بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Transcription
Bismi Allahi alrrahmani alrraheemi
Edip-Layth
In the name of God, the Gracious, the Compassionate.
The Monotheist Group
In the name of God, the Almighty, the Merciful.
Muhammad Asad
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace:
Rashad Khalifa
In the name of GOD, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. ,
Shabbir Ahmed
All praise is due to God, the Lord/Cherisher/Sustainer of the Universe and everything therein.
Çeviriyazı
Bismillâhir rahmânir rahîm.
Edip Yüksel
Rahman, Rahim Allah'ın ismiyle
Yaşar Nuri Öztürk
Rahman ve Rahim Allah'ın adıyla...
Muhammed Esed
RAHMÂN, RAHÎM ALLAH ADINA
Ali Bulaç
Rahman ve Rahim olan Allah'ın adıyla

15:1 الر تلك ءايت الكتب وقرءان مبين

Transcription (English)
15:1 Alif-lam-ra tilka ayatualkitabi waqur-anin mubeenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:1 A1L30R200 these are the signs of the book, and a clear Quran.1

Note 1

A1L30R200. These letters/ numbers play an important role in the mathematical system of the Quran based on code 19. See 74:1; 1:1; 2:1; 13:38; 27:82; 38:1; 40:28; 46:10; 72:28.

Quran's divine nature, authenticity and the promise regarding the protection of its message (zikr) have been supported by the mathematical structure of the Quran discovered in 1974. See 74:1; 1:1; 2:1; 13:38; 27:82; 38:1; 40:28; 46:10; 72:28.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:1 ALR, these are the signs of the Book, and a clear Qur'an.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:1 Alif. Lam. Ra.1 THESE ARE MESSAGES of revelation -of a discourse clear in itself and clearly showing the truth.2

Note 1
See Appendix II.

Note 2
Regarding this lengthy rendering of the participial adjective mubin, see surah 12, note 2. In the above context, the term Qur'an (which, whenever it appears without the definite article al, denotes a solemn "recital" or "discourse") is preceded by the conjunction wa, which, in its simplest connotation, signifies "and"; but since it is used here to stress the present, particular instance of the divine writ (al-kitab), it can be omitted in the translation without affecting the meaning of the sentence.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:1 A.L.R.1 These (letters) are proofs of this scripture; a profound Quran.,

Note 1
&
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:1 A.L.R. Alif–Laam–Ra (Allah, Lateef the Unfathomable, Raaziq the Provider, states that), These are the verses of revelation, of Qur’an that explains itself.1

Note 1


This is the 15th Surah of the Qur’an. It has 99 verses. Al-Hijr implies "The Valley of Rocks". The valley extends from Makkah to Syria, a distance of about 1,000 miles. The people of Prophets Saleh and Sho’aib inhabited here in their respective times. Prophet Lot was sent a bit north in the valley, close to the Dead Sea. Rocky and desert grounds, the “stone-hearted” behavior of these three communities, and the history of their annihilation through earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, perhaps gave the Valley its name. The ancient Greek philosopher, Ptolemy (Batlimus) mentioned the place as ‘Hegra’.



With the Glorious Name of God, the Instant and Sustaining Source of all Mercy and Kindness



15:2 ربما يود الذين كفروا لو كانوا مسلمين

Transcription (English)
15:2 Rubama yawaddu allatheenakafaroo law kanoo muslimeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:2 Those who have rejected will often wish they were of those who peacefully surrendered!
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:2 Ultimately, those who have rejected will wish they had submitted!
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:2 And it will come to pass that those who are [now] bent on denying this truth will wish that they had surrendered themselves to God [in their life time].3

Note 3
Since this revelation-i.e., the Qur'an-is clear in itself and clearly shows the truth, those who deliberately reject it now will have no excuse on Resurrection Day. As so often in the Qur'an, the past tense in the expression alladhina kafaru is indicative of conscious intent (see surah 2, note 6).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:2 Certainly, those who disbelieved will wish they were submitters.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:2 The time is coming when the rejecters of the truth will ardently wish that they were Muslims.

15:3 ذرهم ياكلوا ويتمتعوا ويلههم الامل فسوف يعلمون

Transcription (English)
15:3 Tharhum ya/kuloo wayatamattaAAoowayulhihimu al-amalu fasawfa yaAAlamoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:3 Leave them to eat and enjoy, and let them be preoccupied with hope. They will come to know.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:3 Leave them to eat and enjoy, and let them be preoccupied with wishful thinking. They will come to know.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:3 Leave them alone; let them eat and enjoy themselves the while the hope [of vain delights] be guiles them: for in time they will come to know [the truth].
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:3 Let them eat, enjoy, and remain blinded by wishful thinking; they will find out.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:3 Let them eat, drink, and enjoy life while hanging on to false hopes. They will come to know.2

Note 2
47:12. If they do not come to the truth, the truth will come to them, and they will see it. 102:7

15:4 وما اهلكنا من قرية الا ولها كتاب معلوم

Transcription (English)
15:4 Wama ahlakna min qaryatin illawalaha kitabun maAAloomun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:4 We have not destroyed any town except that it had an appointed time.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:4 Wehave not destroyed any town except that it had an appointed time.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:4 And never have We destroyed any community [for its wrongdoing] unless a divine writ had (previously] been made known to it;4

Note 4
Lit., "unless it [the community] had a known divine writ (kitab ma'lum)"-i.e., unless the people in question had been shown through a divine writ the meaning of right and wrong, and had deliberately rejected this divine guidance: cf. the statement, in 26:208, that "never have We destroyed any community unless it had had its warners", or in 6:131, that God "would never destroy a community for its wrongdoing so long as its people are still unaware [of the meaning of right and wrong]".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:4 We never annihilated any community, except in accordance with a specific, predetermined time.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:4 And We never annihilated any community that had not a term assigned and decreed.3

Note 3
All communities are given a period of respite. 13:38

15:5 ما تسبق من امة اجلها وما يستخرون

Transcription (English)
15:5 Ma tasbiqu min ommatin ajalahawama yasta/khiroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:5 No nation can quicken its fate, nor can they delay.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:5 Nonation can quicken its fate, nor can they delay it.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:5 [but remember that] no community can ever forestall [the end of] its term - and neither can they delay [it].5

Note 5
I.e., every community - and, in the widest sense of this term, every civilization - has a God-willed, organic span of life resembling in this respect all other living organisms, destined to grow, to reach maturity and ultimately to decay. For the ethical implications of this law of nature and its bearing on the passage that follows, see 7:34 and the corresponding note 25.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:5 The end of any community can never be advanced, nor delayed.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:5 (The Law of Respite makes no exceptions.) The end of any community can neither be advanced, nor delayed.

15:6 وقالوا يايها الذى نزل عليه الذكر انك لمجنون

Transcription (English)
15:6 Waqaloo ya ayyuha allatheenuzzila AAalayhi alththikru innaka lamajnoonun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:6 They said, "O you upon whom the Reminder has been sent down, you are crazy."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:6 And they said: "O you upon whom the Reminder has been sent down, you are crazy."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:6 And yet, they [who deny the truth] say: "O thou unto whom this reminder has [allegedly] been bestowed from on high: verily, thou art mad!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:6 They said, "O you who received this reminder, you are crazy.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:6 And yet, those who deny the truth, say, “O You, to whom this Reminder has been revealed, certainly you are mad!”

15:7 لو ما تاتينا بالملئكة ان كنت من الصدقين

Transcription (English)
15:7 Law ma ta/teena bialmala-ikatiin kunta mina alssadiqeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:7 "Why not bring us the controllers if you are of the truthful ones?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:7 "Why not bring us the angels if you are of the truthful ones?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:7 Why dost thou not bring before us angels, if thou art a man of truth?6

Note 6
Cf. 6:8. The reference of the unbelievers to the Prophet's revelation is obviously sarcastic (Zamakhshari); hence my interpolation of the word "allegedly". Although these verses relate primarily to the pagan contemporaries of the Prophet, they broadly describe the negative attitude of unbelievers of all times.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:7 "Why do you not bring down the angels, if you are truthful?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:7 “Why do you not bring angels to us if you are among the truthful?”

15:8 ما ننزل الملئكة الا بالحق وما كانوا اذا منظرين

Transcription (English)
15:8 Ma nunazzilu almala-ikata illabialhaqqi wama kanoo ithan munthareena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:8 We do not send down the controllers except with truth, and then they would have no more respite.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:8 Wedo not send down the angels except with the truth, and then they would have no more delay.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:8 [Yet] We never send down angels otherwise than in accordance with the [demands of] truth;7 and [were the angels to appear now,] lo! they [who reject this divine writ] would have no further respite!8

Note 7
Sc., "and not just to satisfy a frivolous demand of people who-refuse to consider a prophetic message on its merits". Moreover-as is evident from the next clause-an actual appearance of the angels to ordinary men would but presage the Day of Judgment (described in 78:39 as "the Day of Ultimate Truth") and, thus, the doom of the deniers of the truth spoken of here.

Note 8
Cf. 6: 8-"had We sent down an angel, all would indeed have been decided", i.e., the Day of Judgment would have come.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:8 We do not send down the angels except for specific functions. Otherwise, no one will be respited.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:8 We do not send down the angels except when the period of respite is over. And in that case the rejecters get no further reprieve.

15:9 انا نحن نزلنا الذكر وانا له لحفظون

Transcription (English)
15:9 Inna nahnu nazzalna alththikrawa-inna lahu lahafithoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Divine Protection15:9 We, indeed We, it is We who have sent down the Reminder, and indeed it is We who will preserve it.2

Note 2

The Quran is protected through an interlocking error-sensitive mathematical code. The emphasis in this short verse is unique; with its four references to God and his controllers, it makes it clear that it is not the humans who would protect it, but the One who revealed the message. The word zikr (reminder) establishes a link between the preservation of the Quran and its mathematical system, which is described with the grammatically feminine of the same word, zikra (74:31). See 9:127; 41:41.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:9 Indeed it is Wewho have sent down the Reminder, and indeed it is We who will preserve it.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:9 Behold, it is We Ourselves who have bestowed from on high, step by step, this reminder?9 and, behold, it is We who shall truly guard it [from all corruption].10

Note 9
I.e., the Qur'an. The grammatical form nazzalna implies a gradual revelation ("step by step") over a period of time, as has been pointed out by Zamakhshari in his commentary on 2:23 (see the last sentence of my corresponding note 14).

