A 'araaf (Al-A 'araaf)
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
۞ AlifLaamMeemSaad. 1 A Book sent down to thee -- so let there be no impediment in thy breast because of it -- to warn thereby, and as a reminder to believers: 2 Follow what has been sent down to you from your Lord, and follow no friends other than He; little do you remember. 3 How many towns have We destroyed (for their sins)? Our punishment took them on a sudden by night or while they slept for their afternoon rest. 4 And when Our scourge fell upon them their only cry was: 'We are indeed transgressors.' 5 Then shall we question those to whom Our message was sent and those by whom We sent it. 6 We will tell them with absolute certainty (what they had done) for We had never been absent from them (during their lifetime). 7 The balance that day will be true (to nicety): those whose scale (of good) will be heavy, will prosper: 8 And whosesoever balances will be light - those are they who have lost themselves in respect of Our signs. 9 It is We Who have placed you with authority on earth, and provided you therein with means for the fulfilment of your life: small are the thanks that ye give! 10