۞ It is He who created you from a single cell, and from it created its mate, that you may live as companions. When the man covered the woman she conceived a light burden and carried it about. And when she was heavy (with child) they prayed together to their Lord: "If You bestow a healthy son on us we shall truly be grateful." 189 But when He vouchsafeth the twain a goodly child they set up unto Him associates in respect of that which He hath vouchsafed to them. Exalted be Allah far from that which they associate! 190 Do they (the disbelievers) ascribe (false deities) that which do not create anything, but are themselves created? 191 And the false deities are unable to [give] them help, nor can they help themselves. 192 And if you call the disbelievers to guidance, they do not follow you; it is the same for you, whether you invite them or remain silent. 193 Those whom you call on besides God are but creatures like yourselves. Call upon them, then, and let them respond to you, if what you say is true. 194 Do they (the idols) have feet to walk, hands to hold things, eyes to see, and ears to hear? (Muhammad), tell them (the pagans) to call on their idols for help and to plan against Me without delay. 195 My saviour is God who has revealed this Book; and He protects those who are upright; 196 "And those whom you call upon besides Him (Allah) cannot help you nor can they help themselves." 197 (Muhammad), if you invite them to the right guidance, they will not listen to you. You will see them looking at you but they do not really see. 198 Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish (i.e. don't punish them). 199 If a suggestion from Satan assail thy (mind), seek refuge with Allah; for He heareth and knoweth (all things). 200 The godfearing, when a visitation of Satan troubles them, remember, and then see clearly; 201 while their brethren ceaselessly try to drag them into error. 202 And if you do not bring them a miracle [according to their (i.e. Quraish-pagans') proposal], they say: "Why have you not brought it?" Say: "I but follow what is revealed to me from my Lord. This (the Quran) is nothing but evidences from your Lord, and a guidance and a mercy for a people who believe." 203 So, when the Quran is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may receive mercy. [i.e. during the compulsory congregational prayers when the Imam (of a mosque) is leading the prayer (except Surat Al-Fatiha), and also when he is delivering the Friday-prayer Khutbah]. [Tafsir At-Tabari, Vol. 9, Pages 162-4] 204 Remember your Lord deep within yourselves, humbly and privately - instead of shouting out loud - (in prayer) in the mornings and evenings and do not be of the heedless ones. 205 Indeed, those who are near your Lord are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, and they exalt Him, and to Him they prostrate. ۩ 206
True are the words of God the Almighty.
End of Surah: A 'araaf (Al-A 'araaf). Sent down in Mecca after
S (Saad) before
Jinns (Al-Jinn)