Note 10
This prophecy has been strikingly confirmed by the fact that the text of the Qur'an has remained free from all alterations, additions or deletions ever since it was enunciated by the Prophet in the seventh century of the Christian era; and there is no other instance of any book, of whatever description, which has been similarly preserved over such a length of time. The early-noted variants in the reading of certain words of the Qur'an, occasionally referred to by the classical commentators, represent no more than differences in respect of diacritical marks or of vocalisation, and, as a rule, do not affect the meaning of the passage in question. (See also note 11 on 85:22, explaining the expression lawh mahfuz.)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
God's Messenger of the Covenant15:9 Absolutely, we have revealed the reminder, and, absolutely, we will preserve it.2 ,

Note 2
The divine source and the perfect preservation of the Quran are proven by the Quran's mathematical code (App. 1). God's Messengerof the Covenant was destined to unveil this great miracle. The word "Dhikr"denotes the Quran's code in several verses ( 15:6, 21:2, 26:5, 38:1, 38:8, 74:31). The value of "Rashad Khalifa" (1230)+15+9=1254, 19x66.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:9 We have sent down this Reminder, and We will guard it. [6:115]

15:10 ولقد ارسلنا من قبلك فى شيع الاولين

Transcription (English)
15:10 Walaqad arsalna min qablika feeshiyaAAi al-awwaleena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:10 We have sent before you to the factions of old.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:10 AndWe had sent before you, among the groups of old.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:10 AND, INDEED, [O Prophet,] even before thy time did We send [Our apostles] unto communities11 of old -

Note 11
The term shi'ah denotes a distinct group of people having in common the same persuasion or adhering to the same principles of behaviour, and is sometimes (though not here) used in the sense of "sect".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:10 We have sent (messengers) before you to the communities in the past.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:10 Of course, (O Prophet) even before your time We sent Messengers to the communities.

15:11 وما ياتيهم من رسول الا كانوا به يستهزءون

Transcription (English)
15:11 Wama ya/teehim min rasoolin illakanoo bihi yastahzi-oona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:11 Any messenger that came to them, they would mock him.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:11 And no messenger would come to them, except that they would mock him.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:11 and never yet came an apostle to them without their deriding him.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:11 Every time a messenger went to them, they ridiculed him.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:11 And never came a Messenger to them that they did not mock him.

15:12 كذلك نسلكه فى قلوب المجرمين

Transcription (English)
15:12 Kathalika naslukuhu fee quloobialmujrimeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:12 We thus let it sneak into the hearts of the criminals.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:12 It is such that We let it seep into the hearts of the criminals.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:12 Even so do We [now] cause this [scorn of Our message] to pervade the hearts of those who are lost in sin,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:12 We thus control the minds of the guilty.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:12 We instill this attitude in the hearts of the guilty.4

Note 4
Mujrim = One who thrives on the fruit of other’s labor = Guilty

15:13 لا يؤمنون به وقد خلت سنة الاولين

Transcription (English)
15:13 La yu/minoona bihi waqad khalatsunnatu al-awwaleena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:13 They do not acknowledge it, while the examples of the early generations has been brought to them.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:13 They do not believe in it, while the way of the earlier generations has gone before.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:13 who do not believe in it,12 . although the way which those [evildoers] of olden times had to go has long been within their ken.13

Note 12
Cf. 6:10 and the corresponding note 9. My interpolation of the words "derision of Our message" is based on Tabari's and Zamakhshari 's interpretations of the above passage. Regarding God's "causing" the deniers of the truth to sin, see surah 2, note 7, as well as surah 14, note 4.

Note 13
Lit., "although the way of life (sunnah) of those of olden times has already passed"-i.e., although the manner in which God has dealt with them has long since become a matter of common knowledge (Ibn Kathir).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:13 Consequently, they cannot believe in him. This has been the system since the past generations.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:13 They do not accept the message. Such has been the way of those who went before them.

15:14 ولو فتحنا عليهم بابا من السماء فظلوا فيه يعرجون

Transcription (English)
15:14 Walaw fatahna AAalayhim babanmina alssama-i fathalloo feehiyaAArujoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:14 If We opened for them a gate in the sky and they were to continue ascending to it,
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:14 Andif We opened for them a gate in the heaven and they were to continue ascending into it,
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:14 Yet even had We opened to them a gateway to heaven and they had ascended, on and on, up to it,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:14 Even if we opened for them a gate into the sky, through which they climb;,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:14 And even if We opened to them a Gate into the Heaven, and they kept ascending through it,

15:15 لقالوا انما سكرت ابصرنا بل نحن قوم مسحورون

Transcription (English)
15:15 Laqaloo innama sukkirat absarunabal nahnu qawmun mashooroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:15 They would have said, "Our sight has been distorted. No, we are a people who are being bewitched!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:15 They would have said: "Our sight has been fogged. No, we are a people being bewitched!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:15 they would surely have said, "It is only our eyes that are spellbound! Nay, we have been bewitched!,14

Note 14
Lit., "we are people bewitched". Cf. 6:7, as well as the last paragraph of 10:2 and the corresponding note 5. The confusing of revealed truths with illusory "enchantment" or "sorcery" is often pointed out in the Qur'an as characteristic of the attitude of people who a priori refuse to accept the idea of revelation and, thus, of prophethood. The above two verses, implying that not even a direct insight into the wonders of heaven could convince "those who are bent on denying the truth", are a prelude to the subsequent passage, which once again draws our attention to the wonders of nature as an evidence of God's creative activity.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:15 they will say, "Our eyes have been deceived. We have been bewitched.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:15 They would say, "Our eyes are intoxicated. Nay, we are a people bewitched."

15:16 ولقد جعلنا فى السماء بروجا وزينها للنظرين

Transcription (English)
15:16 Walaqad jaAAalna fee alssama-iburoojan wazayyannaha lilnnathireena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:16 We have placed galaxies in the heavens and We have made them pleasant to the onlookers.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:16 AndWe have placed towers in the heaven and We have made them pleasant to the onlookers.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:16 AND, INDEED, We have set up in the heavens great constellations,15 and endowed them with beauty for all to behold;

Note 15
My rendering of buruj as "great constellations" is based on the Taj al-'Arus; among the classical commentators, Baghawi, Baydawi and Ibn Kathir give the same interpretation, while Tabari (on the authority of Mujahid and Qatadah) explains this term as signifying "the stars" in general.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:16 We placed galaxies in the sky, and adorned it for the beholders.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:16 We have set constellations in the Sky and We have beautified it for the beholders.

15:17 وحفظنها من كل شيطن رجيم

Transcription (English)
15:17 Wahafithnahamin kulli shaytanin rajeemin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:17 We have guarded them from every outcast devil.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:17 AndWe have guarded it from every outcast devil.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:17 and We have made them secure against every satanic force accursed16 -

Note 16
The term shaytan ("satan") -derived from the verb shatana ("he was [or "became"] remote") -often denotes in the Qur'an a force or influence remote from, and opposed to, all that is true and good (Taj al-'Arus, Raghib): thus, for instance, in 2:14 it is used to describe the evil impulses (shayatin) within the hearts of "those who are bent on denying the truth". In its widest, abstract sense it denotes every "satanic force", i.e., every impulsion directed towards ends which are contrary to valid ethical postulates. In the present context, the phrase "every satanic force accursed (rajim)"-like the phrase "every rebellious (marid) satanic force" in a similar context in 37:7-apparently refers to endeavours, strongly condemned in Islam, to divine the future by means of astrological speculations: hence the preceding reference to the skies and the stars. The statement that God has made the heavens "secure" against such satanic forces obviously implies that He has made it impossible for the latter to obtain, through astrology or what is popularly described as "occult sciences", any real knowledge of "that which is beyond the reach of human perception" (al-ghayb).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:17 And we guarded it against every rejected devil.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:17 And We have guarded it from every destructive force.

15:18 الا من استرق السمع فاتبعه شهاب مبين

Transcription (English)
15:18 Illa mani istaraqa alssamAAafaatbaAAahu shihabun mubeenun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:18 Except he who manages to eavesdrop, he will be pursued clearly by a flaming meteor.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:18 Except he who manages to eavesdrop, he will be pursued by a visible flame.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:18 so that anyone who seeks to learn [the unknowable] by stealth is pursued by a flame clear to see.17

Note 17
Lit., "excepting [or "except that"] anyone who seeks to hear by stealth.. .", etc. The implication seems to be that any attempt at fathoming the mysteries of the unknowable by such illicit means ("by stealth") is inevitably followed by "a flame clear to see", i.e., by burning, self-evident frustration. (Cf. also 37:10.)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:18 If any of them sneaks around to listen, a mighty projectile will chase him back.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:18 The Shining Flame of knowledge has now come to you to dispel the deceptive claims of every deceiver.5

Note 5
26:210, 37:8, 52:38, 67:5, 72:8. God is everywhere, not just in the skies. The Qur’an dispels all superstitions including the clairvoyants and fortunetellers spying onto His Court

15:19 والارض مددنها والقينا فيها روسى وانبتنا فيها من كل شىء موزون

Transcription (English)
15:19 Waal-arda madadnahawaalqayna feeha rawasiya waanbatnafeeha min kulli shay-in mawzoonin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:19 As for the land, We have stretched it, placed stabilizers in it, and We have planted in it everything in balance.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:19 Andthe land We have stretched, and placed stabilizers in it, and We have planted in it from everything in balance.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:19 And the earth -We have spread it out wide, and placed on it mountains firm, and caused [life] of every kind to grow on it in a balanced manner,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:19 As for the earth, we constructed it, and placed on it stabilizers (mountains), and we grew on it a perfect balance of everything.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:19 And the earth, We have spread it out, and placed in it mountains firmly. And caused each seemly thing to grow therein in due proportion. [15:19-20, 31:10, 39:5, 41:10, 79:28-30, 88:18-20]

15:20 وجعلنا لكم فيها معيش ومن لستم له برزقين

Transcription (English)
15:20 WajaAAalna lakum feeha maAAayishawaman lastum lahu biraziqeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:20 We made for you in it a habitat, as well as those whom you are not required to provide for.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:20 AndWe have made for you in it a habitat, and for those to whom you are not providers.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:20 and provided thereon means of livelihood for you [O men] as well as for all [living beings] whose sustenance does not depend on you.18

Note 18
Lit., "whose providers you are not"; i.e., all living organisms -whether plants or animals which are not tended by man but are nevertheless provided for. in its wider sense, this phrase stresses the notion that all living beings-man included-are provided for by God, and by Him alone (cf. 11:6).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:20 We made it habitable for you, and for creatures you do not provide for.,3

Note 3
When we send astronauts into space, we provide them with precisely measured quantities of food, water, and oxygen. God created the spaceship Earth with billions of astronauts who work and reproduce; He supplied them with a self-supporting system that generates oxygen, fresh water, and a great variety of delicious foods and drinks.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:20 We have given you means of livelihood, as well as for all whose sustenance does not depend on you.

