In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
14. For Him (alone) is prayer in Truth: any others that they call upon besides
Him hear them no more than if they were to stretch forth their hands for water
to reach their mouths but it reaches them not: for the prayer of those without
Faith is nothing but (futile) wandering (in the mind).
15. Whatever beings there are in the heavens and the earth do prostrate
themselves to Allah (Acknowledging subjection),- with good-will or in spite of
themselves: so do their shadows in the morning and evenings.
16. Say: "Who is the Lord and Sustainer of the heavens and the earth?" Say: "(It
is) Allah." Say: "Do ye then take (for worship) protectors other than Him, such
as have no power either for good or for harm to themselves?" Say: "Are the blind
equal with those who see? Or the depths of darkness equal with light?" Or do
they assign to Allah partners who have created (anything) as He has created, so
that the creation seemed to them similar? Say: "(Allah) is the Creator of all
things: He is the One, the Supreme and Irresistible."
17. He sends down water from the skies, and the channels flow, each according to
its measure: But the torrent bears away to foam that mounts up to the surface.
Even so, from that (ore) which they heat in the fire, to make ornaments or
utensils therewith, there is a scum likewise. Thus doth Allah (by parables) show
forth Truth and Vanity. For the scum disappears like froth cast out; while that
which is for the good of mankind remains on the earth. Thus doth Allah set forth
parables.
18. For those who respond to their Lord, are (all) good things. But those who
respond not to Him,- Even if they had all that is in the heavens and on earth,
and as much more, (in vain) would they offer it for ransom. For them will the
reckoning be terrible: their abode will be Hell,- what a bed of misery!
19. Is then one who doth know that that which hath been revealed unto thee from
thy Lord is the Truth, like one who is blind? It is those who are endued with
understanding that receive admonition;-
20. Those who fulfil the covenant of Allah and fail not in their plighted word;
21. Those who join together those things which Allah hath commanded to be
joined, hold their Lord in awe, and fear the terrible reckoning;
22. Those who patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Lord;
Establish regular prayers; spend, out of (the gifts) We have bestowed for their
sustenance, secretly and openly; and turn off Evil with good: for such there is
the final attainment of the (eternal) home,-
23. Gardens of perpetual bliss: they shall enter there, as well as the righteous
among their fathers, their spouses, and their offspring: and angels shall enter
unto them from every gate (with the salutation):
24. "Peace unto you for that ye persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the
final home!"
25. But those who break the Covenant of Allah, after having plighted their word
thereto, and cut asunder those things which Allah has commanded to be joined,
and work mischief in the land;- on them is the curse; for them is the terrible
home!
26. Allah doth enlarge, or grant by (strict) measure, the sustenance (which He
giveth) to whomso He pleaseth. (The wordly) rejoice in the life of this world:
But the life of this world is but little comfort in the Hereafter.
27. The Unbelievers say: "Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?"
Say: "Truly Allah leaveth, to stray, whom He will; But He guideth to Himself
those who turn to Him in penitence,-
28. "Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of
Allah. for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find
satisfaction.
Translation by Abdullah Yusufali