Part 13

[12.53] Yet I do not consider my soul was innocent, surely the soul incites to evil except to whom my Lord has mercy; indeed, my Lord is Forgiving, the Most Merciful. '

[12.54] The king said: 'Bring him before me. I will assign him to myself. ' And when he had spoken with him he said: 'Today, you are firmly established in both our favor and trust. '

[12.55] He (Joseph) said: 'Give me charge of the storehouses of the land, I am a knowledgeable guardian. '

[12.56] And as such We established Joseph in the land to live wherever he liked. We bestow Our Mercy on whom We will, and We never waste the wage of the righteous.

[12.57] Indeed, the reward of the Everlasting Life is better for those who believe and are cautious.

[12.58] Joseph's brothers came and presented themselves before him. He recognized them, but they did not know him.

[12.59] And when he had given them their provisions, he said: 'Bring me a certain brother from your father. Do you not see that I give just measure and am the best of hosts?

[12.60] If you do not bring him to me, you shall receive no measure (of corn) from me, nor shall you come near me (again). '

[12.61] They replied: 'We will ask our father for him. This we will surely do. '

[12.62] Then he said to his attendants: 'Put their merchandise in their saddlebags, hopefully they will recognize it when they return to their people. Perhaps they will come back. '

[12.63] When they returned to their father, they said: 'Father, we have been denied the measure. Send our brother with us and we shall receive our measure. We will indeed look after him. '

[12.64] He replied: 'Am I to trust you with him as I once trusted you with his brother? Why, Allah is the Best of guardians, and He is the Most Merciful of the Merciful. '

[12.65] When they opened their saddlebags, they found that their merchandise had been given back to them. 'Father, ' they said 'what more do we desire? Look, our merchandise has been returned to us. We will receive provisions for our family and we will look after our brother. We shall receive an extra camelload, that is an easy measure. '

[12.66] He replied: 'I will never send him with you until you swear by Allah that you will bring him back to me, unless you are prevented. ' And when they had given him their oath, he said: 'Allah is the Guardian of what we say. '

[12. 67] Then he said: 'My sons, do not enter from one gate. Enter through different gates. I cannot be of any help to you against Allah; judgement belongs to Allah alone. In Him I have put my trust. In Him let all put their trust. '

[12.68] And when they entered from where their father had instructed them, nothing helped them against (the decree of) Allah. It was but a need in Jacob's soul which he had fulfilled. He possessed knowledge because of what We had taught him, though most people do not know.

[12.69] When they presented themselves before Joseph, he took his brother in his arms, and said: 'I am your brother. Do not grieve at what they did. '

[12.70] And when he had given them their provisions, he hid a drinkingcup in his brother's saddlebag. Then a herald called out after them: 'Cameleers, you are thieves! '

[12.71] They turned back and asked: 'What have you lost? '

[12.72] 'We are missing the goblet of the king, ' he replied. 'Whosoever restores it shall have a camelload, that I guarantee. '

[12.73] 'By Allah, ' they said, 'you know we did not come to do evil in this land. We are not thieves. '

[12.74] They said: 'What shall be the recompense, if you prove to be lying? '

[12.75] They replied: 'Its recompense in whosoever's saddle bag it is found, he shall be its recompense. As such we punish the harmdoers. '

[12.76] He searched their bags before his brother's and then took out the goblet from his brother's bag. As such We directed Joseph. By the king's law he had no right to seize his brother unless Allah willed otherwise. We raise whom We will in rank; over every knowledgeable person is One who knows.

[12.77] They said: 'If he is a thief know then that a brother of his has committed theft before him. ' But Joseph kept it secret and did not reveal it to them. He said: 'You are in a worse position. And Allah knows well what you describe. '

[12.78] They said: 'Mighty prince, his father is old, advanced in years, take one of us instead of him. We can see you are amongst the gooddoers. '

[12.79] He replied: 'Allah forbid that we should seize any but he with whom our property was found, for then we should be harmdoers. '

[12.80] When they despaired of him, they went in private to confer together. The eldest said: 'Do you not know that your father took a pledge from you in the Name of Allah, and that you failed before regarding Joseph? I shall never stir from this land until my father gives me leave or Allah makes known to me His judgement: He is the Best of judges.