15:21 وان من شىء الا عندنا خزائنه وما ننزله الا بقدر معلوم

Transcription (English)
15:21 Wa-in min shay-in illa AAindanakhaza-inuhu wama nunazziluhu illa biqadarinmaAAloomin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:21 There is not a thing, except that We have vaults of it, yet We only send it down in a measured amount.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:21 Andthere is not a thing, except that We have vaults of it, and We do not send it down except in a precise measure.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:21 For, no single thing exists that does not have its source with Us;19 and nought do We bestow from on high unless it be in accordance with a measure well-defined.20

Note 19
Lit., "but with Us are its storehouses".

Note 20
Lit., "and We do not send it down [i.e., "create it"] otherwise than according to a measure known [to Us]": that is, in accordance with the exigencies of God's plan as such and with the function which any particular thing or phenomenon is to have within that plan.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:21 There is nothing that we do not own infinite amounts thereof. But we send it down in precise measure.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:21 There is not a thing but with Us are the treasures thereof. And We send it down but in precise measure.

15:22 وارسلنا الريح لوقح فانزلنا من السماء ماء فاسقينكموه وما انتم له بخزنين

Transcription (English)
15:22 Waarsalna alrriyaha lawaqihafaanzalna mina alssama-i maanfaasqaynakumoohu wama antum lahu bikhazineena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Wind: Pollinator of Clouds and Plants15:22 We have sent the winds to pollinate, and We sent down water from the sky for you to drink. It is not you who store it up.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:22 AndWe send the winds to pollinate, so We send down water from the sky, so We give to you to drink; and it is not you who are its storers.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:22 And We let loose the winds to fertilize [plants]21 and We send down water from the skies and let you drink thereof: and it is not you who dispose of its source-

Note 21
I.e., by pollination as well as by bringing rain-clouds.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:22 And we send the winds as pollinators, and cause water to come down from the sky for you to drink. Otherwise, you could not keep it palatable.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:22 We send the winds as pollinators that fertilize plants, and cause water to come down from the height for you to drink. Who holds the stores of the Universe? You do not. [51:4]

15:23 وانا لنحن نحى ونميت ونحن الورثون

Transcription (English)
15:23 Wa-inna lanahnu nuhyeewanumeetu wanahnu alwarithoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:23 It is indeed We who give life and death, and We are the inheritors.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:23 Andit is indeed We who bring to life and make to die, and We are the inheritors.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:23 for, behold, it is We-We alone -who grant life and deal death, and it is We alone who shall remain after all else will have passed away !22

Note 22
Lit., "We are [or "shall be"] the inheritors (al-warithun)": an idiomatic metaphor based, according to the consensus of all classical commentators, on the use of the term "inheritor" or "heir" in the sense of "one who remains after his predecessor has passed away"-in this case, after all creation has perished. (Cf. the expression "the heritage of the heavens and of the earth" used, with reference to God, in 3:180 and 57:10.)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:23 It is we who control life and death, and we are the ultimate inheritors.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:23 For, it is We, We alone Who control the laws of life and death, and it is We alone Who remain the Ultimate Inheritor.6

Note 6
So, the provision must remain accessible to all. 56:63

15:24 ولقد علمنا المستقدمين منكم ولقد علمنا المستخرين

Transcription (English)
15:24 Walaqad AAalimna almustaqdimeenaminkum walaqad AAalimna almusta/khireena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:24 Certainly We know those among you who are progressive, and We know those of you who are regressive.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:24 AndWe know those who have advanced among you, and We know those who have lagged.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:24 And well do We know [the hearts and deeds of all human beings - both] those who lived before you and those who will come after you;23

Note 23
Or: "those of you who hasten forward [towards Us], and those who lag behind". Both these interpretations are considered equally legitimate by the early commentators.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:24 And we fully know those among you who advance, and we fully know those who regress.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:24 We know those who passed on before you, and We know those who will come after you.7

Note 7
And We know those who advance in goodness and those who lag behind

15:25 وان ربك هو يحشرهم انه حكيم عليم

Transcription (English)
15:25 Wa-inna rabbaka huwa yahshuruhuminnahu hakeemun AAaleemun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:25 It is your Lord that will gather them. He is Wise, Knowledgeable.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:25 Andit is your Lord who will gather them. He is Wise, Knowledgeable.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:25 and, behold, it is thy Sustainer who will gather them all together [on Judgment Day]: verily, He is wise, all-knowing!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:25 Your Lord will surely summon them. He is Most Wise, Omniscient.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:25 It is your Lord Who will gather all of them together. Surely, He is Wise, All Knower.

15:26 ولقد خلقنا الانسن من صلصل من حما مسنون

Transcription (English)
15:26 Walaqad khalaqna al-insana minsalsalin min hama-in masnoonin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Creation of Humans15:26 We have created the human being from hardened clay of aged mud.3

Note 3

Creation "from" clay has two meanings. (1) clay as the substance of origin, and (2) clay as a place of origin. Both meanings could be true at the same time, though we learn from other verses that clay is not the only substance used in our creation; water too is a vital ingredient. Our Creator started the biological evolution of microscopic organisms within layers of clay. Recent scientific research led some scientists to consider clay as the origin of life, since clay is a porous network of atoms arranged geodesically within octahedral and tetrahedral forms. This design creates sliding and flexible layers that catalyze chemical reactions. Humans are the most advanced fruits of organic life started millions years ago from layers of clay. See 29:18; 41:9; 7:69; 24:45; 32:7; 71:14.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:26 AndWe have created man from a sludge from hot sediment.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:26 AND, INDEED, We have created man out of sounding clay, out of dark-slime transmuted24

Note 24
There are many references in the Qur'an to man's having been "created out of clay (tin)" or "out of dust (turab)", both these terms signifying man's lowly biological origins as well as the fact that his body is composed of various organic and inorganic substances existing-in other combinations or in their elementary forms-on or in the earth. The term salsal, occurring in three verses of this surah as well as in 55:14, adds a further dimension to this concept. According to most of the philological authorities, it denotes "dried clay that emits a sound" (i.e., when it is struck); and since it is used in the Qur'an exclusively with reference to the creation of man, it seems to contain an allusion to the power of articulate speech which distinguishes man from all other animal species, as well as to the brittleness of his existence (cf. the expression "like pottery" in 55:14). As the construction of the sentence shows, this salsal is stated to have evolved (Razi) out of hama' - which, according to some authorities, is the plural of ham'ah, signifying "dark, fetid mud" or "dark slime"-while the participial adjective masnun which qualifies this noun denotes, as Razi points out, both "altered" (i.e., in its composition) and "brought into shape": hence my rendering of this expression as "transmuted", which to some extent combines both of the above meanings. To my mind, we have here a description of the primeval biological environment out of which the "sounding clay" - the matrix, as it were - of man's physical body has evolved in accordance with God's plan of creation.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
The Human Race15:26 We created the human being from aged mud, like the potter's clay.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:26 And We created man from sounding clay, out of dark inorganic matter. [37:11]

15:27 والجان خلقنه من قبل من نار السموم

Transcription (English)
15:27 Waaljanna khalaqnahumin qablu min nari alssamoomi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:27 The Jinn, We created him before that from the flames of fire.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:27 Andthe Jinn, We created him before that from the fire of the fierce hot winds.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:27 whereas the invisible beings We had created, [long] before that, out of the fire of scorching winds.25

Note 25
Cf. 55:15- "out of the confusing flame of fire (marij min nar)": i.e., of non-corporeal elements. The noun al-jann, rendered by me as "the invisible beings", is in reality a singular, denoting here the kind of these particular beings or forces, similar to the use of the singular noun "man" (al-insan) which describes the collective entity "mankind". The etymology of the word jann (the plural of which is jinn) has been briefly touched upon in note 86 on 6:100; a more detailed discussion of its meaning is found in Appendix III.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:27 As for the jinns, we created them, before that, from blazing fire.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:27 Before humanity became civilized, We had placed in them a fiery disposition. See Jinn – Surah 72, note)

15:28 واذ قال ربك للملئكة انى خلق بشرا من صلصل من حما مسنون

Transcription (English)
15:28 Wa-ith qala rabbuka lilmala-ikatiinnee khaliqun basharan min salsalin min hama-inmasnoonin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:28 Your Lord said to the controllers: "I am creating a human from hardened clay of aged mud."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:28 Andyour Lord said to the angels: "I am creating a human being from a sludge from hot sediment."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:28 And lo! Thy Sustainer said unto the angels: "Behold, I am about to create mortal man out of sounding clay, out of dark slime transmuted;
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:28 Your Lord said to the angels, "I am creating a human being from aged mud, like the potter's clay.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:28 Recall when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I am about to create man out of sounding inorganic matter, (and then) out of hydrated clay.” [2:30-35, 7:11-22, 17:61, 19:21, 20:116-120]

15:29 فاذا سويته ونفخت فيه من روحى فقعوا له سجدين

Transcription (English)
15:29 Fa-itha sawwaytuhu wanafakhtu feehimin roohee faqaAAoo lahu sajideena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:29 "So when I perfect him, and blow of My Spirit in him, you shall fall prostrate to him."4

Note 4

The word ruh, does not mean soul or spirit, as commonly thought. In the terminology of the Quran ruh means revelation, inspiration, information, or commands. The word nafs is used to mean person or consciousness (39:42). If we try to describe the human genetic makeup and the program etched into the brain in computer language, it is like a piece of hardware that facilitates communication, processing, analysis and synthesis of information through an intelligent system program containing God's knowledge/commands/code/logic (ruh) in its core. Person (nafs) is analogous to an open system program that can be improved through new application programs, addition of new features, and memory (experience) data. This system program (person) can be put in hibernation (sleep), or terminated by the turning off of the switch, or by the destruction of its essential hardware (death) (39:42; 21:35; 29:57; 2:28; 10:56; 32:11; 45:15).

