Vanity (Al-Zukhruf)
In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate
Ha, Meem. 1 CONSIDER this divine writ, clear in itself and clearly showing the truth: 2 We have made it an Arabic Koran in order that you understand. 3 and behold, it is in the Essence of the Book, with Us; sublime indeed, wise. 4 Should We divert this Good Counsel from you because you are a people immersed in extravagance? 5 And how many a prophet have We sent among the ancients. 6 But there would not come to them a prophet except that they used to ridicule him. 7 so We destroyed men stronger in valour than they, and the example of the ancients passed away. 8 If thou wert to question them, 'Who created the heavens and the earth?' They would be sure to reply, 'they were created by (Him), the Exalted in Power, Full of Knowledge';- 9 He it is who has made the earth a cradle for you, and has provided for you ways [of livelihood] thereon, so that you might follow the right path. 10 and who sent down out of heaven water in measure; and We revived thereby a land that was dead; even so you shall be brought forth; 11 He who created pairs of everything, and fashioned for you boats and beasts on which you ride, 12 so that you may sit firmly on their backs. Then once you have mounted them, remember your Lord's favour and say, "Glory be to Him who has subjected these creatures to us; we would never on our own have subdued them. 13 And verily unto our Lord we are to return. 14 Yet they have made some of His servants a part of Him. Indeed man is most evidently thankless. 15