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

23:1 قد افلح المؤمنون

Transcription (English)
23:1 Qad aflaha almu/minoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:1 Those who acknowledge are indeed successful.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:1 The believers are indeed successful.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:1 TRULY, to a happy state shall attain the believers:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:1 Successful indeed are the believers;,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:1 Successful are the believers,1

Note 1


This is the 23rd Surah of the Qur’an. It has 118 verses. Brief verses, diversity of concepts, Tasreef - we will come across flowers of different aromas and colors as we stroll through this garden. Wealth and rule on earth are only the means to a noble end: Striving for the betterment of all humanity]



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



23:2 الذين هم فى صلاتهم خشعون

Transcription (English)
23:2 Allatheena hum fee salatihimkhashiAAoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:2 Those who are humble in their contact prayer.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:2 Those who are humble when making their contact prayer.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:2 those who humble themselves in their prayer,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:2 who are reverent during their Contact Prayers (Salat).,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:2 Those who humbly and whole-heartedly follow Divine Commands,

23:3 والذين هم عن اللغو معرضون

Transcription (English)
23:3 Waallatheena hum AAani allaghwimuAAridoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:3 They abstain from vain talk.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:3 And they abstain from vain talk.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:3 and who turn away from all that is frivolous,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:3 And they avoid vain talk.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:3 Those who avoid vain talk and turn away from all that is senseless (and thus value time),

23:4 والذين هم للزكوة فعلون

Transcription (English)
23:4 Waallatheena hum lilzzakatifaAAiloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:4 They are active towards betterment.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:4 And they are active towards purification.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:4 and who are intent on inner purity;1

Note 1
Lit., ''working for" or "active in behalf of [inner] purity, which is the meaning of zakah in this context (Zamakhshari; the same interpretation has been advanced by Abu Muslim).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:4 And they give their obligatory charity (Zakat).,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:4 Those who support the Economic Order of Zakaat (where wealth circulates in the society and nourishes every individual),

23:5 والذين هم لفروجهم حفظون

Transcription (English)
23:5 Waallatheena hum lifuroojihim hafithoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:5 They guard their private parts.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:5 And they keep covered their private parts.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:5 and who are mindful of their chastity,2

Note 2
Lit., "who guard their private parts".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:5 And they maintain their chastity.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:5 Those who guard their chastity, [17:32]

23:6 الا على ازوجهم او ما ملكت ايمنهم فانهم غير ملومين

Transcription (English)
23:6 Illa AAala azwajihim awma malakat aymanuhum fa-innahum ghayru maloomeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:6 Except around their mates, or those whom they have contractual rights, they are free from blame.1

Note 1

For discussion on the Quranic expression ma malakat aymanukum see the notes on verses 4:3; 90:1.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:6 Except around their mates, or those who are maintained by their oaths, they are free from blame.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:6 [not giving way to their desires] with any but their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]:3 for then, behold, they are free of all blame,

Note 3
Lit., "or those whom their right hands possess" (aw ma malakat aymanuhum). Many of the commentators assume unquestioningly that this relates to female slaves, and that the particle aw ("or") denotes a permissible alternative. This interpretation is, in my opinion, inadmissible inasmuch as it is based on the assumption that sexual intercourse with ones female slave is permitted without marriage: an assumption, which is contradicted by the Qur'an itself (see 4:3, 24, 25 and 24:32, with the corresponding notes). Nor is this the only objection to the above-mentioned interpretation. Since the Qur'an applies the term ''believers" to men and women alike, and since the term azwaj ("spouses"), too, denotes both the male and the female partners in marriage, there is no reason for attributing to the phrase ma malakat aymanuhum the meaning of "their female slaves''; and since, on the other hand, it is out of the question that female and male slaves could have been referred to here it is obvious that this phrase does not relate to slaves at all, but has the same meaning as in 4:24 - namely, "those whom they rightfully possess through wedlock (see note 26 on 4:24) - with the significant difference that in the present context this expression relates to both husbands and wives, who "rightfully possess" one another by virtue of marriage. On the basis of this interpretation, the particle aw which precedes this clause does not denote an alternative ("or") but is, rather, in the nature of an explanatory amplification, more or less analogous to the phrase "in other words" or "that is", thus giving to the whole sentence the meaning, "save with their spouses - that is, those whom they rightfully possess [through wedlock]", etc. (Cf. a similar construction 25:62 - ''for him who has the will to take thought -that is [lit., "or"], has the will to be grateful".)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:6 Only with their spouses, or those who are rightfully theirs, do they have sexual relations; they are not to be blamed.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:6 Holding off their carnal desires except for their spouses who are rightfully theirs through wedlock. They are then, free of all blame. (4:3, 24, 25. 24:32)2

