The Arrangers (Al-Saaffaat)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
CONSIDER these [messages] ranged in serried ranks, 1 and restraining [from evil] by a call to restraint, 2 And by oath of the groups that read the Qur’an. 3 surely, your God is One, 4 Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatsoever is in-between the twain, and Lord of the easts. 5 We have adorned the lower heaven with the adornment of the stars 6 and guarded it against all rebellious devils: 7 [So] they may not listen to the exalted assembly [of angels] and are pelted from every side, 8 Repelled; and for them is a constant punishment, 9 Except such as snatch away something by stealth, and they are pursued by a flaming fire, of piercing brightness. 10 Then ask them (O Muhammad): Are they stronger as a creation, or those (others) whom we have created? Lo! We created them of plastic clay. 11 Nay, but thou dost marvel when they mock 12 And, when they are admonished, pay no heed,- 13 When they are shown a sign, they scoff at it 14 And say: "This is only magic. 15 When we are dead and turned to dust and bones, how can we be raised again, 16 Or our fathers of yore? 17 Say: Aye! and you shall be abject. 18 There will be but a single blast and then their eyes will open. 19 And say: "Ah woe! This is the Day of Reckoning." 20 This is the Day of Judgment which ye were wont to belie. 21