Indeed We have prepared for the wrongdoers the Fire (of Hell) whose walls will surround them. And if (due to thirst and distress) they cry, they will be helped with water like molten copper which will scald their faces. How dreadful a drink and how terrible a resting place!</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 30[/INST]Indeed those who believe and do pious deeds, We certainly do not waste his reward who does pious deeds.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 31[/INST]For them there are (everlasting) Gardens with streams flowing under their (palaces). They will be adorned with bracelets of gold in these Gardens, and they will wear green attires of fine brocade and heavy silk. And there they will recline upon raised and richly adorned thrones. What an excellent reward and how beautiful a resting place!</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 32[/INST]And relate to them the example of two men, one of whom We provided with two gardens of grapevines, and We hedged both from all sides with date-palms and We grew between them (rich green) cultivated fields.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 33[/INST]Both these gardens yielded (abundant) fruits and their (produce) did not fall short of the mark. And We (also) made one stream flow in the middle of (each of) the two.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 34[/INST]And this man had (also besides this) abundant fruits (i.e. resources). While exchanging views with his companion, he said to him: ‘I am far more affluent than you and (also) more honourable as regards family and tribal strength.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 35[/INST]And (taking him along) he entered his garden. Doing wrong to his soul (by way of arrogance), he said: ‘I do not (even) imagine that this garden will perish.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 36[/INST]Nor do I entertain the idea that the Last Hour will take place. And if (supposedly) I am returned to my Lord, even then I shall certainly get a place to return better than these gardens.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 37[/INST]His companion, while exchanging views with him, said to him: ‘Have you denied (the Lord) Who has created you (first) from clay and then from a drop of vital fluid and then accomplished you (physically) into a full-grown man?</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 38[/INST]But (this is what) I say: Allah alone is my Lord and I do not associate any partner with my Lord.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 39[/INST]And why did you not say when you entered your garden: Ma Sha Allah, la quwwata illa bi-llah – (It happens exactly as Allah wills. No one owns any power but with the help of Allah)? If (today) you find me inferior to you in wealth and riches (then what!)</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 40[/INST]It is not far from possible that my Lord may give me a garden better than yours and send from heaven some torment upon this (garden) turning it into a barren slippery piece of land.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 41[/INST]Or its water may sink so deep into the earth that it gets beyond your means to fetch.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 42[/INST]And (because of his arrogance) all his fruits were besieged (with destruction) and in the morning he was but wringing his hands with grief bewailing all that wealth which he had invested (in raising this garden). And the garden had fallen down on its trellises and he (the embodiment of despair and despondence) said: ‘Would that I had not attributed peers to Allah (and had not employed self-conceit)!’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 43[/INST]And there was (also) no party for him to come to his help against Allah, nor was he himself able to avenge (this destruction).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 44[/INST](Here it becomes evident) that all authority belongs to Allah alone (Who) is the Truth. He is the Best to reward and the Best to end.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 45[/INST]And explain to them the example of the worldly life (as well): it is like water that We pour from the sky. With this the vegetation of the earth grows thick, but then it becomes dry stubble which the winds blow about and Allah has Perfect Control over everything.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 46[/INST]Wealth and children are (mere) adornment of the worldly life, but the things that (actually) endure (are) the good deeds (which) are best in the Sight of your Lord as for reward and (also) most valuable as regards hope.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 47[/INST]That will be the Day (of Resurrection) when We shall move the mountains (in the atmosphere, broken to dust particles,) and you will see the earth as a clear plain (void of plantation, stones, animals and vegetation). And We shall gather together the whole of mankind and shall not leave out anyone of them.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 48[/INST]And (all) mankind will be presented to your Lord standing in rows. (It will be said to them:) ‘Indeed you have come to Us (Today the way) We created you for the first time. In fact you thought that We would never appoint for you the Hour of Promise.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 49[/INST]And the record of deeds will be placed (before everyone). So, you will see the evildoers terrified at the (sins, wrongs and offences) registered (in the record). And they will say: ‘Oh, woe to us! What is the matter with this record that it has left out neither any insignificant (wrong) nor any big (blunder). It has rather taken into account (each and every act).’ And they will find (before them) whatever they used to do, and your Lord will not do injustice to anyone.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 50[/INST]And (recall the time) when We said to the angels: ‘Prostrate yourselves before Adam (in veneration).’ So they all prostrated themselves except Iblis. He (Iblis) was of the jinn and he walked out of the obedience to his Lord. Are you taking him and his offspring for friends leaving Me whereas in truth they are your enemies? How evil a substitute the evildoers (have opted in My place)!</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 51[/INST]I called them neither (for assistance or witness) on the creation of the heavens and the earth, nor (at the time of) their own creation. Nor was it My Glory to take the inciters of misguidance as (My) supporters.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 52[/INST]And (remember) the Day (when) Allah will say: ‘Call those that you deemed to be My peers.’ So they will call them but they will not give them any answer, and We shall place between them (a valley of Hell), the site of destruction.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 53[/INST]And the evildoers will see the Fire of Hell and realize that certainly they are about to fall into it. And they will not be able to find any means to escape from it.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 54[/INST]And We have indeed put forth in the Qur’an repeatedly for mankind every kind of example (alternating the styles) but man is far ahead in contention than anything else.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 55[/INST]And nothing prevented the people from embracing faith and imploring forgiveness from their Lord, while guidance had reached them, except (waiting for) the pattern of the ancients’ (destruction) occurring to them or that the torment should come in front of them.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 56[/INST]And We do not send Messengers but as Bearers of glad tidings (to the people) and as Warners. And the disbelievers dispute with (these Messengers) taking leverage of false arguments so as to eliminate the Truth with (falsehood). And they scoff at My Revelations and the (torment) of which they are warned.