۞ It is He Who created you from a single person, and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her (in love). When they are united, she bears a light burden and carries it about (unnoticed). When she grows heavy, they both pray to Allah their Lord, (saying): "If Thou givest us a goodly child, we vow we shall (ever) be grateful." 189 Thereafter, when He gave them a righteous son, they assigned Him associates in that He had given them; but God is high exalted above that they associate. 190 Do they associate those with Him who cannot create a thing, and are themselves created, 191 The idols are things that are not able to help others or even themselves. 192 And if you [believers] invite them to guidance, they will not follow you. It is all the same for you whether you invite them or you are silent. 193 Verily, those whom you call upon besides Allah are slaves like you. So call upon them and let them answer you if you are truthful. 194 What, have they feet wherewith they walk, or have they hands wherewith they lay hold, or have they eyes wherewith they see, or have they ears wherewith they give ear? Say: 'Call you then to your associates; then try your guile on me, and give me no respite. 195 Verily my protector is Allah who hath revealed the Book, and He protecteth the righteous. 196 And those whom you invoke other than Allah, they can neither help themselves nor you. 197 And if you invite them to guidance, they do not hear; and you see them looking at you while they do not see. 198 Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish (i.e. don't punish them). 199 And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shaitan (Satan) then seek refuge with Allah. Verily, He is All-Hearer, All-Knower. 200 Indeed those who fear get alerted whenever a temptation from the devil troubles them, and they perceive immediately. 201 But (as for) their brothers (the devils) they (i.e. the devils) plunge them deeper into error, and they never stop short. 202 And yet, when thou [O Prophet] dost not produce any miracle for them, some [people] say: "Why dost thou not seek to obtain it [from God]? Say: "I only follow whatever is being revealed to me by my Sustainer: this [revelation] is a means of insight from your Sustainer, and a guidance and grace unto people who will believe. 203 So, when the Quran is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may receive mercy. [i.e. during the compulsory congregational prayers when the Imam (of a mosque) is leading the prayer (except Surat Al-Fatiha), and also when he is delivering the Friday-prayer Khutbah]. [Tafsir At-Tabari, Vol. 9, Pages 162-4] 204 Remember your Lord in your soul with humility and fear, and not with a loud voice, morning and evening, and do not be among the inattentive. 205 Lo! those who are with thy Lord are not too proud to do Him service, but they praise Him and prostrate before Him. ۩ 206
God Almighty has spoken the truth.
End of Surah: A 'araaf (Al-A 'araaf). Sent down in Mecca after
S (Saad) before
Jinns (Al-Jinn)