The Ant (Al-Naml)
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
۞ These are verses of the Qur'an,-a book that makes (things) clear; 1 a guidance and a glad tiding to the believers 2 who are steadfast in prayer, who pay the religious tax, and who have strong faith in the life hereafter. 3 As to those who do not believe in the hereafter, We have surely made their deeds fair-seeming to them, but they blindly wander on. 4 It is they for whom a grievous chastisement lies in store; it is they who shall be the greatest losers in the Hereafter. 5 And most surely you are made to receive the Quran from the Wise, the Knowing Allah. 6 Tell of Moses who said to his family, "I have seen a fire. I will bring you news from there, or a burning brand for you to warm yourselves." 7 So, when he came to it, he was called: 'Blessed is he who is in the fire, and he who is about it. Glory be to God, the Lord of all Being! 8 O Moses! Lo! it is I, Allah, the Mighty, the Wise. 9 Throw down your staff." When he saw it wriggling like a serpent he turned his back and fled without turning (to look). "O Moses," (said the voice), "be not fearful. Surely those sent as messengers do not fear in My presence, 10 Excepting any who may have done wrong and thereafter changeth evil for good then verily I am Forgiving, Merciful. 11 And put your hand into the opening of your garment [at the breast]; it will come out white without disease. [These are] among the nine signs [you will take] to Pharaoh and his people. Indeed, they have been a people defiantly disobedient." 12 But when there came to them Our visible signs, they said, "This is obvious magic." 13 They rejected the evidence because of their arrogance and injustice, although their souls knew it to be true. Think how terrible the end of the sinful ones was! 14