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 57[/INST]And who is a greater wrongdoer than one who was reminded of the Signs of Allah but he turned away from them and forgot those (evil deeds) which his hands had sent forward? Verily We have cast veils over their hearts so that they may (not) understand this Truth and have plugged their ears with heaviness (so that they may not hear this Truth). And if you invite them towards guidance, never ever will they take guidance.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 58[/INST]And your Lord is Most Forgiving, Full of Mercy. If He had to take them to task for their doings, He would certainly have sent the torment upon them quickly. And in truth the Hour of Promise is (appointed) for them. (When that time comes) they will not find any place of shelter except with Him.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 59[/INST]And these are the towns whose inhabitants We destroyed when they perpetrated oppression and injustice. And We had fixed a time for their destruction.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 60[/INST](And also call to mind the incident) when Musa (Moses) said to his (young companion and) servant (Yusha‘ ibn Nun [Joshua] the son of Nun): ‘I will not step (back) until I arrive at the junction of the two seas or I travel on infinitely.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 61[/INST]So when both of them reached the junction of the two seas, they forgot their fish (there). So, that (fried fish came back to life and) made its way into the sea like a tunnel (and slipped off).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 62[/INST]Then, when both of them had gone ahead, Musa (Moses) asked his servant: ‘Bring us our meal. Surely we have faced great hardship during our this journey.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 63[/INST](The servant) said: ‘Did you see when we reposed beside the rock? I forgot the fish (there) and none but Satan made me forget to mention it to you. And that fish (after coming back to life) made its way into the sea in a strange way (and it disappeared).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 64[/INST]Musa (Moses) said: ‘That is the place we were looking for.’ So both returned to (the same place), tracing the (same track) following their footsteps.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 65[/INST]Then both found (there) one of Our (elite) servants (Khidr) upon whom We had bestowed from Our Presence (special) mercy and had taught him Our infused knowledge (i.e. the inspired knowledge of secrets and Gnostics).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 66[/INST]Musa (Moses) said to him: ‘Can I stay with you under this (condition) that you will teach me (as well) some of that knowledge which has been conferred on you for guidance.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 67[/INST]He (Khidr) said: ‘No doubt, you will not be able to have patience being in my company.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 68[/INST]And how can you observe patience in (the matter of) which you will not have acquired (thorough) knowledge?’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 69[/INST]Musa (Moses) said: ‘You will certainly find me patient, if Allah so pleases, and I will not violate any of your instructions.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 70[/INST](Khidr) said: ‘So if you are in my company then do not question me about any thing until I myself mention that to you.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 71[/INST]So both of them set out till, when they embarked on a boat, (Khidr) bored a hole in it. Musa (Moses) said: ‘Have you bored (a hole in) it to drown the people aboard? Surely you have done something strange.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 72[/INST](Khidr) said: ‘Did I not tell you that you would not be able to restrain yourself in my company?’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 73[/INST]Musa (Moses) said: ‘Call me not to account for my omission and put me not in any more difficulty in (this) affair of mine.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 74[/INST]Then both of them proceeded till they met a boy. (Khidr) killed him. Musa (Moses) said: ‘Have you killed an innocent soul without any (retribution due) for anyone killed? Indeed you have done a horrible thing.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 75[/INST](Khidr) said: ‘Did I not tell you that you would never be able to keep patience in my company?’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 76[/INST]Musa (Moses) said: ‘If I ask you about anything after this, then do not keep me with you. Indeed, in my opinion, you have reached the limit to excuse.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 77[/INST]Then both set off, until they reached the people of a town; both asked its residents for food but they refused to entertain them. Then they found there a wall which was about to fall. (Khidr) erected it. Musa (Moses) said: ‘If you desired, you could take wages for this (construction work).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 78[/INST](Khidr) said: ‘This is the parting (time) between me and you. Now I impart to you the truth of the matters about which you have not been able to keep patience.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 79[/INST]As for the boat, that belonged to some poor people who used to toil for wages on the river. So I decided to make it defective (because) a (cruel) king was (standing) ahead of them, snatching every (undamaged) boat by force (from the owners without any compensation).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 80[/INST]And as for the boy, his parents were blessed with faith. So we feared that (if he lived on he would become a disbeliever, and on attaining to maturity) he would afflict both of them with disobedience and disbelief.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 81[/INST]So we intended that their Lord might bless them with (such) a substitute as would be better than this (boy) in purity and nearer (to his parents as well) in clemency and kindness.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 82[/INST]And as for the wall, that belonged to two orphan boys (residing) in the town. And a treasure was (buried) beneath it for both of them. And their father was (a) pious (man). So your Lord willed that both of them should reach their age of maturity and dig out their treasure (themselves) by Mercy from your Lord. And I did not do (whatever I did) of my own accord. This is the truth (of the matters) about which you could not hold yourself.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 83[/INST]And, (O Most Esteemed Beloved,) they ask you about Dhu’l-Qarnain. Say: ‘I recite to you an account of him now.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 84[/INST](In ancient times) We did grant him power in the land and blessed (his regime) with all the means and resources.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 85[/INST]Then he went after (more) resources,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 86[/INST]Until he reached the boundary of (a locality towards) the West where he perceived the setting of the sun as if going down into a spring of (muddy black) hot water, and he found a people (living) there. We said: ‘O Dhu’l-Qarnain, (it is up to you) whether you punish them or treat them nicely.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 87[/INST]Dhu’l-Qarnain said: ‘Whoever perpetrates injustice (by way of disbelief and mischief-mongering) we will certainly punish him. He will then be brought back to his Lord. And then He will award him most grievous punishment.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 88[/INST]And whoever believes and does pious acts will have better reward, and We shall (also) say for him in Our Commands what is lenient.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 89[/INST]Then (after consolidating his conquests in the West) he set forth on (another) course,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 90[/INST]Until he reached the boundary (of a locality in the direction) of the sunrise. There he perceived (the rising of) the sun (as if) it were rising on the people (living in that piece of land) for whom We had provided no cover (for protection) against the sun (i.e. they lived in the caves, without clothes and houses).