[12.81] Return, all of you to your father and say to him: 'Father, your son has committed a theft. We testify only to what we know. How could we guard against the unforeseen?

[12.82] Ask the village where we were and the caravan in which we traveled, we speak the truth. '

[12.83] 'No' he (Jacob) said, 'your souls have tempted you to do something. But come sweet patience. Allah may bring them all to me. He alone is the Knowing, the Wise. '

[12.84] And he turned away and said: 'Alas for Joseph! ' His eyes turned white with the grief he repressed within him.

[12.85] They said: 'By Allah, will you not cease to mention Joseph until you are consumed, or are among the perishing? '

[12.86] He replied: 'I complain to Allah of my anguish and sadness. I know from Allah what you do not know.

[12.87] Go and seek news of Joseph and his brother. Do not despair of the Comfort of Allah, none but unbelievers despair of the Comfort of Allah. '

[12.88] And when they presented themselves before him they said: 'O mighty prince, we and our people are afflicted with distress. We have brought but little merchandise. Fill up the measure, and be charitable to us; Allah rewards the charitable. '

[12.89] 'Do you know' he replied, 'what you did to Joseph and his brother in your ignorance? '

[12.90] They said: 'Are you Joseph? ' 'I am Joseph, ' he answered, 'and this is my brother. Allah has been gracious to us. Those who keep from evil and are patient, indeed, Allah does not let the wage of the good doers go to waste. '

[12.91] 'By Allah, ' they said, 'Allah has preferred you above us all. We have indeed been sinful. '

[12.92] He replied: 'Let no reproach be on you this day. Allah will forgive you He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.

[12.93] Go, take this shirt of mine and cast it over my father's face, he will recover his sight. Then return to me with all your family. '

[12.94] As the caravan departed, their father said: 'I smell the scent of Joseph, unless you think I am foolish. '

[12.95] 'By Allah, ' they said, 'this is but your old illusion. '

[12.96] And when the bearer of glad tidings arrived, he laid Joseph's shirt over him, and he saw once again. He said: 'Did I not tell you that I know from Allah what you do not know? '

[12.97] His sons said: 'Father, ask forgiveness for our sins. We have indeed been sinners. '

[12.98] He said: 'I shall ask my Lord to forgive you. He is Forgiving, the Most Merciful. '

[12.99] And when they entered before Joseph, he took his father and mother into his arms and said: 'Welcome to Egypt, safe, if Allah wills! '

[12.100] He lifted his parents to the throne, and (the others) bowed before him. Joseph said to his father: 'This is the meaning of my vision of long ago, my Lord has verified it. He has been gracious to me. He brought me out of prison and brought you out of the desert after satan had corrupted (the relationship) between me and my brothers. My Lord is Gentle to whom He will. He alone is the Knower, the Wise.

[12.101] Lord, You have given me the kingdom and taught me to interpret visions. Originator of the heavens and the earth, my Guardian in this world and in the Everlasting Life. Let me die in submission (as a Muslim) and let me join the righteous. '

[12.102] That is of the news We reveal to you of the unseen. You were not present when they agreed upon their plan, scheming.

[12.103] Even though you are so eager, most people will not believe.

[12.104] You shall ask no wage for it. It is nothing except a reminder to all mankind.

[12.105] How many signs in the heavens and earth do they pass by and turn away from.

[12.106] And most of them do not believe in Allah, but they associate others with Him.

[12.107] Do they feel secure that the punishment of Allah will envelop them, or that the Hour will overtake them suddenly when they are unaware?

