The Romans (Al-Room)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ Alif Lam Mim 1 The Romans have been defeated (by the Persians) 2 in a land close by. But, after their defeat they shall become the victors. 3 within a few years: [for] with God rests all power of decision, first and last. On that day the believers too will have cause to rejoice, 4 with the help of God. He helps whom He pleases: He is the Mighty, and the Merciful. 5 It is a promise of God; and God does not go back on His promise. Yet most men do not understand: 6 They know only the outside appearance of the life of the world (i.e. the matters of their livelihood, like irrigating or sowing or reaping, etc.), and they are heedless of the Hereafter. 7 Have they never learned to think for themselves? God has not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them without [an inner] truth and a term set [by Him]: and yet, behold, there are many people who stubbornly deny the truth that they are destined to meet their Sustainer! 8 And did they not travel in the land to see what sort of fate befell those before them? They were stronger than them, and they cultivated the land and inhabited it more than them, and their Noble Messengers came to them with clear proofs; so it did not befit Allah’s Majesty to oppress them, but it was they who used to wrong themselves. 9 Therefore evil was the end of those who did evil, for they denied the signs of God and made fun of them. 10