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 91[/INST]It occurred the same way. And We have encompassed with Our knowledge whatever he had.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 92[/INST](Having accomplished his conquests in the East,) he then followed (still another) route,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 93[/INST]Until he reached (a place) between two mountains. He found a people dwelling behind these mountains. They were unable to understand (anyone’s) speech.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 94[/INST]They said: ‘O Dhu’l-Qarnain! Gog and Magog have spread disorder in the land. Should we fix some money (as a tribute) for you on this (condition) that you raise a high wall between us and them?’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 95[/INST](Dhu’l-Qarnain) said: ‘The power my Lord has given me in this connection is better. Assist me with your vigour (diligence and labour) and I shall erect a fortified wall between you and them.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 96[/INST]Bring me large blocks of iron.’ So, when he levelled (that iron wall) between the two (mountain) tops, he said: ‘(Now) blow (it after putting it on fire).’ So, when he turned that (iron) into a fire (by successive blowing) he said: ‘(Now) bring me molten copper to pour on it.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 97[/INST]Then, they (Gog and Magog) did not have the ability to scale it, nor could they acquire the capability to bore through it.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 98[/INST](Dhu’l-Qarnain) said: ‘This is Mercy from my Lord. But when my Lord’s promise (of the Last Hour) comes (near), He will (demolish this wall and) level it with the ground (i.e. it will be reduced to dust particles). And the promise of my Lord is bound to come true.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 99[/INST]And at that time We shall release (all the creation or Gog and Magog). They will run into each other (like surging waves). And the trumpet will be blown. Then We shall gather them all (in the Last Day Assembly).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 100[/INST]On that Day, We shall present Hell before the disbelievers fully exposed,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 101[/INST]Those whose eyes were veiled (by negligence) against My remembrance and they could not even listen (to My remembrance).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 102[/INST]Do the disbelievers think that, instead of Me, they will take My servants as helpers? Surely, We have prepared Hell as hospitality for the disbelievers.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 103[/INST]Say: ‘Shall We alert you of those who are great losers in respect of deeds?</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 104[/INST]It is those whose entire struggle is wasted in worldly life, but they presume they are doing very good works.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 105[/INST]It is they who have denied the Signs of their Lord and meeting Him (after death). So all their deeds are ruined, and We shall not give any weight or (even) any worth to them on the Day of Rising.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 106[/INST]This very Hell is their reward because they kept disbelieving and mocking My Signs and My Messengers.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 107[/INST]Surely those who believe and do good deeds persistently shall have the Gardens of Paradise as their hospitality.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 108[/INST]They will always live there. They will never seek any change (of abode) from there.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 109[/INST]Say: ‘If the ocean turns into ink for the Words of my Lord, that ocean will exhaust before the Words of my Lord come to an end, even if We bring another similar (ocean or ink) to refill.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 18 verse 110[/INST]Say: ‘I look like you only (by virtue of my visible creation) as a man. (Otherwise just think what congruity you have with me.) It is I to whom the Revelation is transmitted that your God is the One and only God. (And just see to it whether you have any such divine potential that the Word of Allah may come down to you.) So, whoever hopes to meet his Lord should do good deeds and must not associate any partner in the worship of his Lord.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19[/INST]Mary</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 1[/INST]Kaf, Ha, Ya, ‘Ain, Sad. (Only Allah and the Messenger know the real meaning.)</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 2[/INST]This is an account of the Mercy of your Lord (bestowed) upon His (chosen) servant Zakariyya (Zacharias),</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 3[/INST]When he called upon his Lord in a low voice (charged with politeness and submissiveness).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 4[/INST]He submitted: ‘O my Lord, my bones have grown tender and (my) head has turned white like a flame due to old age and, O my Lord, I have never been unblessed when supplicating You.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 5[/INST]And I fear my (disbelieving) relatives (may ruin the blessing of Din [Religion]) after my (soul departs) and my wife (too) is barren. So bless me from Your Presence with an heir (son),</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 6[/INST](The one) who should be my heir (of divine blessing) and also the heir of (the chain of Prophethood from) the Children of Ya‘qub (Jacob). And, O my Lord, You (also) make him an awardee of Your Pleasure.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 7[/INST](Allah said:) ‘O Zakariyya (Zacharias), indeed We give you the good news of a son whose name shall be Yahya (John). We have not given this name to anyone before him.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 8[/INST](Zakariyya [Zacharias]) submitted: ‘My Lord, how can there be a son to me while my wife is barren, and I have shrivelled (into extreme debility) on account of old age?’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 9[/INST](He) said: ‘(Don’t be amazed.) It will be the same way.’ Your Lord said: ‘It is easy for Me (to create a son). Certainly, I created you (too) before, while you were (just) nothing.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 10[/INST](Zakariyya [Zacharias]) submitted: ‘My Lord, set a Sign for me.’ He said: ‘Your Sign is that despite good health you shall not be able to speak to the people for three nights (and days).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 11[/INST]Then (Zakariyya [Zacharias]) came out from his worshipping chamber to his people and conveyed to them (i.e. made them understand) by gestures to glorify (Allah) morning and evening.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 12[/INST]O Yahya (John)! Hold fast to (Our) Book (the Torah). And We granted him wisdom and vision (Prophethood) while yet a child,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 13[/INST]And (blessed him) with sympathy and tenderness and purity and virtuousness from Our Kind Presence and he was very Godfearing.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 14[/INST](He was) greatly righteous (and dutiful) to his parents and was neither disobedient nor arrogant (like common boys).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 15[/INST]And peace be on Yahya (John) the day he was born, the day he dies and the day he will be raised up alive.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 16[/INST]And, (O My Esteemed Beloved,) recite the account of Maryam (Mary) in the Book (the Holy Qur’an) when she separated from her family (adopting seclusion for worship and) moved to the eastern house.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 17[/INST]So she adopted veiling from them (the family and the people so that the Absolute Divine Beauty unveils Himself). Then We sent Our Spirit (the angel, Jibra’il - Gabriel,) towards her who appeared before her in the complete form of a human being.