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 a guidance and a glad tiding to the believers 2 who perform the prayer, and pay the alms, and have sure faith in the Hereafter. 3 As for those who do not believe in the Hereafter, We have made their deeds seem attractive to them so they stumble around in perplexity. 4 It is they for whom is the worst punishment, and they will be the greatest losers in the Hereafter. 5 You have been conveyed the Qur'an from One all-wise and all-knowing. 6 When Moses said to his people 'I observe a fire, and will bring you news of it, or I will bring you a flaming brand, that haply you shall warm yourselves.' 7 But when he came close to it, a call was sounded: "Blessed are all who are within [reach of] this fire, and all who are near it! And limitless in His glory is God, the Sustainer of all the worlds!" 8 O Moses! Lo! it is I, Allah, the Mighty, the Wise. 9 And [he was told], "Throw down your staff." But when he saw it writhing as if it were a snake, he turned in flight and did not return. [Allah said], "O Moses, fear not. Indeed, in My presence the messengers do not fear. 10 "But if any have done wrong and have thereafter substituted good to take the place of evil, truly, I am Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. 11 And put thy hand into the bosom of thy robe, it will come forth white but unhurt. (This will be one) among nine tokens unto Pharaoh and his people Lo! they were ever evil-living folk. 12 But when Our Clear Signs came to them, they said: "This is plain 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