Note 2
The very common rendition of this verse is extremely misleading. The ancient and modern scholars, to my knowledge, with the solitary exception of Muhammad Asad in his ‘The Message Of The Qur’an, think that slave girls are being mentioned here. But, Ma Malakat Ayemaanahum is common gender. Could the translators have said that it was right for a bondman to have sex with his ‘owner’ woman, and that too, when she was married? The translators and exponents confined it to the females alone since in the second century after the exalted Prophet, Muslims, under the influence of corrupted kings and Imams, had begun reverting to the old ways of Jaahilyah. Some verses foretell these conspiracies: 6:112, 22:52, 25:31, 42:13, 45:16. The word AW in 23:6 is explanatory. AW = Or - That is - Namely - Call it - In other words. AW appears in this format instead of 'or' in many places in the Qur’an such as 23:5, 24:3, 25:62. Please also see 70:30. Ma malakat ayimaanukum = Literally, those whom your right hands already possess = Those who are rightfully yours through wedlock

23:7 فمن ابتغى وراء ذلك فاولئك هم العادون

Transcription (English)
23:7 Famani ibtagha waraa thalikafaola-ika humu alAAadoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:7 But whosoever seeks anything beyond this, then these are the transgressors.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:7 But whoever seeks anything beyond this, then these are the transgressors.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:7 whereas such as seek to go beyond that [limit] are truly transgressors;
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:7 Those who transgress these limits are the transgressors.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:7 Those who cross these limits, are transgressors.

23:8 والذين هم لامنتهم وعهدهم رعون

Transcription (English)
23:8 Waallatheena hum li-amanatihimwaAAahdihim raAAoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:8 Those who are true to what they have been entrusted and their pledges.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:8 And those who look after what they have been entrusted to and to their pledges.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:8 and who are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:8 When it comes to deposits entrusted to them, as well as any agreements they make, they are trustworthy.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:8 True believers are faithful to their trusts and to their pledges. [4:58]

23:9 والذين هم على صلوتهم يحافظون

Transcription (English)
23:9 Waallatheena hum AAala salawatihimyuhafithoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:9 Those who maintain their support.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:9 And those who maintain their contact prayers.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:9 and who guard their prayers [from all worldly intent].
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:9 And they observe their Contact Prayers (Salat) regularly.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:9 They guard the Divine System. [24:41]

23:10 اولئك هم الورثون

Transcription (English)
23:10 Ola-ika humu alwarithoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:10 These are the inheritors.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:10 These are the inheritors.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:10 It is they, they who shall be the inheritors
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:10 Such are the inheritors.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:10 It is those who shall be the inheritors.

23:11 الذين يرثون الفردوس هم فيها خلدون

Transcription (English)
23:11 Allatheena yarithoona alfirdawsa humfeeha khalidoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:11 The ones who shall inherit Paradise, in it they will abide.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:11 Theones who shall inherit the Paradise, in it they will abide.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:11 that will inherit the paradise; [and] therein shall they abide.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:11 They will inherit Paradise, wherein they abide forever.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:11 It is those who will inherit the Paradise wherein they shall abide (in both lives 7:43, 43:72, 70:33-34).