Contradictory and irrational actions that are the products of reflexive choices, gullibility, superstitious ideas, intoxicants, religious dogmas, peer pressure, ignorance, etc, might make the system program vulnerable to the attacks of evil viruses and Trojan horses (6:116; 10:36; 17:36; 53:28; 2:170; 3:154; 8:22; 10:100; 12:40; 13:19; 28:63; 35:28; 39:9; 41:46; 45:15; 79:40; 9:31). If due to prejudice and acquired bad habits, they do not use vigilant virus protection programs called critical thinking or logic, numerous harmful and fatal viruses might infect and corrupt system programs (persons) beyond reform (2:231; 4:110; 7:160; 17:7; 31:13; 65:1; 91:7, and 6:110). Good intentions, thoughts, deeds, habits, good networks, and numerous tests advance the system program (person) to new levels (2:272; 23:60). Then the improved or regressed system program is separated from the hardware (death) and uploaded (recorded in the master record/ummul-kitab) for evaluation (18:49; 6:38; 54:53). Those that kept the system program free from infection and corruption, and improved it through various tests, are beamed to a higher dimension for eternal enjoyment (89:27). The system programs (persons) that had progressed (through acknowledgment and good deeds) and passed all major tests (through a humble and appreciative attitude during blessings and tragedies) in its previous hardware (2:155; 3:186; 29:1); these few successful system programs will be matched with an indestructible hardware (body) to live in eternal bliss (81:7; 3:30; 40:17; 45:22; 50:21; 74:38; 89:27; 2:123). Also, see 17:85; 39:42.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:29 "Sowhen I evolve him, and blow from My Spirit in him, you shall yield to him."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:29 and when I have formed him fully and breathed into him of My spirit, fall down before him in prostration!26

Note 26
Cf. 2 : 30-34 and the corresponding notes, as well as 7:11. The allegorical character of all the passages bearing on the creation of man and on God's command to the angels to prostrate themselves before him is brought out clearly in God's saying, "I am about to create mortal man ... ; and when I have formed him fully. ..", etc.: for it is obvious that, in reality, no lapse of time is required for God's completing His creation - since, "when He wills a thing to be, He but says unto it, 'Be'-and it is" (cf. 2:117, 3:47 and 59, 6:73, 16:40, 19:35, 36:82 and 40:68). God's "breathing of His spirit" into man is obviously a metaphor for His endowing him with life and consciousness: that is, with a soul.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:29 "Once I perfect him, and blow into him from My spirit, you shall fall prostrate before him.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:29 And when I have perfected him in due proportion and breathed into him from My Energy, be of service to him.”8

Note 8
Note "from My Energy". So God gave humans 'something' from His Energy. That something is free will. 76:3

15:30 فسجد الملئكة كلهم اجمعون

Transcription (English)
15:30 Fasajada almala-ikatu kulluhumajmaAAoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:30 Thus, all of the controllers fell prostrate to him,
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:30 Thus, all of the angels yielded.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:30 Thereupon the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:30 The angels fell prostrate; all of them,,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:30 Thereupon the angels agreed to be subservient, all of them together.9

Note 9
The physical laws in the Universe were made subservient to mankind

15:31 الا ابليس ابى ان يكون مع السجدين

Transcription (English)
15:31 Illa ibleesa aba an yakoonamaAAa alssajideena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:31 Except for Satan, he refused to be with those who prostrated.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:31 Except for Satan, he refused to be of those who yielded.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:31 save Iblis: he refused to be among those who prostrated themselves.27

Note 27
See note 10 on 7:11. For the deeper meaning of this "rebellion", see note 31 below.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:31 except Iblis (Satan). He refused to be with the prostrators.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:31 But Iblees (Satan) refused to be among those who submitted.10

Note 10
The selfish desires of humans declared rebellion against the higher controls of Reason. 2:34

15:32 قال يابليس ما لك الا تكون مع السجدين

Transcription (English)
15:32 Qala ya ibleesu ma lakaalla takoona maAAa alssajideena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:32 He said, "O Satan, what is the matter that you are not with the prostrators?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:32 He said: "O Satan, what is the matter that you are not of those who yielded?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:32 Said He: "O Iblis! What is thy reason for not being among those who have prostrated themselves?"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:32 He said, "O Iblis (Satan), why are you not with the prostrators?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:32 God asked, "O Iblees! Why are you not with those who submitted?"

15:33 قال لم اكن لاسجد لبشر خلقته من صلصل من حما مسنون

Transcription (English)
15:33 Qala lam akun li-asjuda libasharinkhalaqtahu min salsalin min hama-in masnoonin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:33 He said, "I am not to prostrate to a human You have created from a hardened clay of aged mud."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:33 He said: "I am not to yield to a human being whom You have created from a sludge from hot sediment."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:33 [Iblis] replied: "It is not for me to prostrate myself before mortal man whom Thou hast created out of sounding clay, out of dark slime transmuted!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:33 He said, "I am not to prostrate before a human being, whom You created from aged mud, like the potter's clay.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:33 He replied, "I am not one to submit to man whom You have created from sounding inorganic matter."

15:34 قال فاخرج منها فانك رجيم

Transcription (English)
15:34 Qala faokhruj minhafa-innaka rajeemun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:34 He said, "Exit from here, you are cast out."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:34 He said: "Exit from here, you are cast out."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:34 Said He: "Go forth, then, from this [angelic state]: for, behold, thou art [henceforth] accursed,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:34 He said, "Therefore, you must get out; you are banished.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:34 God said, "Go forth then, from here! You are dismissed forthwith.”

15:35 وان عليك اللعنة الى يوم الدين

Transcription (English)
15:35 Wa-inna AAalayka allaAAnata ila yawmialddeeni
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:35 "A curse shall be upon you until the day of judgment."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:35 "And a curse shall be upon you until the Day of Recompense."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:35 and [My] rejection shall be thy due28 until the Day of Judgment!"

Note 28
Lit., "is upon thee".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:35 "You have incurred My condemnation until the Day of Judgment.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:35 “My rejection shall be your due until the Day of Judgment." [7:14-15]

15:36 قال رب فانظرنى الى يوم يبعثون

Transcription (English)
15:36 Qala rabbi faanthirneeila yawmi yubAAathoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:36 He said, "My Lord, respite me until the day they are resurrected."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:36 He said: "My Lord, respite me until the Day they are resurrected."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:36 Said [Iblis]: "Then, O my Sustainer, grant me a respite till the Day when all shall be raised from the dead!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:36 He said, "My Lord, respite me until the day they are resurrected.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:36 Said Iblees, "Then O My Lord! Grant me respite until the Day when all shall be raised from the dead."

15:37 قال فانك من المنظرين

Transcription (English)
15:37 Qala fa-innaka mina almunthareena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:37 He said, "You are given respite,"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:37 He said: "You are given respite."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:37 Answered He: "Verily, so be it: thou shalt be among those who are granted respite
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:37 He said, "You are respited.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:37 Answered He, "Surely, so be it. You shall be among those who are granted respite.”

15:38 الى يوم الوقت المعلوم

Transcription (English)
15:38 Ila yawmi alwaqti almaAAloomi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:38 "Until the day of the appointed time."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:38 "Until the Day of the time appointed."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:38 till the Day the time whereof is known [to Me alone]."
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:38 "Until the specified day and time.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:38 “Till the Day known (to Me alone).”

15:39 قال رب بما اغويتنى لازينن لهم فى الارض ولاغوينهم اجمعين

Transcription (English)
15:39 Qala rabbi bima aghwaytaneelaozayyinanna lahum fee al-ardi walaoghwiyannahumajmaAAeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Satan's Limited Power15:39 He said, "My Lord, you sent me astray, I will make the earth appear beautiful for them, and I will mislead them all,"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:39 He said: "My Lord, for that by which You have caused me to be misled, I will beautify for them what is on the earth, and I will mislead them all."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:39 [Whereupon Iblis] said: "O my Sustainer! Since Thou hast thwarted me,29 I shall indeed make [all that is evil] on earth seem goodly to them, and shall most certainly beguile them-into grievous error -

Note 29
See surah 7, note 11.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:39 He said, "My Lord, since You have willed that I go astray, I will surely entice them on earth; I will send them all astray.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:39 Iblees said, "O My Lord! Because You have put me in the wrong, I will entice them on earth, and I will put them all in the wrong.”11

Note 11
Ghawa = Put in error = Thwart = Mislead = Deprive of sound judgment

15:40 الا عبادك منهم المخلصين

Transcription (English)
15:40 Illa AAibadaka minhumualmukhlaseena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:40 "Except Your devoted servants."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:40 "Except Your servants from among them, the devoted ones."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:40 [all] save such of them as are truly Thy servants!"30

Note 30
Lit., "Thy sincere servants": i.e., those who are so deeply conscious of God that no "blandishment of Satan" can lead them astray. (See also note 32 below.)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:40 "Except those among Your worshipers who are devoted absolutely to You alone.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:40 “Except those who are truly Your servants."

15:41 قال هذا صرط على مستقيم

Transcription (English)
15:41 Qala hatha siratunAAalayya mustaqeemun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:41 He said, "This is a straight path to Me."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:41 He said: "This shall be a straight path to Me."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:41 Said He: "This is, with Me. a straight way:31

Note 31
I.e., "this is what I have willed" - namely, that Iblis (or Satan) should tempt man, but should have no power to seduce those who are truly conscious of God. Thus, the Qur'an makes it clear that despite his ostensible "rebellion" against his Creator. Satan fulfils a definite function in God's plan: he is the eternal tempter who enables man to exercise his God-given freedom of choice between good and evil and, thus, to become a being endowed with moral free will. (See in this connection 19:83, as well as note 26 on 2:34 and note 16 on 7:24.)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:41 He said, "This is a law that is inviolable.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:41 "This is, with Me, a straight path," said God.

15:42 ان عبادى ليس لك عليهم سلطن الا من اتبعك من الغاوين

Transcription (English)
15:42 Inna AAibadee laysa laka AAalayhimsultanun illa mani ittabaAAaka mina alghaweena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:42 "For My servants, you shall have no authority over them, except those who are misled and follow you."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:42 "For My servants, you shall have no authority over them, except those who are misled and follow you."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:42 verily, thou shalt have no power over My creatures- unless it be such as are [already] lost in grievous error and follow thee [of their own will]:32

Note 32
Lit., "except him who shall follow thee from among those who are lost in grievous error". (Cf. 14:22, according to which Satan will thus address his erstwhile followers on Judgment Day: "I had no power at all over you: I but called you-and you responded unto me.") This phrase constitutes the essential difference between the above passage and the similar one in 7:11.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:42 "You have no power over My servants. You only have power over the strayers who follow you.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:42 “Surely, you shall have no power over My servants, except those who put themselves in error and follow you.”