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 18[/INST](Maryam [Mary]) said: ‘I seek refuge with the Most Gracious (Lord) from you if you fear (Allah).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 19[/INST](Jibra’il [Gabriel]) said: ‘I am only a messenger from your Lord. (I have come) to bestow upon you a pure son.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 20[/INST](Maryam [Mary]) said: ‘How can there be a son to me whereas no man has even touched me, nor am I unchaste?’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 21[/INST](Jibra’il [Gabriel]) said: ‘(Do not wonder.) It will be the same way. Your Lord says: This (work) is easy for Me, and (the objective is) that We may make him a Sign for the people and Mercy from Us. And it is a matter (already) decreed.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 22[/INST]So Maryam (Mary) conceived him and positioned herself at a remote site aloof (from the people).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 23[/INST]Then the birth pangs drove her to the trunk of a palm-tree. She said (in anxiety): ‘Would that I had died before this and had become totally forgotten!’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 24[/INST]Then (Gabriel or ‘Isa [Jesus] himself) called out to her from beneath her: ‘Grieve not. Surely your Lord has made a water spring flow under you (or has created and laid under you a divinely eminent human being).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 25[/INST]And shake the trunk of date-palm towards you. It will shed fresh ripe dates upon you.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 26[/INST]So eat and drink and cool (your) eyes (with the sight of your beautiful, lovely baby). Then if you see any man, say (to him by gestures): ‘I have vowed a fast (of silence) to the Most Gracious (Lord), so I shall just not talk to any human being today.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 27[/INST]Then, carrying (the baby in her lap), she came to her people. They said: ‘O Maryam (Mary), surely you have brought quite an amazing thing!</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 28[/INST]O sister of Harun (Aaron)! Neither was your father a bad man nor was your mother an unchaste woman.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 29[/INST]On this Maryam (Mary) pointed to (the baby). They said: ‘How can we talk to him who is (yet) an infant in the cradle?’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 30[/INST]The (infant himself) spoke out: ‘I am indeed a servant of Allah. He has given me the Book and has raised me as a Prophet.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 31[/INST]And wherever I may reside, He has made me an embodiment of blessing. And He has enjoined upon me Prayer and Zakat (the Alms-due) as long as I am alive.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 32[/INST]And (He has made me) treat my mother with excellent morality and has not made me disobedient and ill-fated.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 33[/INST]And peace be upon me on the day of my birth, the day of my demise and the day I shall be raised up alive.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 34[/INST]Such is ‘Isa son of Maryam (Jesus son of Mary. That is) the truth about which these people doubt.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 35[/INST]It is not Allah’s Glory that He should take (to Himself anyone as) a son. Holy and Glorified is He (above this). When He decrees any matter, He only says to it: ‘Be,’ and it becomes.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 36[/INST]And surely Allah is my Lord and your Lord (too). So always worship Him alone. This is the straight path.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 37[/INST]Then their sects began to differ among themselves. So the disbelievers are doomed due to the presence on the Mighty Day (of Resurrection).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 38[/INST]How (curiously) will they hear (with the ears wide open) and how (bewilderedly) will they see (with the eyes stunned) on the Day when they will appear before Us! But today the wrongdoers are but (sunk) into the manifest error.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 39[/INST]And warn them of the Day of Regret (and Shame) when (every) matter shall be decided, but they are rapt in (a state of) negligence and simply do not believe.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 40[/INST]Surely We alone are the inheritor of the earth and (also) of those who dwell on it, and (they all) shall be brought back to Us.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 41[/INST]And recite the account of Ibrahim (Abraham) in the Book (the Holy Qur’an). Surely he was a Prophet blessed with truthfulness.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 42[/INST]When he said to his father (i.e. his uncle Azar who brought him up after his father Tarukh died): ‘O my father, why do you worship these (idols) which cannot hear or see, nor can they remove any (troublesome) thing from you?</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 43[/INST]O Father! No doubt there has come to me knowledge (from the Divine Presence of Allah) which has not come to you. Follow me; I shall show you the straight path.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 44[/INST]O Father! Do not worship Satan. Surely Satan is a great rebel against the Most Kind (Lord).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 45[/INST]Father! Indeed I fear that a torment from Most Kind (Lord) may seize you and you become a companion of Satan.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 46[/INST](Azar) said: ‘Ibrahim (Abraham), have you turned away from my gods? If you do not practically desist (from this opposition) I will certainly stone you to death. And keep away from me for a long while.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 47[/INST]Ibrahim (Abraham) said: ‘(All right,) peace be on you. I shall beg forgiveness for you from my Lord (even) now. He is indeed very kind to me. (He may bestow guidance upon you.)</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 48[/INST]And I turn away from you (all) and these (idols) which you worship besides Allah. And I worship my Lord (with absolute concentration). I hope that, owing to worship of my Lord, I shall not be deprived (of His Bounty).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 49[/INST]So when Ibrahim (Abraham, giving up all social links,) completely separated from the people and those (idols) that they worshipped apart from Allah, We blessed him with Ishaq (Isaac) and Ya‘qub (Jacob, son and grandson) and We made each of them a Prophet.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 50[/INST]And We awarded (all of) them Our (special) Mercy and put their praise and admiration on high rhetoric (among the believers of every divine religion).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 51[/INST]And recite the account of Musa (Moses) in (this Holy) Book. Surely, (getting rid of the grip of self,) he had become exalted and was a Messenger and Prophet.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 52[/INST]And We called him out from the right of (Mount) Tur and blessed him with Our (special) nearness for secret converse.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 53[/INST]And We granted him out of Our Mercy his brother Harun (Aaron), making him a Prophet (to assist him in his task).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 54[/INST]And recite the account of Isma‘il (Ishmael) in (this) Book. Surely he was true to (his) promise and was a Messenger and Prophet.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 55[/INST]And he used to enjoin on his family Prayer and Zakat (the Alms-due) and (held) the station of Mardiyya in the Presence of his Lord (i.e. his Lord was well pleased with him).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 56[/INST]And mention in the Book the account of Idris. Verily he was a Prophet possessing the Truth.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 57[/INST]And We raised him to a lofty station.