[12.108] Say: 'This is my Path. I call to Allah with sure knowledge, I and my followers. Exaltations be to Allah! I am not among the idolaters. '

[12.109] We did not send any before you from the inhabitants of the village, but men to whom a revelation was sent. Have they not traveled in the land and seen what was the end of those before them? Better is the dwelling in the Everlasting Life for those who keep from evil. Do you not understand?

[12.110] And when at length Our Messengers despaired and reckoned that they would be belied, Our help came down to them, saving whom We pleased. Our Might cannot be withheld from the guilty nation.

[12.111] Indeed, in their stories is a lesson for those of understanding. This is no forged tale, rather, it is a confirmation of the previous, a distinguishing of all things, a guidance and a mercy to a nation who believe.

13 Thunder -Ar-Ra'd

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful

[13.1] AlifLaamMeemRa. Those are the verses of the Book. That which is sent down to you (Prophet Muhammad) from your Lord is the truth, yet most people do not believe.

[13.2] It is Allah who raised the heavens without pillars that you see. Then He willed to the Throne and subjected the sun and the moon, each pursuing an appointed course. He directs the affair. He makes plain His verses so that you will firmly believe in meeting your Lord.

[13.3] It is He who stretched out the earth and placed upon it firm mountains and rivers. And of all fruits, He has put in it two pairs and drew the veil of night over the day. Surely, in these there are signs for a nation who think.

[13.4] And in the land, there are adjoining plots, gardens of vines, sown fields and palmtrees in pairs and single that are watered with one water, yet We make some excel others in produce. Surely, in that are signs for a nation who understand.

[13.5] If you would wonder, then wondrous is their saying: 'When we are dust, shall we be raised to life again, a new creation? ' Such are those who disbelieve in their Lord. Their necks shall be fettered. They shall be the inhabitants of the Fire, in it they shall live for ever.

[13.6] They bid you to hasten the evil before the good, yet examples have passed away before them. Your Lord is Forgiving to people despite their evildoing; yet your Lord is Stern in retribution.

[13.7] The unbelievers say: 'Why has no sign been sent down to him from his Lord? ' You are only a warner, and there is a guide for every nation.

[13.8] Allah knows what every female bears, and what shrinks and swells the womb. And everything with Him has its measure.

[13.9] (He is) the Knower of the unseen and the seen, the Great, the Exalted.

[13.10] Similar to yourself is he who conceals his saying, and he who proclaims it, he who hides himself in the night, and he who goes forth by day,

[13.11] he has attendant angels before him and behind him, who, by the Command of Allah watch over him. Allah does not change what is in a nation unless they change what is in themselves. Whenever Allah wants evil for a nation, none can ward it off. Other than Him, they have no guardian.

[13.12] It is He who shows you the lightning, for fear and hope, and Who produces laden clouds.

[13.13] The thunder exalts His praise, and so are the angels are in awe of Him. He looses the thunderbolts and smites whosoever He will. Yet they dispute about Allah who is Mighty in power.

[13.14] To Him is the Call of truth. Those to whom they call, other than Him, give them no answer. They are like he who stretches out his hands to the water and bids it rise to his mouth, it does not reach it! The prayers of the unbelievers goes astray.

[13.15] All who dwell in the heavens and earth shall prostrate themselves before Allah, either willingly or unwillingly; as do their shadows in the mornings and evenings.

[13.16] Say: 'Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth? ' Say: 'Allah. ' Say: 'Why then have you chosen guardians other than Him, even though they have neither the power to benefit nor harm themselves? ' Say: 'Are the blind and the seeing equal? Are darkness and light equal? Or, have they ascribed to Allah associates who create as He creates so that all creation is alike to them?" Say: 'Allah is the Creator of everything. He is the One, the Conqueror. '

[13.17] He sends down water from the sky and the valleys (wadis) flow each in their measure, and the torrent carries a swelling scum; and fire from that which they kindle; desiring ornament or ware, from that rises a scum like it. As such, Allah strikes both the truth and the false. As for the scum it is cast away as jetsam, but, that which profits people remains on the earth. As such Allah strikes the parables.

