The Arrangers (Al-Saaffaat)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
CONSIDER these [messages] ranged in serried ranks, 1 by those who drive away the devil (to protect Our revelation), 2 And by oath of the groups that read the Qur’an. 3 that your Lord is the only Lord. 4 Lord of the heavens and of the earth and all that is between them, and Lord of the sun's risings. 5 Verily We! We have adorned the nearest heaven with an adornment: the stars. 6 (For beauty) and for guard against all obstinate rebellious evil spirits, 7 [so that] they [who seek to learn the unknowable] should not be able to overhear the host on high, but shall be repelled from all sides, 8 and driven away to suffer the necessary torment. 9 Some of them who stealthily steal words from the heavens are pursued by a glistening 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 You marvel (at the wondrous creations of Allah) and they scoff at it, 12 And they do not understand, when explained to. 13 and when they see a miracle, they mock 14 it and say, "It is only plain magic". 15 When we are dead and have become dust and bones, shall we then, forsooth, be raised (again)? 16 What, and our forefathers, the ancients' 17 Say, "Yes, and you will be [rendered] contemptible." 18 There is but one Shout, and lo! they behold, 19 They will say: "Woe to us! This is the Day of Recompense!" 20 [It will be said], "This is the Day of Judgement which you have been denying." 21