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 58[/INST]These are the people on whom Allah bestowed Favour from among the Prophets of the seed of Adam and of those (believers) whom We (saved from Deluge and) carried with Nuh (Noah) in the Ark, and of the posterity of Ibrahim (Abraham) and Isra‘il (Israel i.e. Ya‘qub [Jacob]) and of those (chosen ones) whom We guided and exalted. When the Verses of the Most Kind (Lord) are recited to them, they fall down prostrating themselves in (profuse) tears.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 59[/INST]Then followed their pathetic successors who gave up Prayers and followed lusts (of their ill-commanding selves). So they will soon face punishment in the Hereafter (in the Ghayi valley of Hell),</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 60[/INST]Except someone who repents and believes and persists in righteous works; they will enter Paradise and will not be wronged in the least.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 61[/INST](They will dwell) in such evergreen gardens which the Most Kind (Lord) has promised to His servants in the Unseen. Certainly His promise is about to come true.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 62[/INST]They will not hear in it any absurd talk but only greetings of peace (pouring in from every direction). For them, their sustenance will be (available) in it morning and evening.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 63[/INST]This is the Paradise which We shall award as inheritance to those of Our servants who are God-fearing.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 64[/INST]And, (O Jibra’il [Gabriel], say to My Beloved:) ‘We cannot descend (onto earth) without the Command of your Lord. To Him belongs whatever is before us and whatever is behind us and whatever is in between. And your Lord is never forgetful (of you).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 65[/INST](He) is the Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between the two. So worship Him and remain steadfast in His worship. Do you know who is His namesake?</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 66[/INST]And man says: ‘Shall I be soon brought forth alive when I die?’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 67[/INST]Does man not remember that We had created him before this (also) while he was just nothing?</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 68[/INST]So, by your Lord, We will certainly gather them and (all) Satans together (on the Day of Judgment). We will then bring them (all) around Hell fallen down in kneeling position.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 69[/INST]Then We shall indeed pick out from every group the one who had been most disobedient to and rebellious against the Most Kind (Lord).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 70[/INST]And We know best those who are most deserving of being thrown into Hell.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 71[/INST]And there is none of you but will pass over Hell. This (promise) is absolutely with your Lord which will certainly be fulfilled.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 72[/INST]Then We shall deliver the God-fearing and shall leave the wrongdoers in it (Hell) down on their knees.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 73[/INST]And when Our enlightening Verses are recited to them, the disbelievers say to the believers: ‘(See in the selfsame world) which of us two groups has better housing and more influential social circle.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 74[/INST]And how many a people have We destroyed before them who were better off (than these) in worldly assets and pomp and show.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 75[/INST]Say: ‘The Most Kind (Lord also) grants respite in age and luxury to the one who is lost in error until, when they see what they have been promised — torment or the Day of Rising — then they will come to know him who is worse in respect of dwelling and (also) weaker in respect of troops.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 76[/INST]Allah adds to the guidance of those who are guided aright. And in the sight of your Lord, the lasting pious deeds are better in respect of reward and (also) more valuable in terms of end result.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 77[/INST]Have you seen such a person that rejected Our Signs and said: ‘I shall certainly be given wealth and children (the same way even on the Day of Resurrection)’?</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 78[/INST]Is he aware of the unseen or has he taken any promise from the Most Kind (Lord)?</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 79[/INST]No way! We shall keep writing down what he says, and shall keep increasing for him torment (upon torment).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 80[/INST]And (after his death) We shall inherit from him what he proclaims, and he will come to Us all alone (without wealth and children).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 81[/INST]And they have taken (many other) gods apart from Allah so that they may be a source of honour for them.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 82[/INST]By no means! Soon will these (false gods themselves) reject their worship and become their enemies.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 83[/INST]Have you not seen that We have sent satans upon the disbelievers? They keep rousing them (against Islam) all the time.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 84[/INST]So do not make haste against them (for torment). We Ourselves keep counting days (for their catastrophe).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 85[/INST]On the Day when We shall assemble the Godfearing lot and take them (as guests of honour) to the Presence of the Most Kind (Lord) on carriages;</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 86[/INST]And We shall drive the sinners thirsty towards Hell;</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 87[/INST](On that Day) people will not possess the authority to intercede except those who have taken a promise (of intercession) from the Most Kind (Lord).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 88[/INST]And (the disbelievers) say: ‘The Most Kind (Lord) has taken (to Himself) a son.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 89[/INST](O disbelievers!) You have indeed brought most horrible and unusual evil (on your tongues).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 90[/INST]The heavens may just burst at this (fabricated lie) and the earth split asunder and the mountains fall down to pieces,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 91[/INST]That they have attributed a son to the Most Kind (Lord).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 92[/INST]And it is not the Glory of the Most Kind (Lord) to take (someone as) a son.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 93[/INST]Whoever are (dwelling) in the heavens and the earth (whether angels, jinn or human beings) appear just as servants before the Most Kind Allah.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 94[/INST](Allah) has surely encompassed them with His (knowledge) and has counted them thoroughly (i.e. numbering them one by one).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 95[/INST]And each one of them has to appear before His Presence alone on the Day of Resurrection.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 96[/INST]Surely those who believed and did pious deeds, the Most Kind (Lord) will create love for them in the hearts (of the people).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 97[/INST]So We have indeed made this (Qur’an) easy in your own tongue so that, by means of it, you may communicate good news to the God-fearing and may warn thereby the contentious people.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 19 verse 98[/INST]And how many a community have We destroyed before them! Do you perceive even a trace or hear even the faintest fizzle of anyone of them?