The Romans (Al-Room)
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
۞ AlifLaamMeem. 1 Defeated have been the Byzantines 2 In the neighbouring land. But having been conquered they will conquer 3 Within a few (up to nine) years time; only for Allah is the command, before and after; and the believers will rejoice on that day. 4 With the help of Allah. He helps whom He will, and He is exalted in might, most merciful. 5 The promise of Allah! Allah does not fail His promise, yet most people do not know. 6 They know only the outside appearance of the life of the world (i.e. the matters of their livelihood, like irrigating or sowing or reaping, etc.), and they are heedless of the Hereafter. 7 Have they never learned to think for themselves? God has not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them without [an inner] truth and a term set [by Him]: and yet, behold, there are many people who stubbornly deny the truth that they are destined to meet their Sustainer! 8 What, have they not journeyed in the land and beheld how was the end of those before them? They were stronger than themselves in might, and they ploughed up the earth and cultivated it more than they themselves have cultivated it; and their Messengers came to them with the clear signs; and God would never wrong them, but themselves they wronged. 9 Then the end of those who did evil was the worst [consequence] because they denied the signs of Allah and used to ridicule them. 10