Jonah (Younus)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Alif. Lam. Ra. These are the verses of the Book overflowing with wisdom. 1 Do people deem it strange that We should have inspired a man from their own midst [with this Our message]: "Warn all mankind, and give unto those who have attained to faith the glad tiding that in their Sustainer's sight they surpass all others in that they are completely sincere - [Only] they who deny the truth say: "Behold, he is clearly but a spellbinder!" 2 Indeed your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then as befits His Majesty, established Himself upon the Throne* – He plans all matters; there is no intercessor except after His permission;** such is Allah, your Lord – therefore worship Him; so do you not ponder? (* Of Control over everything.** Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) will be the first to be granted permission to intercede.) 3 Unto Him you all must return: this is, in truth, God's promise - for, behold, He creates [man] in the first instance, and then brings him forth anew to the end that He may reward with equity all who attain to faith and do righteous deeds; whereas for those who are bent on denying the truth there is in store a draught of burning despair and grievous suffering because of their persistent refusal to acknowledge the truth. 4 It was He that made the sun a brightness and the moon a light, and determined it in phases so that you might know the number of years and the reckoning. Allah did not create them except in truth, and distinguishes the verses to a nation who know. 5 Lo! in the difference of day and night and all that Allah hath created in the heavens and the earth are portents, verily, for folk who ward off (evil). 6 Surely those who look not to encounter Us and are well-pleased with the present life and are at rest in it, and those who are heedless of Our signs, 7 Will have Hell as their abode for what they have earned. 8 The righteously striving believers receive, through their faith, guidance from their Lord to the bountiful gardens wherein streams flow. 9 In that [state of happiness] they will call out; "Glory be to You, O God!", while their greeting in it will be: "Peace!" And the close of their call will be, "All praise is due to God, the Lord of the Universe!" 10