</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20[/INST]Taa-Haa</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 1[/INST]Ta-Ha. (Only Allah and the Messenger know the real meaning.)</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 2[/INST](O My Esteemed Beloved!) We have not revealed the Qur’an to you that you land in distress.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 3[/INST]But (it) is (revealed as) admonition for him who fears (his Lord).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 4[/INST](This) has been revealed by (Allah) Who created the earth and lofty heavens.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 5[/INST](He is) Most Kind Who settled on the Throne (of Power and Supreme Authority over all the systems of the universe).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 6[/INST](So) whatever is in the heavens (i.e. the upper divine and celestial spheres and spatial terrestrial spheres) and whatever is in the earth and whatever is in between the two (i.e. the atmospheric spheres) and whatever is beneath the soil to its bed, all are (functioning in compliance with) His (command and control system).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 7[/INST]And (there is no harm) if, in remembrance and Prayer, you raise (louden your voice). He knows even the secrets (of hearts) and also the most hidden mysteries. (Then how He will not hear the loud supplications!)</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 8[/INST]Allah is (His Self-Name) besides Whom there is no God (i.e. believe in Him alone and deny all other false gods). There are (also) many other Beautiful Names for Him (that speak of His most beautiful and fascinating attributes).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 9[/INST]And has the account of Musa (Moses) reached you?</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 10[/INST]When Musa (Moses) saw a fire (on his way back to Egypt from Madyan), he said to his family: ‘Stay here. I have seen a fire (or I have perceived a flash of love and cordiality in a fire). Perhaps I may bring a brand from it for you (also) or I find at that fire the guidance (which I am searching for).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 11[/INST]So when he reached that (fire), a call was made: ‘O Musa (Moses)!</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 12[/INST]Certainly I am your Lord, so take off your shoes. Verily you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 13[/INST]And I have chosen you (for my Messengership), so listen to what is being revealed to you with absolute attentiveness.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 14[/INST]Verily I am Allah. There is no God other than Me. So always worship Me and establish Prayer for the sake of My remembrance.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 15[/INST]Certainly the Last Hour is about to come. I want to keep it secret so that every soul may be rewarded for that (deed) for which it is exerting.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 16[/INST]So let not someone who (himself) does not believe in it and follows his own lust (of the lower self) prevent you from (focusing) it, otherwise you (too) will perish.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 17[/INST]And what is this in your right hand, O Musa (Moses)?’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 18[/INST]He submitted: ‘This is my stick. I lean on it and beat down leaves with it for my goats, and in it there are also many other benefits for me.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 19[/INST]Allah said: ‘O Musa (Moses), cast it down (on the ground).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 20[/INST]So he cast it down (on the ground) and suddenly it became a serpent slithering (here and there).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 21[/INST]Allah said: ‘Catch it and do not fear. We shall transform it to its former state just now.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 22[/INST]And (it was commanded:) ‘Press your hand in your armpit. It will come out radiant white without any disease. (This) is another Sign.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 23[/INST](We are doing) this so that We may show you greater Signs of Our (Might).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 24[/INST]Go to Pharaoh. He has exceeded limits (in defiance and rebellion).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 25[/INST]Musa (Moses) prayed: ‘O my Lord, expand my breast for me.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 26[/INST]And make my task (as a Messenger) easy for me.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 27[/INST]And untie the knot from my tongue,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 28[/INST]That people may understand (easily) what I say.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 29[/INST]And appoint for me a minister from my family.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 30[/INST](That) is Harun (Aaron), my brother.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 31[/INST]Provide me strength and backup with him.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 32[/INST]And make him share my task (of Messengership),</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 33[/INST]So that we (both) may amply glorify You,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 34[/INST]And amply remember You.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 35[/INST]Surely You see us well (in the perspective of total scenario).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 36[/INST](Allah) said: ‘O Musa (Moses), you are granted your every prayer.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 37[/INST]And surely We graciously favoured you once (earlier as well),</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 38[/INST]When We revealed to your mother’s heart what was revealed —</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 39[/INST]That put him (Musa [Moses]) into a box and place that (box) in the river. Then the river will drift it to the bank. My enemy and his enemy will pick him up. And I cast on you from My Presence a reflection of My (Exceptional) love (i.e. We have made you so lovely and charismatic that whoever glance at you will be fascinated). And (this was done) so that you might be brought up before My eyes.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 40[/INST]And when your sister, (posing as a stranger,) walking along, said (to Pharaoh’s family): Shall I point out to you (a woman) who will nurse this (infant)? Then We brought you back to your mother (on the pretext of nursing) so that she might cool her eyes and might not feel aggrieved as well. And you killed a man (a disbeliever of Pharaoh’s people). Then We delivered you from (that) agony (too) and tested and assessed you through many trials. Then you stayed among the people of Madyan for many years. Musa (Moses)! Then you came (here) at the time fixed (by Allah. He was then exactly forty years old).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 41[/INST]And (now) I have chosen you for Myself (for the task of Messengership and the Exceptional Favour).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 42[/INST]Go you and your brother (Harun [Aaron]) with My Signs and do not slacken in remembering Me.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 43[/INST]Go both of you to Pharaoh; surely he has transgressed all bounds in rebellion.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 44[/INST]So talk to him politely. He may perhaps accept admonition or fear (My wrath).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 45[/INST]Both of them submitted: ‘O our Lord, we fear lest he should commit some excess against us or become (more) rebellious.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 46[/INST](Allah) said: ‘Do not fear. I am indeed with you both. I hear and see (all).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 47[/INST]So, go you both to him and say: We are (the Messengers) sent by your Lord. So (set free) the Children of Israel (from your slavery and) send them with us. And do not persecute them (anymore). Surely we have brought you a Sign from your Lord. And peace be upon him who follows Guidance!