15:43 وان جهنم لموعدهم اجمعين

Transcription (English)
15:43 Wa-inna jahannama lamawAAiduhum ajmaAAeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:43 "Hell, shall be the appointed place for them all."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:43 "And that Hell shall be their appointment, all of them."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:43 and for all such, behold, hell is the promised goal.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:43 "And Hell awaits them all.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:43 “And for all such, Hell is the promised abode.”

15:44 لها سبعة ابوب لكل باب منهم جزء مقسوم

Transcription (English)
15:44 Laha sabAAatu abwabin likullibabin minhum juz-on maqsoomun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:44 "It has seven gates, for every gate will be an assigned segment from them."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:44 "Ithas seven gates, for every gate will be an assigned segment from them."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:44 with seven gates leading into it, each gate receiving its allotted share of sinners. -33

Note 33
Lit., "it has seven gates, [with) an allotted share of them for each gate". This probably means "seven degrees" of hell, i.e., of the suffering which, in the life to come, awaits the "followers of Satan" in accordance with the gravity of their sins (Razi; a similar explanation is given by Qatadah, as quoted by Tabari). It should also be remembered that the concept of "hell" as such is referred to in the Qur'an under seven different names, all of them metaphorical (necessarily so, because they relate to what the Qur'an describes as al-ghayb, "something that is beyond the reach of human perception"): namely nar ("fire, which is the general term), jahannam ("hell"), jahim ("blazing fire"), sa`ir ("blazing flame"), saqar ("hell-fire"). laza ("raging flame"), and hutamah ("crushing torment"). Since. as I have mentioned, these designations of other-worldly suffering are obviously allegorical, we may also assume that the "seven gates of hell" have the same character, and signify "seven approaches [or "ways"] to hell". Furthermore. it is well known that in the Semitic languages-and most particularly in classical Arabic-the number "seven" is often used in the sense of "several" or "various" (cf. Lisan al-'Arab, Taj al-'Arus, etc.): and so the above Qur'anic phrase may well have the meaning of "various ways leading to hell" -in other words, many ways of sinning.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:44 "It will have seven gates. Each gate will get a specific share of them.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:44 With seven gates leading into it - each gate receiving its share of wrongdoers.12

Note 12
Sab’ah = Seven = Many. The right path is one, while the wrong paths are numerous and each of them leads to Hell. 30:30

15:45 ان المتقين فى جنت وعيون

Transcription (English)
15:45 Inna almuttaqeena fee jannatinwaAAuyoonin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:45 The righteous will be in paradises and springs.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:45 Therighteous will be in gardens and springs.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:45 VERILY, those who are conscious of God [shall find themselves in the hereafter] amidst gardens and springs,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:45 As for the righteous, they will enjoy gardens and springs.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:45 Surely, those who live upright, will find themselves amidst gardens and springs.

15:46 ادخلوها بسلم ءامنين

Transcription (English)
15:46 Odkhulooha bisalamin amineena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:46 "Enter it in peace and security."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:46 "Enter it in peace and security."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:46 [having been received with the greeting,] "Enter here in peace, secure!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:46 Enter therein, peaceful and secure.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:46 They will be told, “Enter them in peace, secure.”

15:47 ونزعنا ما فى صدورهم من غل اخونا على سرر متقبلين

Transcription (English)
15:47 WanazaAAna ma fee sudoorihimmin ghillin ikhwanan AAala sururin mutaqabileena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:47 We removed all negative feelings in their chests; they are brothers in quarters facing one another.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:47 AndWe removed what animosity was in their chests, they are brothers in quarters facing one another.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:47 And [by then] We shall have removed whatever unworthy thoughts or feelings may have been [lingering] in their breasts, [and they shall rest] as brethren, facing one another [in love] upon thrones of happiness.34

Note 34
I.e.. all being equal in dignity, and therefore free from envy. As Razi points out, the plural noun surur (sing. sarir), which literally denotes "couches" or, occasionally, "thrones", signifies also "seats [or "thrones"] of eminence" or "of happiness (surur)", from which latter word the noun sarir and its plural surur may be derived. The sublime. quality of these "thrones of happiness" is in some instances further symbolized by expressions like "gold-encrusted" (56:15) or "raised high" (88:13).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:47 We remove all jealousy from their hearts. Like one family, they will be on adjacent furnishings.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:47 And We shall remove from their hearts any sense of jealousy, rancor, rivalry and bitterness. And they shall rest as brothers and sisters, facing one another, on thrones of happiness.13

Note 13
7:43, 56:15, 88:13. Akh = Brother. Ukht = Sister. Ikhwan = Brothers and sisters

15:48 لا يمسهم فيها نصب وما هم منها بمخرجين

Transcription (English)
15:48 La yamassuhum feeha nasabunwama hum minha bimukhrajeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:48 No fatigue shall touch them, nor will they be made to leave from it.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:48 No fatigue shall touch them, nor will they be evicted from it.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:48 No weariness shall ever touch them in this [state of bliss], and never shall they have to forgo it.35

Note 35
Lit., "never shall they be caused to depart from it".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:48 Never will they suffer any fatigue therein; never will they be evicted therefrom.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:48 No weariness shall ever touch them, and never shall they lose this abode of bliss.

15:49 نبئ عبادى انى انا الغفور الرحيم

Transcription (English)
15:49 Nabbi/ AAibadee annee anaalghafooru alrraheemu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:49 Inform My servants that I am the Forgiver, the Compassionate.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:49 Inform My servants that I am the Forgiver, the Merciful.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:49 Tell My servants that I - I alone - am truly forgiving, a true dispenser of grace;
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:49 Inform My servants that I am the Forgiver, Most Merciful.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:49 Tell My servants that I am Forgiving, Merciful.

15:50 وان عذابى هو العذاب الاليم

Transcription (English)
15:50 Waanna AAathabee huwa alAAathabual-aleemu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:50 That My punishment is a painful retribution.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:50 Andthat My punishment is a painful retribution.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:50 and [also,] that the suffering which I shall impose [on sinners] will indeed be a suffering most grievous.36

Note 36
In his commentary on the above two verses, Razi notes that the statement relating to God's forgiveness and grace contains a threefold emphasis-expressed by the repetition of the personal pronoun ana relating to God, and the definite article al before each of the two participial adjectives - whereas there is no such stress in the mention of His chastisement of recalcitrant sinners. (Cf. 6:12-and the corresponding note 10-as well as 6:54, both of which verses state that God "has willed upon Himself the law of grace and mercy".)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:50 And that My retribution is the most painful retribution.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:50 Yet, My Law of Requital dispenses a severe requital.

15:51 ونبئهم عن ضيف ابرهيم

Transcription (English)
15:51 Wanabbi/hum AAan dayfi ibraheema
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Controllers Give Good and Bad News15:51 Also inform them of Abraham's guests.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:51 Andinform them of the guests of Abraham.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:51 AND TELL THEM [once again] about Abraham's guests37 -

Note 37
For a more detailed story of Abraham and the heavenly messengers, see verses 69-76 of Surah 11 (Hud), which was revealed shortly before the present one. The connection between this story and the preceding stress on God's grace arises from Abraham's saying (in verse 56), "And who-other than those who have utterly lost their way-could ever lose the hope of his Sustainer's grace?" Similarly, the subsequent references (in verses 58-84) to the sinful communities that were destroyed because they refused to heed the warnings of their prophets are, obviously, meant to illustrate the reverse of God's grace, namely, His inevitable chastisement of deliberate, unrepented sinning (verse 50 above).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Angels Visit Abraham15:51 Inform them about Abraham's guests.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:51 As an example, tell them once again about Abraham's guests.

15:52 اذ دخلوا عليه فقالوا سلما قال انا منكم وجلون

Transcription (English)
15:52 Ith dakhaloo AAalayhi faqaloosalaman qala inna minkum wajiloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:52 That they entered upon him, they said, "Peace." He said, "We are worrisome of you."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:52 When they entered upon him, they said: "Peace." He said: "We are worrisome of you."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:52 [how,] when they presented themselves before him and bade him peace, he answered: "Behold, we are afraid of you!"38

Note 38
For the reason of Abraham's and Sarah's apprehension. see 11:70.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:52 When they entered his quarters, they said, "Peace." He said, "We are apprehensive about you.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:52 When they came to him, and said, “Peace!” He said, "Indeed, We are afraid of you."

15:53 قالوا لا توجل انا نبشرك بغلم عليم

Transcription (English)
15:53 Qaloo la tawjal innanubashshiruka bighulamin AAaleemin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:53 They said, "Do not worry, we bring you good news of a knowledgeable son."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:53 They said: "Do not worry, we bring you good news of a knowledgeable son."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:53 Said they: "Fear not! Behold, we bring thee the glad tiding of [the birth of] a son who will be endowed with deep knowledge."39

Note 39
Le., will be a prophet.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:53 They said, "Do not be apprehensive. We have good news for you: an enlightened son.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:53 Said they, "Fear not! Indeed, we bring you the glad tiding of an enlightened son."

15:54 قال ابشرتمونى على ان مسنى الكبر فبم تبشرون

Transcription (English)
15:54 Qala abashshartumoonee AAalaan massaniya alkibaru fabima tubashshirooni
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:54 He said, "What good news can you bring me when old age has come upon me? Is that your good news?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:54 He said: "What good news can you bring me when old age has come upon me? Is that your good news?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:54 Said he: "Do you give me this glad tiding despite the fact that old age has overtaken me? Of what [strange thing], then, are you giving me a tiding!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:54 He said, "How can you give me such good news, when I am so old? Do you still give me this good news?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:54 He said, "How can you give me such glad tiding even though I have been overtaken by old age?"

15:55 قالوا بشرنك بالحق فلا تكن من القنطين

Transcription (English)
15:55 Qaloo bashsharnaka bialhaqqifala takun mina alqaniteena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:55 They said, "We have brought you good news with truth, so do not be of those in denial."*
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:55 They said: "We have brought you good news with the truth, so do not be of those in denial."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:55 They answered: "We have given thee the glad tiding of something that is bound to come true. -40 so be not of those who abandon hope!"

Note 40
Lit., "We have given thee the glad tiding of the truth" -i.e., of the truth willed by God On (Ibn`Abbas, as quoted by Razi).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:55 They said, "The good news we give you is true; do not despair.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:55 They answered, “We have given you the glad tiding that is bound to come true. So be not of those who abandon hope!”