[13.18] For those who answer their Lord is a most fine reward. But for those who do not answer Him if they possessed all that the earth contains, and as much besides, they would offer it for their ransom. Theirs shall be an evil reckoning. Gehenna (Hell) shall be their refuge, an evil cradling!

[13.19] Then is he who knows what is sent down to you from your Lord is the truth like he who is blind? Indeed, only those possessed with minds remember

[13.20] who fulfill their promise to Allah and do not break their pledge;

[13.21] who join together what Allah has bidden to be united; who fear their Lord and dread the evil reckoning.

[13.22] Patient men, desiring the Face of their Lord, establish their prayers, and spend of what We have given them in private and in public; and who wardoff evil with good. Theirs shall be the Ultimate Abode.

[13.23] They shall enter the Gardens of Eden together with the righteous among their fathers, their wives, and their descendants. From every gate the angels will come to them,

[13.24] 'Peace be to you, for that you were patient. ' Best is the Ultimate Abode.

[13.25] As for those who break the covenant of Allah after accepting it, who part what He has commanded to be united and worked corruption in the land, a curse shall be laid on them, and they shall have an evil abode.

[13.26] Allah gives abundantly and sparingly to whom He will. They rejoice in this present life; but this present life, beside the Everlasting Life, is nothing but a passing enjoyment.

[13.27] And those who disbelieve say: 'Why has no sign been sent down to him by his Lord? ' Say: 'Allah leads astray whom He will, and guides those who repent,

[13.28] those who believe, and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Is it not with the remembrance of Allah that hearts are satisfied.

[13.29] For those who believe and do good works is blessedness and blessed resort. '

[13.30] As such, We have sent you forth to a nation before whom others have passed away in order that you recite to them what We have revealed to you. Yet they disbelieve the Merciful. Say: 'He is my Lord. There is no god except He. In Him I have put my trust, and to Him I turn. '

[13.31] If only a Koran whereby the mountains were set in motion, or the earth cleaved asunder, or the dead spoken to. No, but to Allah is the affair altogether. Do those who believe know that had Allah willed He could have guided all people? As for those who disbelieve, because of what they do, disaster will not cease to afflict them, or it alights near their home until the promise of Allah comes. Allah will not break His promise.

[13.32] Other Messengers were mocked before you but I respited the unbelievers, then I seized them. And how was My retribution!

[13.33] What, He who stands over every soul for what it has earned, yet they made partners for Allah. Say: 'Name them. Or would you tell Him of that which is unknown in the earth to Him? Or in outward speech only? ' Indeed, their devising seems fair to the unbelievers, for they are barred from the Right Way. None can guide those whom Allah leads astray.

[13.34] They shall be punished in this life but the punishment of the Everlasting Life is more grievous. None shall defend them from Allah.

[13.35] The likeness of Paradise which the righteous have been promised beneath it rivers flow, its produce and shade are eternal. Such is the payment of the righteous. But the payment of the unbelievers is the Fire.

[13.36] Those to whom We have given the Book rejoice in what is sent down to you, while some factions reject a part of it. Say: 'I am commanded to worship Allah and to associate none with Him. To Him I supplicate, and to Him I turn. '

[13.37] And as such We have sent it down an Arabic judgment. And if you follow their desires, after the knowledge that has come to you, you shall have no guardian other than Allah, nor yet a defender.

[13.38] We have sent forth other Messengers before you and given them wives and descendants. Yet none of them could bring a sign except by the permission of Allah. Every term has its Book.

[13.39] Allah blots out, and He establishes what He will. With Him is the Essence of the Book.

[13.40] Whether We show you part of that We promise them, or We call you to Us, it is only for you to deliver the Message, and Ours is the accounting.

[13.41] Do they not see how We come to the land and reduce its extremities? Allah judges; none repel His judgement. Swift is His reckoning.