23:12 ولقد خلقنا الانسن من سللة من طين

Transcription (English)
23:12 Walaqad khalaqna al-insana minsulalatin min teenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Creation on Earth23:12 We have created people from an extract of clay.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:12 And We have created man from an extract from clay.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:12 NOW, INDEED, We create man out of the essence of clay,4

Note 4
The frequent Quranic references to mans being "created out of clay or out of dust" or (as in this instance) "out of the essence (sulalah) of clay point to the fact that his body is composed of various organic and inorganic substances existing on or in the earth, as well as to the continuous transmutation of those substances, through the intake of earth-grown food, into reproductive cells (Razi) - thus stressing man's humble origin, and hence the debt of gratitude which he owes to God for having endowed him with a conscious soul. The past tense in verses 12-14 (lit., "We have created", "We have caused him to remain", etc.) emphasizes the fact that all this has been ordained by God and has been happening again and again ever since man was brought into being by Him; in the above context, this recurrence is brought out best by the use of the present tense.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Accurate Embryology23:12 We created the human being from a certain kind of mud.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:12 Indeed, We created the human being from the essence of clay.3

Note 3
Evolution 22:5

23:13 ثم جعلنه نطفة فى قرار مكين

Transcription (English)
23:13 Thumma jaAAalnahu nutfatan feeqararin makeenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:13 Then We made him a seed in a safe lodging.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:13 Then We made him a seed in a safe lodging.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:13 and then We cause him to remain as a drop of sperm in [the wombs] firm keeping,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:13 Subsequently, we reproduced him from a tiny drop, that is placed into a well protected repository.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:13 Then We placed him as the male and female gametes in a safe lodging.4

Note 4
Nutfah = Gamete = Male sperm or Female ovum

23:14 ثم خلقنا النطفة علقة فخلقنا العلقة مضغة فخلقنا المضغة عظما فكسونا العظم لحما ثم انشانه خلقا ءاخر فتبارك الله احسن الخلقين

Transcription (English)
23:14 Thumma khalaqna alnnutfataAAalaqatan fakhalaqna alAAalaqata mudghatanfakhalaqna almudghata AAithamanfakasawna alAAithama lahmanthumma ansha/nahu khalqan akhara fatabarakaAllahu ahsanu alkhaliqeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:14 Then We created the seed into an embryo, then We created the embryo into a fetus, then We created the fetus into bone, then We covered the bone with flesh, then We brought forth a new creation. So glory be to God, the best of creators.2

Note 2

Embryo is the name of the stage when the fertilized egg hangs on the wall of uterus. The word alaq, which we translated as embryo has three meanings in Arabic, (1) blood clot; (2) a hanging object; (3) leech.

It is normal for medieval commentators who were ignorant of embryology, to render the meaning of the word alaq as "clot," since it is an organic ingredient of the human body. However, it is no excuse for modern commentators and translators who blindly copy from medieval books, to render this word as "clot," since there is not a stage, from fertilization of the embryo until birth, that could be described as "clot." See 46:15; 95:2.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:14 Then We created the seed into an embryo, then We created the embryo into a fetus, then We created the fetus into bone, then We covered the bone with flesh, then We brought forth a new creation. So glory be to God, the best of creators.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:14 and then We create out of the drop of sperm a germ-cell, and then We create out of the germ-cell an embryonic lump, and then We create within the embryonic lump bones, and then We clothe the bones with flesh - and then We bring [all] this into being as a new creation:5 hallowed, therefore, is God, the best of artisans!6

Note 5
Lit., "as another creature", i.e., existing independently of the mother's body.

Note 6
Lit., "the best of creators". As Tabari points out, the Arabs apply the designation "creator" to every artisan (sani) - a usage also current in European languages with reference to the "creation" of works of art and imagination. Since God is the only Creator in the real, primary sense of this word, the phrase ahsan al-khaliqin must be understood in this secondary sense of the term khaliq (cf. Taj al-'Arus, art. khalaqa).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:14 Then we developed the drop into a hanging (embryo), then developed the hanging (embryo) into a bite-size (fetus), then created the bite-size (fetus) into bones, then covered the bones with flesh. We thus produce a new creature. Most blessed is GOD, the best Creator.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:14 Then We made the gametes into a zygote, then We made a leech-like mass of flesh out of the zygote, then the hanging little lump, the embryo. Then We created bones within the embryonic lump, and then clothed the bones with flesh, then We developed it into a new creation (the fetus and the human infant). So Blessed is God, the Best of creators.5

Note 5
71:14, 96:2. Dr. Keith Moore of Toronto, the foremost embryologist in the world, has made a change in his textbooks ‘Before We Are Born’, ‘Clinical Embryology’ to mention the Qur’anic ‘Alaqah’ leech-like mass of flesh, seeing a picture of leech and comparing it with the early appearance of the embryo

23:15 ثم انكم بعد ذلك لميتون

Transcription (English)
23:15 Thumma innakum baAAda thalikalamayyitoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:15 Then after that, you will die.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:15 Then after that, you will die.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:15 And then, behold! after all this, you are destined to die;
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:15 Then, later on, you die.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:15 And then, after all this, you are destined to die.

