The Ant (Al-Naml)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ Ta-Sin. These are the verses of the Qur'an and a Book luminous. 1 As guidance and good tidings for the believers 2 Who fulfil their devotional obligations, pay the zakat, and believe with certainty in the life to come. 3 Those who do not believe in the Hereafter – We have made their deeds seem good to them, so they are astray. 4 Those are the ones for whom there will be the worst of punishment, and in the Hereafter they are the greatest losers. 5 You have received this Quran from One who is all-wise, all-knowing. 6 Lo! [While lost in the desert,] Moses said to his family: "Behold, I perceive a fire [far away]; I may bring you from there some tiding [as to which way we are to pursue,] or bring you [at least] a burning brand so that you might warm yourselves." 7 When he came up to it, a voice called out, "Blessed be whoever is near this fire, and whoever is around it! Glory be to God, Lord of the Universe! 8 [And God spoke thus:] "O Moses! Verily I alone am God, the Almighty, the Wise!" 9 Cast down your staff' And when he saw it writhing like a serpent, he turned about retreating, and did not turn back. 'Moses, do not fear, indeed the Messengers do not fear (when they are) with Me, 10 Otherwise, he who wrongs, then substitutes good after evil - indeed, I am Forgiving and Merciful. 11 Put your hand into your pocket. It will come out sheer white but unharmed. This is one of the nine miracles which shall be showing to the Pharaoh and his people; they are truly wicked men." 12 But when Our Signs came to them, that should have opened their eyes, they said: "This is sorcery manifest!" 13 And they denied them, though their souls acknowledged them, for spite and arrogance. Then see the nature of the consequence for the wrong-doers! 14