The Arrangers (Al-Saaffaat)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
CONSIDER these [messages] ranged in serried ranks, 1 By the angels driving away. 2 By those (angels) who bring the Book and the Quran from Allah to mankind [Tafsir Ibn Kathir]. 3 Verily your Ilah (God) is indeed One (i.e. Allah); 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 have placed therein a guard against any satan froward. 7 These satans cannot listen to what transpires in the High Council for they are pelted away from every side 8 cast out [from all grace,] with lasting suffering in store for them [in the life to come]; 9 but if anyone does succeed in snatching a glimpse [of such knowledge,] he is [henceforth] pursued by a piercing flame. 10 So, ask those who deny the truth if it was harder to create them than all the other things We have created? We created them from sticky clay. 11 Nay, you (O Muhammad SAW) wondered (at their insolence) while they mock (at you and at the Quran). 12 When they are reminded, they do not pay heed, 13 And whenever they see a sign, they mock at it. 14 and say: 'This is nothing but clear sorcery' 15 What, when we are dead and become dust and bones, shall we indeed be raised up? 16 "And also our fathers of old?" 17 Say thou: "Yea, and ye shall then be humiliated (on account of your evil)." 18 There will be a single stern rebuff and lo, they will be observing with their own eyes (all that they had been warned against). 19 And say: Ah, woe for us! This is the Day of Judgment. 20 This is the Day of Decision which you belied. 21