The Arrangers (Al-Saaffaat)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
By the angels ranged in ranks. 1 And by oath of those who herd with a stern warning. 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 of the earth and all that is between them, and Lord of the sun's risings. 5 Behold, We have adorned the skies nearest to the earth with the beauty of stars, 6 (For beauty) and for guard against all obstinate rebellious evil spirits, 7 [So] they may not listen to the exalted assembly [of angels] and are pelted from every side, 8 They are rejected and theirs is an everlasting punishment; 9 Except him who snatcheth away a word by stealth, and him then pursueth a glowing flame. 10 So, ask those who deny the truth if it was harder to create them than all the other things We have created? We created them from sticky clay. 11 No wonder you are surprised as they laugh with scorn. 12 And heed not when they are reminded, 13 and when they see a miracle, they mock 14 And say, "This is not but obvious magic. 15 "When we are dead and have become dust and bones, shall we (then) verily be resurrected? 16 along with our forefathers?" 17 Say, "You will certainly be brought back to life in disgrace". 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 say: Ah, woe for us! This is the Day of Judgment. 20 [They will be told], "This is the Day of Judgement which you used to deny." 21