The Ant (Al-Naml)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ Ta-Sin. These are the verses of the Qur'an and a Book luminous. 1 They are glad news and guidance for the believers 2 who establish their prayers, and pay the obligatory charity, and are certain of the Everlasting Life. 3 Indeed, for those who do not believe in the Hereafter, We have made pleasing to them their deeds, so they wander blindly. 4 Such are those for whom there is an evil punishment, and in the Everlasting Life are the greatest losers. 5 And most surely you are made to receive the Quran from the Wise, the Knowing Allah. 6 Lo! [While lost in the desert,] Moses said to his family: "Behold, I perceive a fire [far away]; I may bring you from there some tiding [as to which way we are to pursue,] or bring you [at least] a burning brand so that you might warm yourselves." 7 When he came up to it, a voice called out, "Blessed be whoever is near this fire, and whoever is around it! Glory be to God, Lord of the Universe! 8 O Moses! Lo! it is I, Allah, the Mighty, the Wise. 9 Cast down your staff' And when he saw it writhing like a serpent, he turned about retreating, and did not turn back. 'Moses, do not fear, indeed the Messengers do not fear (when they are) with Me, 10 as for those who do wrong and then do good after evil, I am most forgiving, most merciful. 11 Now put your hand inside your cloak next to your bosom and it will come out [shining] white, without any blemish. This will be one of the nine signs for Pharaoh and his people: for truly they are a rebellious people." 12 But when there came to them Our visible signs, they said, "This is obvious magic." 13 And they denied them, though their souls acknowledged them, for spite and arrogance. Then see the nature of the consequence for the wrong-doers! 14