The Arrangers (Al-Saaffaat)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
I swear by (the angels) who stand in ranks, 1 and those who drive away [the wicked] with reproof 2 By those (angels) who bring the Book and the Quran from Allah to mankind [Tafsir Ibn Kathir]. 3 Verily your God is One, 4 Lord of the heavens and the earth and that between them and Lord of the sunrises. 5 Verily We! We have adorned the nearest heaven with an adornment: the stars. 6 and guarded it against all rebellious devils: 7 They cannot listen to the Highest Chiefs for they are pelted from every side, 8 They are rejected and theirs is an everlasting punishment; 9 But if anyone does succeed in snatching a glimpse [of such knowledge], he shall be pursued by a piercing flame. 10 Just ask their opinion: are they the more difficult to create, or the (other) beings We have created? Them have We created out of a sticky clay! 11 No wonder you are surprised as they laugh with scorn. 12 And when they are reminded, they remember not. 13 And when they see a sign they incite one another to scoff, 14 And say: "This is only magic. 15 "What! when we die, and become dust and bones, shall we (then) be raised up (again) 16 and perhaps also our forebears of old?" 17 Say: Aye! and you shall be abject. 18 for that [resurrection which they deride] will be [upon them of a sudden, as if it were] but a single accusing cry - and then, lo! they will begin to see [the truth] 19 They will say, "Woe to us!" (They will be told), "This is the day of receiving recompense". 20 This is the day of the judgment which you called a lie. 21