Smoke (Al-Dukhaan)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Ha. Mim. 1 By the clear Book, 2 Behold, from on high have We bestowed it on a blessed night: for, verily, We have always been warning [man]. 3 On this night, every absolute command coming from Us becomes distinguishable. 4 As a command from Our presence - Lo! We are ever sending - 5 in pursuance of thy Sustainer's grace [unto man]. Verily, He alone is all-hearing, all-knowing, 6 Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatsoever is in-between the twain, if only ye would be convinced. 7 There is no god other than He, who gives you life and death, your Lord and the Lord of your fathers of old. 8 yet, they toy with their doubts. 9 WAIT, THEN, for the Day when the skies shall bring forth a pall of smoke which will make obvious [the approach of the Last Hour,] 10 That shall overtake men; this is a painful punishment. 11 [They will say], "Our Lord, remove from us the torment; indeed, we are believers." 12 How could this punishment bring them to their senses when a Messenger evidently had come to them, 13 Yet they turned away from him and said: one tutored, one distraced. 14 Verily We shall remove the torment for a while; but verily ye shall revert. 15 On the Day when We shall seize you with the greatest grasp. Verily, We will exact retribution. 16 ۞ AND, INDEED, [long] before their time did We try Pharaoh's people [in the same way]: for there came unto them a noble apostle, [who said:] 17 Saying: "Restore to me the Servants of Allah: I am to you an messenger worthy of all trust; 18 And saying: Be not proud against Allah. Lo! I bring you a clear warrant. 19 "For me, I have sought safety with my Lord and your Lord, against your injuring me. 20 "But if you believe me not, then keep away from me and leave me alone." 21 Then he supplicated to his Lord saying: 'These are sinful people' 22 (The reply came:) "March forth with My Servants by night: for ye are sure to be pursued. 23 And leave the sea in stillness. Indeed, they are an army to be drowned." 24 How many gardens and fountains did they leave behind, 25 And fields and stately mansions, 26 and what prosperity they had rejoiced in! 27 Even so (it was), and We made it an inheritance for other folk; 28 And neither heaven nor earth shed a tear over them: nor were they given a respite (again). 29