[13.42] Those who have gone before them devised, but to Allah is the devising altogether. He knows what every soul earns. The unbelievers shall know without doubt for whom is the Ultimate Abode.

[13.43] Those who disbelieve say: 'You are not a Messenger. ' Say: 'Allah is a Sufficient witness between me and you, and whosoever possess knowledge of the Book. '

14 The Prophet Abraham -Ibrahim

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful

[14.1] AlifLaamRa. We have sent down to you (this Book) in order that you bring mankind from darkness to the light by the permission of your Lord, to the Path of the Almighty, the Praised.

[14.2] Allah to whom belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth. Woe to the unbelievers for a terrible punishment.

[14.3] Those who prefer this life more than the Everlasting Life, and bar others from the way of Allah and seek to make it crooked they are in far error.

[14.4] We have sent no Messenger except in the tongue of his own nation, so that he might make everything plain to them. But Allah leads astray whom He will and guides whom He will. He is the Almighty, the Wise.

[14.5] We sent Moses with Our signs, 'Bring your nation out of darkness into the light, and remind them of the Days of Allah. ' Surely, in that are signs for every patient, thankful (person).

[14.6] Moses said to his nation: 'Remember the blessing of Allah to you when He saved you from Pharaoh's family, who had oppressed you cruelly, and who slew your sons and spared your women. Surely, that was a great trial from your Lord.

[14.7] And when your Lord proclaimed: "If you give thanks, I will increase you, but, if you are unthankful My punishment is indeed stern." '

[14.8] And Moses said: 'If you and all mankind are thankless, He is surely Rich, Praised. '

[14.9] Have you not heard what befell the nations that have gone before you? The nations of Noah, Aad, and Thamood, and those who came after? None knows them but Allah. Their Messengers came to them with clear signs, but they thrust their hands into their mouths and said: 'Without doubt we disbelieve the Message you have been sent with. That which you call us to is disquieting. '

[14.10] Their Messengers said: 'Is there any doubt about Allah, the Originator of the heavens and the earth? He calls you to Him in order that He forgives you your sins and defers you till a stated term. ' They said: 'You are only mortals like us. You wish to bar us from that which our fathers worshipped. Give us some clear proof. '

[14.11] Their Messengers said to them: 'We are nothing except humans like you. But Allah bestows His Mercy on those of His worshipers whom He chooses. We cannot give you proof, except with the permission of Allah. In Allah, let believers put their trust.

[14.12] And why should we not put our trust in Allah, when He has already guided us to our Paths? We will endure your hurt patiently. In Allah, let all who trust place their trust. '

[14.13] Those who disbelieved said to their Messengers: 'Return to our faith or we will banish you from our land. ' But Allah revealed to them: 'We shall destroy the harmdoers

[14.14] and let you live in the land after them. This is for him who fears My station and fears My threat. '

[14.15] They sought a judgment, then every tyrant was disappointed.

[14.16] Gehenna (Hell) is before him and he is given oozing pus to drink,

[14.17] which he gulps and can scarcely swallow. Death will come to him from every side, yet he cannot not die, and yet to come is a dreadful punishment.

[14.18] As for the likeness of those who disbelieve in their Lord, their works are like ashes which a strong wind scatters on a stormy day; they are powerless over that they have earned; that is the far error.

[14.19] Do you not see that Allah has created the heavens and the earth with truth? He can put you away if He will and bring into being a new creation;

[14.20] indeed, that is no great thing for Allah.

[14.21] Together they shall all come before Allah. Then the weak will say to those who were proud: 'We were your followers. Can you help us in anything against the punishment of Allah? ' They will say: 'Had Allah guided us we would have guided you. It is now the same for us whether we cannot endure or bear patiently, we have no place of refuge. '

[14.22] And when the issue has been decided, satan will say (to them): 'The promise which Allah made you was true. I promised you, but failed to keep it. I had no authority over you except that I called you, and you answered me. Do not blame me, rather, blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me. I disbelieved in your associating me (with Allah) before. ' Indeed, for the evildoers there is a painful punishment.