23:16 ثم انكم يوم القيمة تبعثون

Transcription (English)
23:16 Thumma innakum yawma alqiyamatitubAAathoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:16 Then you will be resurrected on the day of Resurrection.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:16 Then you will be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:16 and then, behold! you shall be raised from the dead on Resurrection Day.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:16 Then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will be resurrected.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:16 On the Day of Resurrection you are raised again. [84:19]

23:17 ولقد خلقنا فوقكم سبع طرائق وما كنا عن الخلق غفلين

Transcription (English)
23:17 Walaqad khalaqna fawqakum sabAAa tara-iqawama kunna AAani alkhalqi ghafileena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:17 We have created above you seven passageways, and We were never unaware of the creations.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:17 AndWe have created above you seven paths; and We were never, with regards to the creation, unaware.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:17 And, indeed, We have created above you seven [celestial] orbits:7 and never are We unmindful of [any aspect of Our] creation.

Note 7
Lit., "seven paths", which may signify the orbits of the visible planets or - as the classical commentators assume - the "seven heavens'' (i.e., cosmic systems) repeatedly spoken of in the Qur'an. In either case, the number "seven" is used metonymically, indicating multiplicity. See in this connection note 20 on 2:29.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
The Seven Universes23:17 We created above you seven universes in layers, and we are never unaware of a single creature in them.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:17 We have created above you seven celestial orbits, and We are never unaware of the creation. [35:1]

23:18 وانزلنا من السماء ماء بقدر فاسكنه فى الارض وانا على ذهاب به لقدرون

Transcription (English)
23:18 Waanzalna mina alssama-imaan biqadarin faaskannahu fee al-ardiwa-inna AAala thahabin bihi laqadiroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:18 We sent down from the sky water in due measure, then We let it reside in the land, and We are capable of taking it away.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:18 AndWe sent down from the sky water in due measure, then We let it reside in the land, and We are capable of taking it away.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:18 And We send down water from the skies in accordance with a measure [set by Us], and then We cause it to lodge in the earth: but, behold, We are most certainly able to withdraw this [blessing]!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Innumerable Blessings From God23:18 We send down from the sky water, in exact measure, then we store it in the ground. Certainly, we can let it escape.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:18 We send down from the sky water in due measure, and We cause it to soak in the soil. And certainly, We are Able to drain and evaporate it off.6

Note 6
Modern research shows that 16 million tons of water evaporates from the earth every second and exactly the total aggregate, 513 trillion tons, falls on earth as rain every year. A slight deviation from this rule would quickly make life extinct from the planet. 43:11

23:19 فانشانا لكم به جنت من نخيل واعنب لكم فيها فوكه كثيرة ومنها تاكلون

Transcription (English)
23:19 Faansha/na lakum bihi jannatinmin nakheelin waaAAnabin lakum feeha fawakihukatheeratun waminha ta/kuloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:19 So We brought forth for you gardens of palm trees and grapes, for which you will find many fruits and from it you will eat.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:19 So We brought forth for you gardens of palm trees and grapes, for which you will find many fruits and from it you will eat.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:19 And by means of this [water] We bring forth for you gardens of date-palms and vines, wherein you have fruit abundant and whereof you eat,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:19 With it, we produce for you orchards of date palms, grapes, all kinds of fruits, and various foods.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:19 And from it, We produce for you gardens of date-palms and grapes, wherein you have abundant fruit and you eat thereof.

23:20 وشجرة تخرج من طور سيناء تنبت بالدهن وصبغ للءاكلين

Transcription (English)
23:20 Washajaratan takhruju min toori saynaatanbutu bialdduhni wasibghin lilakileena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:20 A tree which emerges from the mount of Sinai, it grows oil and is a relish for those who eat.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:20 Anda tree which emerges from the mount of Sinai, it grows oil and is a relish for those who eat.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:20 as well as a tree that issues from [the lands adjoining] Mount Sinai,8 yielding oil and relish for all to eat.

