Surah 37-Al Saffat RANGED IN RANKS 037.051-037.100

[Anne Terri]

Surah 37-Al Saffat THOSE RANGED IN RANKS 037.051-037.100

037.051 One of them will start the talk and say: "I had an intimate companion (on the earth),

037.052 "Who used to say, 'what! art thou amongst those who bear witness to the Truth (of the Message)?

037.053 "'When we die and become dust and bones, shall we indeed receive rewards and punishments?'"

037.054 (A voice) said: "Would ye like to look down?"

037.055 He looked down and saw him in the midst of the Fire.

037.056 He said: "By God! thou wast little short of bringing me to perdition!

037.057 "Had it not been for the Grace of my Lord, I should certainly have been among those brought (there)!

037.058 "Is it (the case) that we shall not die,

037.059 "Except our first death, and that we shall not be punished?"

037.060 Verily this is the supreme achievement!

037.061 For the like of this let all strive, who wish to strive.

037.062 Is that the better entertainment or the Tree of Zaqqum?

037.063 For We have truly made it (as) a trial for the wrong-doers.

037.064 For it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of Hell-Fire:

037.065 The shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads of devils:

037.066 Truly they will eat thereof and fill their bellies therewith.

037.067 Then on top of that they will be given a mixture made of boiling water.

037.068 Then shall their return be to the (Blazing) Fire.

037.069 Truly they found their fathers on the wrong Path;

037.070 So they (too) were rushed down on their footsteps!

037.071 And truly before them, many of the ancients went astray;-

037.072 But We sent aforetime, among them, (apostles) to admonish them;-

037.073 Then see what was the end of those who were admonished (but heeded not),-

037.074 Except the sincere (and devoted) Servants of God.

037.075 (In the days of old), Noah cried to Us, and We are the best to hear prayer.

037.076 And We delivered him and his people from the Great Calamity,

037.077 And made his progeny to endure (on this earth);

037.078 And We left (this blessing) for him among generations to come in later times:

037.079 "Peace and salutation to Noah among the nations!"

037.080 Thus indeed do we reward those who do right.

037.081 For he was one of our believing Servants.

037.082 Then the rest we overwhelmed in the Flood.

037.083 Verily among those who followed his Way was Abraham.

037.084 Behold! he approached his Lord with a sound heart.

037.085 Behold! he said to his father and to his people, "What is that which ye worship?

037.086 "Is it a falsehood- gods other than God- that ye desire?

037.087 "Then what is your idea about the Lord of the worlds?"

037.088 Then did he cast a glance at the Stars.

037.089 And he said, "I am indeed sick (at heart)!"

037.090 So they turned away from him, and departed.

037.091 Then did he turn to their gods and said, "will ye not eat (of the offerings before you)?...

037.092 "What is the matter with you that ye speak not (intelligently)?"

037.093 Then did he turn upon them, striking (them) with the right hand.

037.094 Then came (the worshippers) with hurried steps, and faced (him).

037.095 He said: "Worship ye that which ye have (yourselves) carved?

037.096 "But God has created you and your handwork!"

037.097 They said, "Build him a furnace, and throw him into the blazing fire!"

037.098 (This failing), they then sought a stratagem against him, but We made them the ones most humiliated!

037.099 He said: "I will go to my Lord! He will surely guide me!

037.100 "O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!"