Smoke (Al-Dukhaan)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Ha-Meem. (Alphabets of the Arabic language – Allah, and to whomever He reveals, know their precise meanings.) 1 The perspicuous Book is witness 2 Verily We have sent it down on a blessed night, verily We were to become warners. 3 In the (Night) is made distinct every affair of wisdom, 4 by Our own command -- We have been sending messages, 5 A mercy from your Lord. Verily He is all-hearing and all-knowing, 6 He is the Lord of heaven and earth and all that is between them, if only you would really believe, 7 There is no god but He: He gives life and causes death. He is your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers of yore. 8 Nay, but they are in doubt, playing. 9 So watch for the day when the sky begins to emit clear smoke, 10 Covering the people, this is a painful torment. 11 O our Sustainer, relieve us of suffering, for, verily, we [now] believe [in Thee]!" 12 How can a warning benefit them? The Apostle who explained all things clearly had come to them, 13 Then they turned away from him and said, "[He was] taught [and is] a madman." 14 [Still,] behold, We shall postpone this suffering for a little while, although you are bound to revert [to your evil ways: but] 15 On the Day We inflict the direst scourge upon all sinners, We will certainly exact retribution. 16 ۞ And assuredly afore them We proved Fir'awn's people, and there came unto them an apostle honoured. 17 Saying: "Restore to me the slaves of Allah (i.e. the Children of Israel). Verily! I am to you a Messenger worthy of all trust, 18 Do not rise up against Allah, I come to you with clear authority. 19 I have taken refuge with my Lord and your Lord lest you should attack me with stones. 20 And if you do not believe in me, then leave me alone. 21 And he cried unto his Lord, (saying): These are guilty folk. 22 God said, "Set out with My servants by night, for you will certainly be pursued. 23 Cross the sea by cutting a path through it. Pharaoh's army will be drowned. 24 How many were the gardens, springs, 25 And crops and noble sites 26 And the comfort they enjoyed. 27 Thus (it was), and We gave them as a heritage to another people. 28 And the heaven and the earth wept not for them, nor were they reprieved. 29