The Ant (Al-Naml)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
۞ These are verses of the Qur'an,-a book that makes (things) clear; 1 A guidance and good tidings for the believers, 2 Who establish the prayer and give the poor-rate, and of the Hereafter they are convinced. 3 Lo! as for those who believe not in the Hereafter, We have made their works fairseeming unto them so that they are all astray. 4 Such are they for whom a grievous Penalty is (waiting); and in the Hereafter theirs will be the greatest loss. 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 So, when he came to it, he was called: 'Blessed is he who is in the fire, and he who is about it. Glory be to God, the Lord of all Being! 8 O Moses! Lo! it is I, Allah, the Mighty, the Wise. 9 Throw down your staff." When he saw it wriggling like a serpent he turned his back and fled without turning (to look). "O Moses," (said the voice), "be not fearful. Surely those sent as messengers do not fear in My presence, 10 save him who has done evil, then; after evil, has changed into good; All-forgiving am I, All-compassionate. 11 "Now place thy hand into thy bosom: it will come forth [shining] white, without blemish!" [And thou shalt go] with nine [of My] messages unto Pharaoh and his people for, verily, they are people depraved!" 12 But when Our tokens came unto them, plain to see, they said: This is mere magic, 13 And they gainsaid them, out of spite and arrogance, although their souls were convinced thereof. So behold! what hath been the end of the corruptors. 14