A 'araaf (Al-A 'araaf)
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
۞ Alif, Lam, Mim, Sad. 1 A DIVINE WRIT has been bestowed from on high upon thee - and let there be no doubt about this in thy heart - in order that thou mayest warn [the erring] thereby, and [thus] admonish the believers: 2 (People), follow whatever is revealed to you from your Lord and do not follow other guardians besides Him. However, you pay very little attention (to Our words) 3 And a great number of towns (their population) We destroyed (for their crimes). Our torment came upon them (suddenly) by night or while they were sleeping for their afternoon rest. 4 And when Our scourge fell upon them their only cry was: 'We are indeed transgressors.' 5 Then verily We shall question those unto whom (Our message) hath been sent, and verily We shall question the messengers. 6 and thereupon We shall most certainly reveal unto them Our knowledge [of their doings]: for never have We been absent [from them]. 7 And the measuring out on that day will be just; then as for him whose measure (of good deeds) is heavy, those are they who shall be successful; 8 And whosesoever balances will be light - those are they who have lost themselves in respect of Our signs. 9 We established you in the land and provided you with a means of livelihood there: yet you are seldom thankful. 10