The Arrangers (Al-Saaffaat)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
CONSIDER these [messages] ranged in serried ranks, 1 By those (angels) who drive the clouds in a good way. 2 And those who read (the Word) for a reminder, 3 your God is One, 4 Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatsoever is in-between the twain, and Lord of the easts. 5 We have adorned the lower heaven with the adornment of the stars 6 and have protected it from every rebellious satan. 7 They cannot listen to the Highest Chiefs for they are pelted from every side, 8 And kept far away. There is perpetual punishment for them, 9 Except him who snatcheth away a word by stealth, and him then pursueth a glowing flame. 10 Then ask them (O Muhammad): Are they stronger as a creation, or those (others) whom we have created? Lo! We created them of plastic clay. 11 Nay, thou marvellest; and they scoff 12 And they do not understand, when explained to. 13 And when they behold a sign, they turn to scoffing. 14 And they say: "This is nothing but evident magic! 15 What, when we are dead and become dust and bones, shall we be resurrected. 16 and perhaps also our forebears of old?" 17 Say thou: and verily ye; shall then be despicable. 18 There will be a single stern rebuff and lo, they will be observing with their own eyes (all that they had been warned against). 19 And they will say: Ah! woe be unto us! this is the Day of Requital. 20 [And they will be told:] "This is the Day of Distinction [between the true and the false - the Day] which you were wont to call a lie!" 21