The Ant (Al-Naml)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ These are verses of the Qur'an,-a book that makes (things) clear; 1 As guidance and good tidings for the believers 2 who pray regularly and pay obligatory alms and have firm faith in the Hereafter. 3 We have made those who do not believe in the Hereafter feel their actions appear good to them, so they wander blindly: 4 These are they who shall have an evil punishment, and in the hereafter they shall be the greatest losers. 5 You have received the Koran from the Wise, the Knower. 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 But when he reached it, he was called, saying: Blessed is Whosoever is in the fire and Whosoever is round about it! And Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Worlds! 8 "O Musa (Moses)! Verily! It is I, Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. 9 [And then He said:] "Now throw down thy staff!" But when he saw it move rapidly, as if it were a serpent, he drew back [in terror,] and did not [dare to] return. [And God spoke to him again:] O Moses! Fear not - for, behold, no fear need the message-bearers have in My Presence, 10 except he who has committed some wrong. But if he substitutes good in place of evil, I am Most Forgiving, Most Compassionate. 11 And put thy hand into thy bosom, it shall come forth white, without hurt: amongst nine signs unto Fir'awn and his people. Verily they have been a people transgressing. 12 But when Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) came to them, clear to see, they said: "This is a manifest magic." 13 And they denied them out of malice and pride, though in their hearts they believed that they were true. So see how was the end of evil-doers! 14