</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 48[/INST]Verily, it has been revealed to us that the torment will come upon (every) such person that rejects (the Messenger) and turns away from him.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 49[/INST](Pharaoh) said: ‘O Musa (Moses), Who is the Lord of you both?’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 50[/INST]Musa (Moses) said: ‘Our Lord is He Who brought everything into being (as most suitable it was), then guided it (according to its potential).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 51[/INST](Pharaoh) said: ‘So, what was the fate of former people (who did not believe in your Lord)?’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 52[/INST](Musa [Moses]) said: ‘The knowledge about them is recorded (and saved) in a Book with My Lord. My Lord does not go wrong, nor does He forget.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 53[/INST]He is the One Who made the earth habitable for you and provided therein paths for you (to travel) and sent down water from the sky. Then by means of that (water) We bring forth (from the earth) pairs of various kinds of vegetation.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 54[/INST]Eat and pasture your cattle. Surely, there are Signs in it for the wise.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 55[/INST]We created you from this (very soil of the earth) and We shall return you into the same and shall bring you forth from the very same once more.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 56[/INST]And surely We showed him (Pharaoh) all Our Signs (bestowed upon Musa [Moses] and Harun [Aaron]) but he belied and refused to believe.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 57[/INST]He said: ‘Musa (Moses), have you come to us to drive us out of our land with your magic?</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 58[/INST]So we shall also bring to you magic resembling it. Therefore, settle an appointment between us and yourself (for the contest) which neither we nor you shall violate. (The place of contest) is to be an open and smooth ground.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 59[/INST](Musa [Moses]) said: ‘The day of your promise is the Eid (‘Id) Day (the day of Annual Festival) and that (on that day) all the people are to assemble there early in the forenoon.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 60[/INST]Then Pharaoh went back (from the meeting), put together his (schemes of) pretension and deception and then came back (at the appointed time).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 61[/INST]Musa (Moses) said (to the sorcerers): ‘Woe to you! (Beware!) Do not invent a lie against Allah lest He should eliminate you by torment. And surely he who fabricates a lie (against Allah) is a failure.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 62[/INST]Thereupon they (the sorcerers) disputed among themselves about their affair and started inaudible whispering.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 63[/INST]They said: ‘These two are really magicians who have the intention to drive you out of your land with sorcery and put an end to your exemplary culture and religion.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 64[/INST](They mutually decided.) So collect all your tricks (of magic) and come into the arena (together) in a queue and the one who prevails today will be victorious.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 65[/INST](The magicians) said: ‘O Musa (Moses), either you cast (your thing) or we become the first ones to cast.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 66[/INST](Musa [Moses]) said: ‘Rather you cast down.’ Then the sight was that suddenly their cords and rods, by the effect of their magic, seemed to Musa (Moses) as if they were slithering (on the ground).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 67[/INST]Now Musa (Moses) felt a sort of hidden fear in his heart.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 68[/INST]We said (to Musa [Moses]): ‘Do not fear. Verily, you will have the upper hand.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 69[/INST]And cast down (this staff) that is in your right hand (on the ground). It will swallow up that (craft) which they have contrived (artificially). Whatever they have wrought is but a deceitful trick of a sorcerer, and wherever a magician may come, he will not be successful.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 70[/INST](Then things happened the same way.) So all the sorcerers fell down in prostration (and) said: ‘We embrace faith in the Lord of Harun (Aaron) and Musa (Moses).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 71[/INST](Pharaoh) said: ‘You have embraced faith in Him before I grant you permission. Surely he (Musa [Moses]) is also your chief (trainer) who has taught you magic. So, (now) I shall certainly cut off your hands and your feet on the opposite sides and shall certainly crucify you on the palm trunks. Then you shall come to know for sure which of us is sterner in inflicting torture and lasts for a longer term.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 72[/INST](The magicians) said: ‘We shall not at all prefer you to the Clear Signs that have come to us. By that (Lord) Who has created us, decide whatever you want to do, for you can decide merely about (this few days’) worldly life.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 73[/INST]We have indeed believed in our Lord in order that He may forgive us our sins and also (may forgive) that sorcery to which you forced us, and Allah is the Best and Ever-Abiding.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 74[/INST]Surely whoever comes to his Lord as an evildoer, certainly for him is Hell. (And it is such a torment) wherein he will neither die nor survive.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 75[/INST]And whoever comes to His Presence as a believer (and) has (also) done good deeds, it is they for whom are high ranks.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 76[/INST](Those) are evergreen gardens beneath which streams flow. (They) will dwell therein forever. And that is the reward for the one who purifies himself (of the impurity and indecency of disbelief and immorality).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 77[/INST]And certainly We sent revelation to Musa (Moses): ‘Move out at night taking My servants with you. So, make a dry path in the river (by striking your staff). Have no fear to be overtaken (by Pharaoh), nor be afraid (of drowning).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 78[/INST]Then Pharaoh chased them with his troops. So, the (waves of the) river swept over them as much as they covered them up.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 79[/INST]And Pharaoh led his people astray and did not guide them to the right path.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 80[/INST]O Children of Israel! (Realize!) Certainly We delivered you from your enemy and gave you the promise of (coming to) the right of (Mount) Tur and (there) We sent down to you the manna and the quails.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 81[/INST](And He said to you:) ‘Eat of the pure things that We have provided for you and do not exceed limits in that, or My wrath will become inevitable for you. And he on whom My wrath comes due is in truth destroyed.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 82[/INST]And I am surely Most Forgiving to him who repents and affirms faith and behaves piously, then sticks to guidance (firmly).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 83[/INST]And, O Musa (Moses), why did you hasten (in coming to Tur ahead of) your people?</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 84[/INST](Musa [Moses]) submitted: ‘They too are coming behind me, and I have hastened to appear before Your Presence (possessed by love and ecstasy) in order that You may be pleased, O my Lord!’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 85[/INST](Allah) said: ‘We have indeed put your people in trial after you (came away) and Samiri has led them astray.