Smoke (Al-Dukhaan)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
Ha. Mim. 1 I swear by the illustrious Book. 2 that We sent down during a Blessed Night. We are ever warning. 3 On this night, every absolute command coming from Us becomes distinguishable. 4 By a command from Us – indeed it is We Who send. 5 A mercy from thy Lord. Lo! He, even He is the Hearer, the Knower, 6 The Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them, if you would be sure. 7 There is no Allah save Him. He quickeneth and giveth death; your Lord and Lord of your forefathers. 8 Yet they play about in doubt. 9 So watch for the day when the sky begins to emit clear smoke, 10 which will smother the people. They will say, "This is a painful torment. 11 Our Lord! remove from us the punishment; surely we are believers. 12 How shall they be reminded, and there came to them an Apostle making clear (the truth), 13 then they turned away from him and said, 'A man tutored, possessed!' 14 We are removing the punishment a little, but you revert. 15 On the Day when We shall seize you with the greatest grasp. Verily, We will exact retribution. 16 ۞ And certainly We tried before them the people of Firon, and there came to them a noble apostle, 17 Saying: "Restore to me the slaves of Allah (i.e. the Children of Israel). Verily! I am to you a Messenger worthy of all trust, 18 and, 'Rise not up against God; behold, I come to you with a clear authority, 19 and, behold, it is with my Sustainer - and your Sustainer - that I seek refuge against all your endeavours to revile me. 20 And if you do not believe me, [at least] stand away from me!" 21 But then, [when they beset him with their enmity,] he called out to his Sustainer, "These are [indeed] people lost in sin!" 22 (His Lord answered): 'Set out with My worshipers in the night, for you will surely be followed. 23 And leave the sea in stillness. Indeed, they are an army to be drowned." 24 How many gardens did they leave behind, and how many fountains 25 And corn-fields and noble buildings, 26 and the life of ease in which they took delight! 27 Thus it was; and We passed them on to another people. 28 And the heaven and earth wept not for them, nor were they reprieved. 29