Vanity (Al-Zukhruf)
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Ha. Mim. 1 By this luminous Book. 2 We have made it a Qur'an in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom). 3 Truly, it is inscribed in the Original Book, in Our keeping; it is sublime and full of wisdom. 4 [O YOU who deny the truth!] Should We, perchance, withdraw this reminder from you altogether, seeing that you are people bent on wasting your own selves? 5 How many a Prophet did We send to the ancients, 6 but whenever a prophet came to them, they mocked him, 7 so We destroyed those who were mightier in courage than they. And the example of the ancients has passed away. 8 If thou askest them, 'Who created the heavens and earth?' they will say, 'The All-mighty, the All-knowing created them.' 9 He it is Who made this earth for you a cradle and made in it pathways for you that you may find the way to your destination; 10 And Who sendeth down water from the sky in (due) measure, and We revive a dead land therewith. Even so will ye be brought forth; 11 And the One Who created all pairs, and made the ships and cattle as rides for you. 12 in order that you might gain mastery over them, and that, whenever you have mastered them, you might remember your Sustainer's blessings and say: "Limitless in His glory is He who has made [all] this subservient to our use - since [but for Him,] we would not have been able to attain to it. 13 To our Lord we shall all return". 14 And they appoint for Him from His bondmen a part! Verily man is an ingrate manifest. 15