The Snatchers (Al-Naze'aat)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
I CALL TO WITNESS those who dive and drag, 1 and gently take it away; 2 and by those that speedily glide along (the cosmos), 3 and vie with the others (in carrying out their Lord's behests); 4 Then arrange to do (the Commands of their Lord), 5 On the Day the blast [of the Horn] will convulse [creation], 6 And the second followeth it, 7 Hearts that Day will be in agitation; 8 Eyes be lowered in submission. 9 They are [presently] saying, "Will we indeed be returned to [our] former state [of life]? 10 What, when we are bones old and wasted?' 11 They say: "It would in that case, be a return with loss!" 12 [But,] then, that [Last Hour] will be [upon them of a sudden, as if it were] but a single accusing cry 13 And lo! they will be awakened. 14 Have you heard the story of Moses? 15 When his Lord called upon him in the holy valley, twice, 16 [saying], "Go to Pharaoh, he has exceeded all bounds, 17 And say, "Hast thou the will to purify thyself; 18 Then I will guide you to your Lord that you may come to fear Him.'" 19 And he showed him the greatest sign, 20 But (Pharaoh) rejected it and disobeyed (guidance); 21 and brusquely turned his back [on Moses]; 22 then, he gathered, proclaimed, 23 And he said: I am your Lord, most high. 24 And thereupon God took him to task, [and made him] a warning example in the life to come as well as in this world. 25 Surely in that is a lesson for him who fears! 26