The Ant (Al-Naml)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ These are verses of the Qur'an,-a book that makes (things) clear; 1 A guidance and good tidings for believers 2 Who establish worship and pay the poor-due and are sure of the Hereafter. 3 We make their deeds attractive to those who do not believe in the Hereafter, so that they may wander in perplexity. 4 Those are the ones for whom there will be the worst of punishment, and in the Hereafter they are the greatest losers. 5 And verily thou art receiving the Qur'an from before the Wise, the Knowing. 6 (Recount to them) when Moses said to his family: "I perceive something like fire: soon will I bring to you some information from there, or I will bring you a burning brand that you may warm yourselves." 7 But when he reached it, a voice called out: "Blessed is He who is in the fire and all around it. Praised be God, the Lord of all the worlds. 8 "O Moses! verily, I am Allah, the exalted in might, the wise!.... 9 "Now do thou throw thy rod!" But when he saw it moving (of its own accord) as if it had been a snake, he turned back in retreat, and retraced not his steps: "O Moses!" (it was said), "Fear not: truly, in My presence, those called as messengers have no 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 your hand into your bosom, it will come forth white without hurt. (These are) among the nine signs (you will take) to Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his people, they are a people who are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). 12 But when Our Clear Signs came to them, they said: "This is plain magic." 13 And they denied them, though their souls acknowledged them, for spite and arrogance. Then see the nature of the consequence for the wrong-doers! 14