15:56 قال ومن يقنط من رحمة ربه الا الضالون

Transcription (English)
15:56 Qala waman yaqnatu min rahmatirabbihi illa alddalloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:56 He said, "Who would deny the mercy of his Lord except the misguided ones!"5

Note 5

See 12:87; 30:36; 39:53; 41:49.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:56 He said: "And who would deny the mercy of his Lord except the misguided ones!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:56 [Abraham] exclaimed: "And who-other than those who have utterly lost their way-could ever abandon the hope of his Sustainer's grace?"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:56 He said, "None despairs of his Lord's mercy, except the strayers.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:56 Abraham exclaimed, "And who, other than the one in error, despairs of the grace of his Lord?”

15:57 قال فما خطبكم ايها المرسلون

Transcription (English)
15:57 Qala fama khatbukumayyuha almursaloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:57 He said, "What then is your business here, O messengers?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:57 He said: "What then is your affair, O messengers?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:57 He added: "And what [else] may you have in view, O you [heavenly] messengers?"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:57 He said, "What is your mission, O messengers?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:57 He added, “And afterward what is your mission, O Messengers?"

15:58 قالوا انا ارسلنا الى قوم مجرمين

Transcription (English)
15:58 Qaloo inna orsilna ilaqawmin mujrimeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:58 They said, "We have been sent to a people who are criminals;"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:58 They said: "We have been sent to a people who are criminals."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:58 They answered: "We are sent to people lost in sin41 [who are to be destroyed],

Note 41
I.e., to the people of Sodom (see also 7:80 and 11:77).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:58 They said, "We are being dispatched to guilty people.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:58 They replied, "We are sent to dispense retribution to a guilty people,

15:59 الا ءال لوط انا لمنجوهم اجمعين

Transcription (English)
15:59 Illa ala lootin innalamunajjoohum ajmaAAeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:59 "Except for the family of Lot, we will save them all;"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:59 "Except for the family of Lot, we will save them all."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:59 barring Lot's household, all of whom, behold, we shall save -
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:59 "As for Lot's family, we will save them all.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:59 Except Lot’s household and followers, all of whom we shall save (as commanded).

15:60 الا امراته قدرنا انها لمن الغبرين

Transcription (English)
15:60 Illa imraatahu qaddarna innahalamina alghabireena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:60 "Except for his wife, we have measured that she will be with those destroyed."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:60 "Except for his wife, we have evaluated that she will be with those destroyed."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:60 excepting only his wife, [of whom God says,] `We have ordained [that], behold, she should be among those who stay behind!'42

Note 42
See 7:83 and the corresponding note 66, as well as 11:81 and 66:10. My interpolation of the words "of whom God says" is necessitated by the elliptic use of the verb gaddarna - which, in the sense of "We have ordained" or "decreed", is an act attributed in the Qur'an invariably, and exclusively, to God. As I have repeatedly pointed out in my notes, God's "ordaining" a sinner to commit a sin or His "decreeing" that he should remain deaf to the voice of truth is a metonym for the natural law instituted by Him, which has been explained in surah 2, note 7; it refers also, generally speaking, to God's absolute fore-knowledge of how any of His creatures will act in a given situation (Zamakhshari). See also note 56 on 11:34 and note 4 on 14:4.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:60 "But not his wife; she is destined to be with the doomed.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:60 But not his wife, who, we have ascertained, will be among those who will lag behind.”

15:61 فلما جاء ءال لوط المرسلون

Transcription (English)
15:61 Falamma jaa ala lootinalmursaloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Lot and the Aggressive of the Homosexuals15:61 So when the messengers came to the family of Lot.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:61 So when the messengers came to the family of Lot.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:61 AND WHEN the messengers [of God] came to the house of Lot,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Lot15:61 The messengers went to Lot's town.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:61 When the Messengers came to Lot's house,

15:62 قال انكم قوم منكرون

15:62 qal ankm qwm mnkrwn
Transcription (English)
15:62 Qala innakum qawmun munkaroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:62 He said, "You are a people unknown to me."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:62 He said: "You are an unknown people."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:62 he said: "Behold, you are people unknown [here] !"43

Note 43
Implying that they might be assaulted by the sinful people of his town: cf. 11:77 and the corresponding note 107.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:62 He said, "You are unknown people.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:62 He said, "Indeed, you are people unknown."

15:63 قالوا بل جئنك بما كانوا فيه يمترون

Transcription (English)
15:63 Qaloo bal ji/naka bimakanoo feehi yamtaroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:63 They said, "Alas, we have come to you with what they are in doubt."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:63 They said: "Alas, we have come to you with that which they are doubting."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:63 They answered: "Nay, but we have come unto thee with [the announcement of] something that they [who are given to evil] have always been wont to call in question,44

Note 44
Lit., "that about which they have persistently been (kanu) in doubt"-i.e., the doom which, in this world or in the hereafter, is the inevitable consequence of deliberate sinning: a prediction which the sinners themselves so often deride (cf. 6:57, 8:32, 11:8, and the corresponding notes). To my mind, this sentence constitutes the reason for the repetition, in this surah, of the stories of Lot's people and the other sinful communities of old that were punished for their persistent transgressions against all moral laws.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:63 They said, "We bring to you what they have been doubting.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:63 They answered, "Nay, we bring to you the decision concerning what they keep disputing with you.”

15:64 واتينك بالحق وانا لصدقون

Transcription (English)
15:64 Waataynaka bialhaqqiwa-inna lasadiqoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:64 "We have come to you with the truth, and we are forthcoming."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:64 "And we have come to you with the truth, and we are forthcoming."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:64 and we are bringing thee the certainty [of its fulfilment] :45 for, behold, we are speaking the truth indeed.

Note 45
Lit., "We have brought thee for "come to thee with"] the truth".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:64 "We bring to you the truth; we are truthful.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:64 “And we are bringing you the certainty (that the period of respite for your people is over). We are indeed truthful.”

15:65 فاسر باهلك بقطع من اليل واتبع ادبرهم ولا يلتفت منكم احد وامضوا حيث تؤمرون

Transcription (English)
15:65 Faasri bi-ahlika biqitAAin minaallayli waittabiAA adbarahum wala yaltafitminkum ahadun waimdoo haythutu/maroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:65 "So let your family leave during the last moments of the night, and you follow just behind them, and do not let any of you look back, and go to where you are commanded."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:65 "Solet your family leave during the late hours of the night, and you follow just behind them, and do not let any of you look back, and go to where you are commanded."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:65 Go, then., with thy household while it is yet night, with thyself following them in the rear; and let none of you look back,46 but proceed whither you are bidden."

Note 46
For an explanation of this metaphorical "looking back", see Surah 11, note 112.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:65 "You shall take your family during the night. Stay behind them, and make sure that none of you looks back. Go straight as commanded.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:65 “Go, then, with your family and followers while it is yet night. Follow them in the rear, and let none of you look back (never to come back to this place). But proceed as you are commanded (by your Lord 11:81).”

15:66 وقضينا اليه ذلك الامر ان دابر هؤلاء مقطوع مصبحين

Transcription (English)
15:66 Waqadayna ilayhi thalikaal-amra anna dabira haola-i maqtooAAunmusbiheena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:66 We conveyed him the decree, that the remnants of these people will be cut off in the morning.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:66 AndWe made the matter known to him, that the remainder of these people would be wiped out by the morning.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:66 And [through Our messengers] We revealed unto him this decree: "The last remnant of those [sinners] shall be wiped out"47 in the morn."

Note 47
Lit., "cut off".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:66 We delivered to him this command: those people are to be annihilated in the morning.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:66 And We made plain the case to him, “The last remnant of those shall be wiped out in the morning.”

15:67 وجاء اهل المدينة يستبشرون

Transcription (English)
15:67 Wajaa ahlu almadeenati yastabshiroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:67 The people of the city came seeking good news.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:67 Andthe people of the city came seeking good news.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:67 And the people of the city came [unto Lot], rejoicing at the glad tiding.48

Note 48
Sc., "of the arrival of handsome strangers". See also 7:80 and 11:77, as well as the relevant notes.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:67 The people of the city came joyfully.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:67 The residents of the town came in rejoicing in anticipation.14

Note 14
They thought that these Messengers could make for them permissible what Lot had been declaring non-permissible

15:68 قال ان هؤلاء ضيفى فلا تفضحون

Transcription (English)
15:68 Qala inna haola-i dayfeefala tafdahooni
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:68 He said, "These are my guests, so do not embarrass me!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:68 He said: "These are my guests, so do not embarrass me!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:68 Exclaimed [Lot]: "Behold, these are my guests: so put me not to shame,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:68 He said, "These are my guests; do not embarrass me.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:68 Lot said, "Indeed, these are my guests; so do not embarrass me.”

15:69 واتقوا الله ولا تخزون

Transcription (English)
15:69 Waittaqoo Allaha walatukhzooni
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:69 "Be aware of God, and do not disgrace me!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:69 "And be aware of God, and do not disgrace me!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:69 but be conscious of God and disgrace me not!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:69 "Fear GOD, and do not shame me.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:69 “Be mindful of God and disgrace me not!”

15:70 قالوا اولم ننهك عن العلمين

Transcription (English)
15:70 Qaloo awa lam nanhaka AAani alAAalameena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:70 They said, "Did we not forbid you from outsiders?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:70 They said: "Did we not prohibit you from the world?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:70 They answered: "Have we not forbidden thee [to offer protection] to any kind of people?"49

Note 49
Lit., "all people" (al-'alamin): obviously, because Lot was a stranger in Sodom-having come there from Mesopotamia, his and Abraham's country of origin (see surah 11, note 102)-and had previously aroused the ire of the Sodomites by his moral reproaches (cf. 7:80).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:70 They said, "Did we not enjoin you from contacting anyone?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:70 They said, "Did we not forbid you from entertaining anyone?”

15:71 قال هؤلاء بناتى ان كنتم فعلين

Transcription (English)
15:71 Qala haola-i banateein kuntum faAAileena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:71 He said, "Here are my daughters if you are going to act."6

Note 6

Did prophet Lot mean his own daughters or the daughters in his town? Regardless, he was reminding them to follow God's design, rather than choosing a lifestyle that contradicts it. The distorted Bible contains many false accusations against prophets. For instance, it depicts Lot as a drunkard who committed incest with his daughters (Genesis 19:30-38 ).

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:71 He said: "Here are my daughters if it is your intention."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:71 [Lot] said: "[Take instead] these daughters of mine,50 if you must do [whatever you intend to do]!"

Note 50
See surah 11, note 109.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:71 He said, "Here are my daughters, if you must.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:71 Lot said, "These (your wives who are like) my daughters, are better for you, if you would.”