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 86[/INST]So, Musa (Moses) returned to his people angered and grieved (and) said: ‘O my people, did your Lord not give you a fair promise? Had a long time lapsed on you in (the fulfilment of) the promise? (Or) did you wish that the wrath of your Lord should come due (and befall) you? So you have violated (your) promise to me.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 87[/INST]They said: ‘We have not violated our promise to you of our own will, but (what happened is that) we were loaded with the heavy burden of the ornaments of the people, so we cast them (into the fire); then similarly Samiri (too) cast them away.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 88[/INST]Then he (Samiri) moulded (out of the molten ornaments) a statue of a calf for them which produced sound like that of a cow. Then they said: ‘This is your Lord and the Lord of Musa (Moses too). So he (Samiri) forgot (at this point).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 89[/INST]Well, did they not see (even this much) that this (calf) could not answer them a word, nor had it any power to cause them any loss or profit?</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 90[/INST]Earlier, Harun (Aaron also) had said to them, (warning): ‘O people, you have undergone a trial by virtue of this (calf) while your Lord is (not this,) but surely (He,) the Most Kind One. So follow me and obey my command.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 91[/INST]They said: ‘We shall hold fast to its (worship) until Musa (Moses) comes back to us.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 92[/INST]Musa (Moses) said: ‘Harun (Aaron), when you saw them erring, what stopped you,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 93[/INST]From following me (and communicating to me)? Or who prohibited you from following my way, (in forbidding them fiercely). Did you disobey me?’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 94[/INST](Harun [Aaron]) said: ‘O son of my mother, seize me not by my beard or my head. (In being harsh) I feared you would say: You have created division among the Children of Israel and have not safeguarded my word.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 95[/INST](Musa [Moses]) said: ‘Samiri, (tell me,) what is the matter with you?’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 96[/INST]He said: ‘I saw what these people had not seen. I took a handful (of dust) from the footstep of the angel (that visited you); then I cast it (into the model of the calf) and this way my (lower) self made (it) attractive to me.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 97[/INST]Musa (Moses) said: ‘So (get out from here and) go away. There is for you a lifelong (punishment) that you will keep saying (to everyone): Touch (me) not, (touch me not). And there is yet another promise (of punishment) for you which will not be averted at all. And look at this (self-made) god of yours to which you held fast (in worship). We will surely burn it and scatter (its dust) well over the river.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 98[/INST](O my people! He) Allah alone is your God apart from Whom there is no god. He has encompassed everything in (His) knowledge.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 99[/INST](O Esteemed Beloved!) Thus We communicate to you news about the (communities) who have passed away, and We have surely given you from Our Exclusive Presence the Reminder (i.e. an Admonishing Book).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 100[/INST]Whoever turns away from it will certainly carry an unmanageable burden on the Day of Rising.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 101[/INST]They will (remain) in this (torment) forever, and it will be a very evil burden for them on the Day of Rising.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 102[/INST]The Day when the trumpet will be blown, We shall assemble the evildoers with their bodies and eyes turned blue (due to intense fear and loss of sight),</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 103[/INST]Inaudibly whispering to one another: ‘You stayed in the world for hardly ten days.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 104[/INST]We know best what they will be saying while one of them better in wisdom and deeds will say: ‘You have not stayed (in the world) for more than a day.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 105[/INST]And they ask you concerning mountains. So say: ‘My Lord will blow them off as dust particles,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 106[/INST]Then will change it into a levelled, barren land,</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 107[/INST]In which you will find neither any depression nor any elevation.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 108[/INST]On that Day people will tread on behind the caller and there will be no deviation in (following) him. And all voices will be hushed due to the Majesty of the Most Kind (Lord). So you will not hear anything except a faint sound of a stir.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 109[/INST]On that Day no intercession shall be fruitful except his (intercession) whom the Most Kind (Lord) has granted leave (and permission) and with whose word He is pleased (such as Prophets and Messengers, Allah’s chosen and fearing servants, Godwary slaves, innocent children and many other devoted servants of Allah whose intercession is validated).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 110[/INST]He knows all those (things) which are ahead of them and which are behind them, and they cannot encompass His (knowledge) with (their) knowledge.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 111[/INST]And (all) faces will bow down before the Holy Presence of the Ever-Living (and) Self-Subsisting (Lord), and surely he who bears the burden of wrongdoing will crumble to failure.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 112[/INST]And whoever does righteous deeds and is also blessed with faith will fear neither any injustice nor any harm.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 113[/INST]And in this way have We sent down (this last Revealed Book) in the Arabic tongue (in shape of) the Qur’an and have explained in it more often than not matters inspiring fear (of torment, in diverse ways,) so that they may become Godfearing or this (Qur’an) may inculcate in their (hearts a passion for the acceptance of admonition or) the remembrance (of the Last Day).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 114[/INST]So Most High and Exalted is Allah. He alone is the True Sovereign. And do not hasten in (reciting) the Qur’an before its revelation is fully accomplished to you. And always submit (before the Holy Presence of your Lord): ‘O my Lord, increase me further in knowledge.’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 115[/INST]And truly, (far) earlier than this, We had given a strict command to Adam but he forgot. And We did not observe in him any intention (to disobey) at all (it was just an omission).</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 116[/INST]And (recall the time) when We commanded the angels: ‘Prostrate yourselves before Adam,’ they fell down in prostration except Iblis. He refused.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 117[/INST]Then We said: ‘O Adam, verily this (Satan) is an enemy to you and your wife. So let him not get you both ousted from Paradise; then you shall be put to toil.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 118[/INST]Surely there is this (comfort) for you (in Paradise) that you will neither feel hungry nor go naked.</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 119[/INST]And that you will neither feel thirsty here, nor will the sun prick (you).’</s>


<s>[INST]Chapter 20 verse 120[/INST]But Satan suggested to them (an) idea. He said: ‘O Adam! Shall I inform you of the tree of spending eternal life (in the Paradise of Allah’s nearness) and also the (secret of that divine) dominion which will neither fall nor cease to exist?’</s>