[14.23] As for those who believe and do good works, they shall be admitted to gardens underneath which rivers flow in which, by the permission of their Lord, they shall live for ever. Their greeting shall be: 'Peace! '

[14.24] Have you not seen how Allah sets forth a parable that a good deed is like a good tree, its roots are firm and its branches are in the heaven,

[14.25] yielding its fruit every season by the permission of Allah? Allah gives parables to mankind so that they might remember.

[14.26] The likeness of a corrupt word is like a corrupt tree uprooted from the earth having no stability.

[14.27] Allah will strengthen the believers with a steadfast Word, both in this life and in the Everlasting Life. Allah leads the evildoers astray. Allah does what He will.

[14.28] Have you not seen those who exchanged the favor of Allah with disbelief and landed their nation in a house of ruin?

[14.29] They shall be roasted in Gehenna; an evil establishment!

[14.30] They set up rivals with Allah to lead others astray. Say to them: 'Take your pleasure; your arrival shall be the Fire. '

[14.31] Tell My worshippers, those who believe, who establish the prayer, and spend of what We have given them in private and in public, before the coming of that Day in which there is neither bargaining, nor the taking of friends,

[14.32] it is Allah who created the heavens and the earth, and sends down water from the heaven with which He brings forth fruits for your provision. He has subjected to you ships which, by His command, run upon the sea. He has subjected to you rivers,

[14.33] and He subjected to you the sun and the moon, which are constant in their courses. And, He has subjected to you the night and the day, and gave you all that you asked of Him.

[14.34] If you count the blessings of Allah, you will never number them. Indeed, the human is wicked and thankless.

[14.35] And when Abraham said: 'My Lord, make this a land secure. Turn me and my children away from worshipping idols.

[14.36] My Lord they have led many people astray. Whosoever follows me belongs to me. Whosoever rebels against me, You are surely Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

[14.37] 'Our Lord, I have settled some of my offspring in a barren valley near Your Holy House; our Lord, in order that they establish the prayer. Make the hearts of people yearn towards them, and provide them with fruits, in order that they are thankful.

[14.38] Our Lord, You have knowledge of all that we hide and all that we reveal; nothing in heaven or earth is hidden from Allah.

[14.39] Praise be to Allah who has given me Ishmael and Isaac in my old age! Indeed, my Lord is the Hearer of the supplication.

[14.40] My Lord, make me and my descendants establishers of prayer. Our Lord, accept my prayer.

[14.41] Forgive me, our Lord, and forgive my parents and all the believers on the Day of Reckoning. '

[14.42] Do not think that Allah is unaware of the harmdoers work. He only gives them respite till the Day on which all eyes will stare,

[14.43] when they shall run with their necks outstretched and heads erect, their glances never return to themselves, their hearts are empty.

[14.44] Warn mankind of the Day when the punishment will overtake them, when the evildoers will say: 'Our Lord, grant us respite for awhile, we will answer Your call, and follow the Messengers. ' Did you not once swear that you would never cease?

[14.45] You lived in the dwellings of those who wronged themselves, and it was clear to you how We dealt with them, and how We struck parables for you.

[14.46] They plotted their plots, but their plots are (known) to Allah, even though their plots were such as to move mountains.

[14.47] Do not think that Allah will break the promise He gave to His Messengers. Mighty is Allah, and Vengeful.

[14. 48] On the Day when the earth is changed into other than the earth and the heavens, all shall come before Allah, the One, the Conqueror.

[14.49] On that Day, you shall see the sinners coupled together in fetters;

[14.50] their garments shall be of melted tar, and their faces enveloped by the Fire.

[14.51] Allah will recompense each soul according to its earnings. Swift is the Reckoning of Allah.

[14.52] This is a message to be delivered to mankind so that they may be warned by it, and know that He is (Allah) One God, and so all those possessed of minds may remember.