15:72 لعمرك انهم لفى سكرتهم يعمهون

Transcription (English)
15:72 LaAAamruka innahum lafee sakratihimyaAAmahoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:72 By your life, they are in their drunkenness, blundering.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:72 By your life, they are in their intoxication, blundering.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:72 [But the angels spoke thus:] "As thou livest, [O Lot, they will not listen to thee:]51 behold, in their delirium [of lust] they are but blindly stumbling to and fro!"

Note 51
The above two interpolations are based on Zamakhshari's oath "As thou livest" reads, literally, "By thy life"._
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:72 But, alas, they were totally blinded by their lust.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:72 The Messengers said to Lot, "They will not listen to you even if you preach them all your life." They were highly intoxicated, stumbling up and down.

15:73 فاخذتهم الصيحة مشرقين

Transcription (English)
15:73 Faakhathat-humu alssayhatumushriqeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:73 So the scream took them at sunrise.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:73 So the scream took them at sunrise.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:73 And thereupon the blast [of Our punishment] overtook them52 at the time of sunrise,

Note 52
Regarding the meaning of the term sayhah, rendered by me as "blast ment", see surah 11, note 98.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:73 Consequently, the disaster struck them in the morning.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:73 The blast (of requital) overtook them at the time of sunrise.

15:74 فجعلنا عليها سافلها وامطرنا عليهم حجارة من سجيل

Transcription (English)
15:74 FajaAAalna AAaliyaha safilahawaamtarna AAalayhim hijaratan minsijjeelin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:74 Thus We turned it upside down, and rained upon them with fiery projectiles.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:74 Thus We made its highest part become its lowest, and We rained upon them fiery projectiles.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:74 and We turned those [sinful towns} upside down, and rained down upon them stone-hard blows of chastisement pre-ordained.53

Note 53
See surah 11, note 114.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:74 We turned it upside down, and showered them with devastating rocks.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:74 We turned the towns upside down and showered upon them hard heated rocks.

15:75 ان فى ذلك لءايت للمتوسمين

Transcription (English)
15:75 Inna fee thalika laayatinlilmutawassimeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:75 In this are signs for those who distinguish.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:75 In this are signs for those who see.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:75 Verily, in all this there are messages indeed for those who can read the signs:54

Note 54
In its full significance, the term mutawassim denotes "one who applies his mind to the study of the outward appearance of a thing with a view to understanding its real nature and its inner characteristics" (Zamakhshari and Razi).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:75 This is a lesson for those who possess intelligence.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:75 Therein, are lessons for the inquiring minds.

15:76 وانها لبسبيل مقيم

15:76 wanha lbsbyl mqym
Transcription (English)
15:76 Wa-innaha labisabeelin muqeemin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:76 It is on an established path.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:76 Andit was on an established path.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:76 for, behold, those [towns] stood by a road that still exists.55

Note 55
The existence of that road, which led from northern Hijaz to Syria, skirting the Dead Sea-to the north-east of which Sodom and Gomorrah were situated-has received startling confirmation through aerial photographs recently published by the American School of Oriental Research (New Haven, Connecticut). These photographs clearly show the ancient road as a dark streak winding northwards, more or less parallel with the eastern shores of the Dead Sea.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:76 This will always be the system.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:76 Those towns (Sodom and Gomorrah) stood by a road that still exists.

15:77 ان فى ذلك لءاية للمؤمنين

Transcription (English)
15:77 Inna fee thalika laayatanlilmu/mineena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:77 In that is a sign for those who acknowledge.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:77 In that is a sign for the believers.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:77 Verily, herein lies a message indeed for all who believe [in God].
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:77 This is a sign for the believers.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:77 Herein is a message for those who believe.

15:78 وان كان اصحب الايكة لظلمين

Transcription (English)
15:78 Wa-in kana as-habual-aykati lathalimeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:78 The dwellers of the forest were wicked.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:78 Andthe people of the Sycamore were wicked.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:78 AND THE DWELLERS of the wooded dales [of Madyan, too,] were inveterate evildoers,56

Note 56
As is evident from 26:176 ff., the "dwellers of the wooded dales (al-aykah)" were the people of Madyan, who refused to pay heed to their prophet, Shu'ayb, and were thereupon destroyed, apparently by an earthquake and/or a volcanic eruption (cf. 7:85 and 11:84).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:78 The people of the woods also were transgressors.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:78 And the dwellers in woods (of Midyan, the people of Sho’aib), were also wrongdoers.

15:79 فانتقمنا منهم وانهما لبامام مبين

Transcription (English)
15:79 Faintaqamna minhum wa-innahumalabi-imamin mubeenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:79 So, We sought revenge from them. They were both on an open plain.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:79 So,We sought revenge from them. And they are in a clear ledger.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:79 and so We inflicted Our retribution on them. And, behold, both these [sinful communities] lived by a highway, [to this day] plain to see57

Note 57
Le., the people of Lot and those of Shu'ayb, who inhabited adjacent regions (see surah 7, note 67), and whose fate should be an example as plain to see as the highway which passes through the regions once inhabited by them.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:79 Consequently, we avenged from them, and both communities are fully documented.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:79 And so We (Our Law of Requital) struck them. Both these communities lived by a highway, plain to see.

15:80 ولقد كذب اصحب الحجر المرسلين

Transcription (English)
15:80 Walaqad kaththaba as-habualhijri almursaleena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:80 The dwellers of the cavern rejected the messengers.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:80 Andthe dwellers of the enclosure disbelieved the messengers.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:80 AND, [likewise,] indeed, the people of Al-Hijr58 gave the lie to [Our] message-bearers:

Note 58
I.e., the tribe of Thamud (see surah 7, note 56), who in pre-Islamic times inhabited the region of Al-Hijr in northernmost Hijaz, south of the oasis of Taymah. The story of the Thamud is found in 7:73.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:80 The people of Al-Hijr disbelieved the messengers.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:80 And likewise, the dwellers in Al-Hijr (Thamud of Prophet Saleh) denied Our Messengers.

15:81 وءاتينهم ءايتنا فكانوا عنها معرضين

Transcription (English)
15:81 Waataynahum ayatinafakanoo AAanha muAArideena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:81 We gave them Our signs, but they turned away from them.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:81 AndWe gave them Our signs, but they turned away from them.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:81 for We did vouchsafe them Our messages, but they obstinately turned their backs upon them-
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:81 We gave them our revelations, but they disregarded them.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:81 And We gave them Our messages, but they stubbornly turned away from them.

15:82 وكانوا ينحتون من الجبال بيوتا ءامنين

Transcription (English)
15:82 Wakanoo yanhitoona mina aljibalibuyootan amineena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:82 They used to sculpt from the mountains dwellings that were secure.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:82 Andthey used to carve from the mountains homes, to be secure.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:82 notwithstanding that they had been wont [to enjoy Our blessings and] to hew out dwellings from the mountains, [wherein they could live] in security59

Note 59
See 7:74 and the corresponding notes (particularly note 59).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:82 They used to carve secure homes out of the mountains.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:82 They used to carve secure homes out of the mountains.

15:83 فاخذتهم الصيحة مصبحين

Transcription (English)
15:83 Faakhathat-humu alssayhatumusbiheena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:83 But the blast took them in the morning.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:83 So the scream took them in the morning.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:83 and so the blast [of Our punishment] overtook them at early morn,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:83 The disaster hit them in the morning.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:83 And so the blast (of requital) overtook them early in the morning.

15:84 فما اغنى عنهم ما كانوا يكسبون

Transcription (English)
15:84 Fama aghna AAanhum ma kanooyaksiboona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:84 What they earned did not benefit them.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:84 What benefit did what they earn make for them?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:84 and of no avail to them was all [the power] that they had acquired.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:84 What they hoarded did not help them.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:84 And of no avail to them was all the power that they had acquired.

15:85 وما خلقنا السموت والارض وما بينهما الا بالحق وان الساعة لءاتية فاصفح الصفح الجميل

Transcription (English)
15:85 Wama khalaqna alssamawatiwaal-arda wama baynahuma illabialhaqqi wa-inna alssaAAata laatiyatunfaisfahi alssafhaaljameela
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
The End of the World and Seven Pairs15:85 We did not create the heavens and the earth and what is in between except with the truth. The moment is coming, so overlook their faults gracefully.7

Note 7

The Quran contains some interesting hints regarding the end of the world. See 20:15; 72:27.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:85 AndWe have not created the heavens and the earth and what is in between except with the truth. And the Hour is coming, so overlook their faults gracefully.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:85 AND [remember:] We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them without [an inner] truth;60 but, behold, the Hour [when this will become clear to all] is indeed yet to come. Hence, forgive [men's failings] with fair forbearance:

Note 60
For an explanation of this rendering of illa bi'l-hagq (lit., "otherwise than with [or "in"] truth"), see surah 10, note 11.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
End of the World Unveiled15:85 We did not create the heavens and the earth, and everything between them, except for a specific purpose. The end of the world will come, so treat them with benign neglect.4 ,

Note 4
One of the functions of God's Messenger of the Covenant is to deliver the Quranic assertion that the world will end in AD 2280 ( 20:15:27 &Appendix25 ).
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:85 We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, without purpose. The Hour (of revolution) is surely coming. So overlook their faults (O Prophet), and forgive them graciously.15

Note 15
Nations failing to meet the natural conditions of survival destroy themselves. So shall happen to these people if they do not mend their ways. 73:10

15:86 ان ربك هو الخلق العليم

Transcription (English)
15:86 Inna rabbaka huwa alkhallaqualAAaleemu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:86 Your Lord is the Creator, the Knower.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:86 Your Lord is the Creator, the Knower.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:86 verily, thy Sustainer is the all-knowing Creator of all things!61

Note 61
Le., "He has created all human beings with full knowledge of their natural differentiation and the disparity in their respective conditions" (Razi) -and this, of course, includes their failings and errors. (Cf. 7:199 - "Make due allowance for man's nature" - and the corresponding note 162.)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:86 Your Lord is the Creator, the Omniscient.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:86 Your Lord is the all Knowing Creator.

15:87 ولقد ءاتينك سبعا من المثانى والقرءان العظيم

Transcription (English)
15:87 Walaqad ataynaka sabAAan minaalmathanee waalqur-ana alAAatheema
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:87 We have given you seven of the pairs and the great Quran.8

Note 8

The meaning of saban minal mathani (seven from pairs) has been interpreted by the majority of scholars as "oft-repeated seven," implying the most repeated chapter of the Quran, the seven-versed first chapter. However, if the first chapter of the Quran is part of the Quran, it surely is the part of the "great Quran." If the arrangement of the words were different, "we gave you the great Quran and seven from pairs," then, such an interpretation could be more plausible, since a part of the whole can be repeated after the whole for the purpose of emphasis.