Note 8
I.e., the olive-tree, native to the lands around the eastern Mediterranean, where so many pre-Quranic prophets (here symbolized - because of its sacred associations - by Mount Sinai) lived and preached.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:20 Also, a tree native to Sinai produces oil, as well as relish for the eaters.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:20 As well as a tree that grows in abundance in (the lands adjoining) Mount Sinai, yielding oil and relish for all to eat.

23:21 وان لكم فى الانعم لعبرة نسقيكم مما فى بطونها ولكم فيها منفع كثيرة ومنها تاكلون

Transcription (English)
23:21 Wa-inna lakum fee al-anAAamilaAAibratan nusqeekum mimma fee butoonihawalakum feeha manafiAAu katheeratun waminhata/kuloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:21 In the livestock are lessons for you. We give you to drink from what is in its bellies, and you have many other benefits from them, and of them you eat.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:21 Andin the livestock are lessons for you. We give you to drink from what is in its bellies, and you have many other benefits from them, and of them you eat.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:21 And, behold, in the cattle [too] there is indeed a lesson for you: We give you to drink of that [milk] which is within their bellies; and you derive many [other] uses from them: for, you eat of their flesh,9

Note 9
Lit., "of them".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:21 And the livestock should provide you with a lesson. We let you drink (milk) from their bellies, you derive other benefits from them, and some of them you use for food.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:21 In the cattle too there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of what is in their bellies. You derive many benefits from them, and also consume their meat. [16:66]

23:22 وعليها وعلى الفلك تحملون

Transcription (English)
23:22 WaAAalayha waAAala alfulki tuhmaloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:22 On them and on the ships you are carried.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:22 Andon them and on the ships you are carried.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:22 and by them - as by the ships [over the sea] - you are borne [overland].
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:22 On them, and on the ships, you ride.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:22 On them and on the ships you are carried.

23:23 ولقد ارسلنا نوحا الى قومه فقال يقوم اعبدوا الله ما لكم من اله غيره افلا تتقون

Transcription (English)
23:23 Walaqad arsalna noohan ilaqawmihi faqala ya qawmi oAAbudoo Allaha malakum min ilahin ghayruhu afala tattaqoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Noah23:23 We have sent Noah to his people, so he said, "O my people, serve God, and you have no other god besides Him. Will you not take heed?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:23 AndWe have sent Noah to his people, so he said: "O my people, serve God, you have no other god besides Him. Will you not take heed?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:23 AND, INDEED, We sent forth Noah unto his people and he said:10 “O my people! Worship God alone]: you have no deity other than Him. Will you not, then, become conscious of Him?"

Note 10
Sc., "who had lost sight of all the multiform evidence of the Creator's uniqueness and, thus, all gratitude for the innumerable blessings which He bestows upon man".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Noah23:23 We sent Noah to his people, saying, "O my people, worship GOD. You have no other god beside Him. Would you not be righteous?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:23 (We took care of your physical and mental needs.) We sent (the first Prophet 6:83-87), Noah to his people and he said, "O My people! Serve God. You have no god other than Him. Will you not then be mindful of Him and be righteous?"

23:24 فقال الملؤا الذين كفروا من قومه ما هذا الا بشر مثلكم يريد ان يتفضل عليكم ولو شاء الله لانزل ملئكة ما سمعنا بهذا فى ءابائنا الاولين

Transcription (English)
23:24 Faqala almalao allatheenakafaroo min qawmihi ma hatha illa basharunmithlukum yureedu an yatafaddala AAalaykum walaw shaaAllahu laanzala mala-ikatan ma samiAAnabihatha fee aba-ina al-awwaleena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:24 But the leaders who rejected from among his people said, "What is this but a human like you? He wants to make himself better than you! If it was indeed God's will, He would have sent down controllers. We did not hear such a thing among our fathers of old."3

