The Arrangers (Al-Saaffaat)
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
I CALL TO witness those who stand arrayed in rows, 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 surely your God is One, 4 Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them – and the Lord of the sun’s rising points. 5 We have indeed decked the lower heaven with beauty (in) the stars,- 6 a protection against every rebel satan; 7 They cannot listen to the higher group (angels) for they are pelted from every side. 8 rejected, and theirs is an everlasting chastisement, 9 but if anyone does succeed in snatching a glimpse [of such knowledge,] he is [henceforth] pursued by a piercing flame. 10 Then ask them (i.e. these polytheists, O Muhammad SAW): "Are they stronger as creation, or those (others like the heavens and the earth and the mountains, etc.) whom We have created?" Verily, We created them of a sticky clay. 11 (Muhammad), you will be surprised that they still mock (God's revelations). 12 And, when they are admonished, pay no heed,- 13 And when they see a sign they incite one another to scoff, 14 And they say: "This is nothing but evident magic! 15 What! when we are dead and have become dust and bones, shall we then certainly be raised, 16 And so also shall our forefathers of yore be raised to life?” 17 Say: "Yea, indeed - and most abject will you then be!" 18 There will be but a single blast and then their eyes will open. 19 and will say: "Oh, woe unto us! This is the Day of Judgment!" 20 This is the Day of Decision which you belied. 21