If the "great Quran" is the entire Quran, which is the most reasonable understanding, then the "seven pairs" or "fourteen" (of something) might have implications beyond the Quran. There is a hint in the verse: it might refer to the life span of Muhammed's people and its relation to the end of the world.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:87 And We have given you seven of the pairs, and the great Qur'an.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:87 AND, INDEED, We have bestowed upon thee seven of the oft repeated [verses], and [have, thus, laid open before thee] this sublime Qur'an:62

Note 62
With these words, the discourse returns to the theme enunciated at the beginning of this surah and indirectly alluded to in verse 85 as well: namely, the revelation of the divine writ, destined to serve as a moral guidance to man, who cannot, as yet, discern the meaning and purpose of God's creation. - According to most of the authorities, including some of the foremost Companions of the Prophet, "The Seven Oft-Repeated [Verses]" is a designation given by Muhammad himself to the first surah of the Qur'an, which has also been described by him as "The Essence of the Divine Writ" (Umm al-Kitab) inasmuch as it alludes to all the ethical and metaphysical principles set forth in the Qur'an (Bukhari, Kitab at-Tafsir). See also my introductory note to Al-Fatihah ("The Opening").
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:87 We have given you the seven pairs, and the great Quran.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:87 We have given you several examples from history that repeats itself, and We have given you this Sublime Qur’an that defines the laws of the rise and fall of nations.16

Note 16
Most ancient and contemporary exponents have misunderstood this verse because of uncritical following of Bukhari. They maintain that Sab’an Seven here means the seven verses of the first Surah, Al-Fatihah. Obviously, this interpretation is against the flowing context here and it reduces the glorious meaning to naught. Saba’ = Seven, often denotes several

15:88 لا تمدن عينيك الى ما متعنا به ازوجا منهم ولا تحزن عليهم واخفض جناحك للمؤمنين

Transcription (English)
15:88 La tamuddanna AAaynayka ila mamattaAAna bihi azwajan minhum wala tahzanAAalayhim waikhfid janahaka lilmu/mineena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:88 So do not linger with your eyes on what We have bestowed upon some couples from them, do not grieve for them, and lower your wing for those who acknowledge.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:88 Do not linger with your eyes on what We have bestowed upon some couples from them, and do not grieve for them, and lower your wing for the believers.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:88 [so] turn, not thine eyes [longingly] towards the worldly benefits which We have granted unto some63 of those [that deny the truth]. And neither grieve over those [who refuse to heed thee], but spread the wings of thy tenderness over the believers,64

Note 63
The philological authorities are unanimous in that the plural noun azwaj denotes here "kinds" of people, or "some" of them, and not -as certain modern translators of the Qur'an have assumed - "pairs".

Note 64
Lit., "lower thy wing for the believers": an idiomatic metaphor for loving tenderness and humility (see 17:24 and the corresponding note 28).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:88 Do not be jealous of what we bestowed upon the other (messengers), and do not be saddened (by the disbelievers), and lower your wing for the believers.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:88 Do not even look at the worldly possessions that We have given to them and grieve not (over unbelievers). But lower your wing of kindness to the believers. [15:94]

15:89 وقل انى انا النذير المبين

Transcription (English)
15:89 Waqul innee ana alnnatheerualmubeenu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:89 Say, "I am a manifest warner."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:89 Andsay: "I am the clarifying warner."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:89 and say: "Behold, I am indeed the plain warner [promised by God] !65

Note 65
The above interpolated phrase offers, to my mind, the only satisfactory explanation of the definite articles prefixed to the words an-nadhir al-mubin ("the plain warner"). This construction possibly alludes to the Biblical prediction of the advent of the Prophet Muhammad appearing in Deuteronomy xviii, 15 and 18, which has been discussed by me in surah 2, note 33.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:89 And proclaim: "I am the manifest warner.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:89 Say, "Truly, I am one who warns openly and without ambiguity."

15:90 كما انزلنا على المقتسمين

Transcription (English)
15:90 Kama anzalna AAalaalmuqtasimeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
The Dividers15:90 As We have sent down on the dividers.9

Note 9

These verses criticize the followers of sects, those who claim the existence of abrogation in the Quran, and those who ignore the entire context of the Quran when trying to understand a particular Quran statement or term. See 2:106.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:90 As for the dividers in what We sent down.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:90 [For, thou art the bearer of a divine writ66 ] such as We have bestowed from on high upon those who [afterwards] broke it up into parts,67

Note 66
Thus Zamakhshari, explaining the elliptic beginning of this sentence and its logical connection with the preceding verse as well as with verse 87.

Note 67
This is apparently a reference to the followers of the Bible, who "believe in some parts of the divine writ and deny the truth of other parts" (cf. 2:85)-i.e., who act in accordance with those principles of the Bible which suit their inclinations and the prevailing social trends, and disregard the others, thus denying, by implication, their validity.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:90 We will deal with the dividers.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:90 We did send down punishment upon the formulators of sects (after such warnings).

15:91 الذين جعلوا القرءان عضين

Transcription (English)
15:91 Allatheena jaAAaloo alqur-anaAAideena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:91 The ones who have taken the Quran apart.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:91 Theones who have made the Qur'an partial.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:91 [and] who [now] declare this Qur'an to be [a tissue of] falsehoods!68

Note 68
This, according to the Taj al-'Arus (art. `adiha and `adawa) is the meaning of `idin in the above context: an interpretation also advanced by Tabari and Razi (in the last paragraph of the latter's commentary on this verse). Another interpretation -equally acceptable from the purely linguistic point of view - is "[those] who cut up the Qur'an into separate parts": i.e., accept (on the analogy of the Jews and the Christians) some of it as true and regard the rest as Muhammad's invention. But since - as Tabari points out - those who refuse to believe in the divine origin of the Qur'an do not accept any of it as true, the first interpretation is by far the preferable.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:91 They accept the Quran only partially.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:91 Those who (cause division and sectarianism) dismember the Qur’an.

15:92 فوربك لنسلنهم اجمعين

Transcription (English)
15:92 Fawarabbika lanas-alannahum ajmaAAeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:92 By your Lord, We will ask them all.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:92 By your Lord, We will ask them all.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:92 But, by thy Sustainer! [On the Day of Judgment] We shall indeed call them to account, one and all,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:92 By your Lord, we will question them all,,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:92 Therefore, by your Lord, We will call all of them to account.

15:93 عما كانوا يعملون

15:93 Ama kanwa yAmlwn
Transcription (English)
15:93 AAamma kanoo yaAAmaloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:93 Regarding what they used to do.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:93 Regarding what they used to do.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:93 for whatever they have done!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:93 about everything they have done.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:93 For whatever they have done!

15:94 فاصدع بما تؤمر واعرض عن المشركين

Transcription (English)
15:94 FaisdaAA bima tu/maruwaaAArid AAani almushrikeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:94 So proclaim what you have been commanded and turn away from those who set up partners.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:94 So proclaim what you have been commanded and turn away from the polytheists.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:94 Hence, proclaim openly all that thou hast been bidden [to say], and leave alone all those who ascribe divinity to aught beside God:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:94 Therefore, carry out the orders given to you, and disregard the idol worshipers.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:94 So, proclaim openly all that you have been commanded and disregard those who bring forth ‘authorities’ parallel to Him.

15:95 انا كفينك المستهزءين

Transcription (English)
15:95 Inna kafaynaka almustahzi-eena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:95 We will relieve you from the mockers.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:95 We will relieve you from those who mocked.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:95 verily, We shall suffice thee against all who [now] deride [this message - all]
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:95 We will spare you the mockers,,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:95 Surely, We shall suffice you against all who deride this message.

15:96 الذين يجعلون مع الله الها ءاخر فسوف يعلمون

Transcription (English)
15:96 Allatheena yajAAaloona maAAa Allahiilahan akhara fasawfa yaAAlamoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:96 Those who sat up with God another god; they will come to know.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:96 Those who place with God another god. They will come to know.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:96 who assert that there are, side by side with God, other divine powers as well:69 for in time they will come to know [the truth].

Note 69
Lit., "who postulate (yaj'alun), side by side with God, another deity (ilah)"-a term which is obviously used here in its generic sense, embracing anything that could be visualized as a "divine power": hence my use of the plural.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:96 who set up another god beside GOD. They will surely find out.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:96 And those who set up another god besides God, soon they will come to know.

15:97 ولقد نعلم انك يضيق صدرك بما يقولون

Transcription (English)
15:97 Walaqad naAAlamu annaka yadeequ sadrukabima yaqooloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:97 We know that your chest is strained by what they say.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:97 AndWe know that your chest is strained by what they say.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:97 And well do We know that thy bosom is constricted by the [blasphemous] things that they say:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:97 We know full well that you may be annoyed by their utterances.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:97 And We know well that your heart is distressed by what they say.

15:98 فسبح بحمد ربك وكن من السجدين

Transcription (English)
15:98 Fasabbih bihamdi rabbika wakunmina alssajideena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:98 So glorify with the praise of your Lord, and be of those who prostrate.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:98 So glorify the praiseof your Lord, and be of those who prostrate.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:98 but extol thou thy Sustainer's limitless glory and praise Him, and be of those who prostrate themselves [before Him] in adoration,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:98 You shall sing the praises of your Lord, and be with the prostrators.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:98 But strive to manifest the glory of your Lord that the Giver of such Magnificent guidance is worthy of all praise. Be among those who humbly adore Him.17

Note 17
Saajid = One who adores God = He who prostrates = One who sincerely submits to God = The truly devoted

15:99 واعبد ربك حتى ياتيك اليقين

Transcription (English)
15:99 WaoAAbud rabbaka hattaya/tiyaka alyaqeenu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
15:99 Serve your Lord until certainty comes to you.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
15:99 Andserve your Lord until certainty comes to you.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
15:99 and worship thy Sustainer till death comes to thee.70

Note 70
Lit., "till there comes unto thee that which is certain (al-yaqin)" - a term which in the Qur'an is often used as a metonym for "death" (
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
15:99 And worship your Lord, in order to attain certainty.,5

Note 5
The practices of worship are our means of attaining certainty ( Appendix 15 ).
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
15:99 Serve your Lord so that you may have conviction in the forthcoming success.