Note 3

The most ardent opponents of God's messengers have always been the blind followers of the traditions of their ancestors. The opposition against those who invite to the "Quran alone" in modern times demonstrates a similar mindset and reaction. Throughout history, the modus operandi of polytheists, have not changed much. They show the same weakness, the same knee-jerk reaction, the same ancestor-worship, the same gullibility, the same belligerent attitude, the same bigotry, the same ignorance and arrogance, and the same apathy and fear towards learning the truth. Polytheists are the riders of twin horses, named Ignorance and Arrogance. To protect themselves from tearing apart, they spend a lot of effort to keep the two competing twin horses at the same speed and distance.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:24 Butthe leaders who rejected from among his people said: "What is this but a human being like you? He wants to make himself better than you! And if it was indeed the will of God, He would have sent down angels. We did not hear such a thing among our fathers of old."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:24 But the great ones among his people, who refused to acknowledge the truth, replied: “This [man] is nothing but a mortal like yourselves who wants to make himself superior to you! For, if God had willed [to convey a message unto us], He would surely have sent down angels; [moreover,] we have never heard [any­thing like] this from our forebears of old!11

Note 11
Lit., "in connection with (fi) our early forebears" - a Quranic allusion to the fact that people often reject a new ethical proposition on no better grounds than that, it conflicts with their "inherited" habits of thought and ways of life. Indirectly, this allusion implies a condemnation of all blind taqlid, i.e., an unthinking acceptance of religious doctrines or assertions, which are not unequivocally supported by divine revelation, the explicit teachings of a prophet, or the evidence of unprejudiced reason.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:24 The leaders who disbelieved among his people said, "This is no more than a human like you, who wants to gain prominence among you. Had GOD willed, He could have sent down angels. We never heard of anything like this from our ancestors.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:24 But the leaders in his community who refused to acknowledge the truth, said, "This is only a man like you who wants to become prominent among you. God would have sent angels if He willed (to convey a message to us). We never heard this from our forefathers.

23:25 ان هو الا رجل به جنة فتربصوا به حتى حين

Transcription (English)
23:25 In huwa illa rajulun bihi jinnatunfatarabbasoo bihi hatta heenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:25 "He is no more than a man who has madness in him. So keep watch on him for a while."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:25 "Heis no more than a man who has madness in him. So keep watch on him for a while."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:25 He is nothing but a madman: so bear with him for a while."
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:25 "He is simply a man gone crazy. Just ignore him for awhile.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:25 He is nothing but a madman, so watch him for a while."

23:26 قال رب انصرنى بما كذبون

Transcription (English)
23:26 Qala rabbi onsurnee bimakaththabooni
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:26 He said, "My Lord, grant me victory for what they denied me."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:26 He said: "My Lord, grant me victory for what they denied me."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:26 Said [Noah]: “O my Sustainer! Succour me against their accusation of lying!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:26 He said, "My Lord, grant me victory, for they have disbelieved me.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:26 Said he, "My Lord! Help me, for they accuse me of lying."

23:27 فاوحينا اليه ان اصنع الفلك باعيننا ووحينا فاذا جاء امرنا وفار التنور فاسلك فيها من كل زوجين اثنين واهلك الا من سبق عليه القول منهم ولا تخطبنى فى الذين ظلموا انهم مغرقون

Transcription (English)
23:27 Faawhayna ilayhi ani isnaAAialfulka bi-aAAyunina wawahyina fa-ithajaa amruna wafara alttannooru faoslukfeeha min kullin zawjayni ithnayni waahlaka illaman sabaqa AAalayhi alqawlu minhum wala tukhatibneefee allatheena thalamoo innahum mughraqoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:27 So We inspired him: "Construct the Ship under Our eyes and Our inspiration. Then, when Our command comes and the volcano erupts, then you shall take on the Ship two from every pair, and your family; except for those of them upon whom the word has come. Do not address Me regarding those who have done wrong, for they will be drowned."4

Note 4

Storytellers have exaggerated the size and scope of the flood, turning it into a mythology. Noah's ark was not a colossus ship, but a boat comprised of several logs connected with ropes (54:13); the flood was not global, but limited to Noah's people around the Dead Sea region, the lowest point on the land; the animals taken to the boat, were not members of all species, but the domesticated animals in Noah's farm.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:27 So We inspired him: "Construct the ship under Our eyes and Our inspiration. Then, when Our command comes and the chamber erupts, then you shall take in it a pair from each kind, and your family; except for those of them upon whom the word has come. And do not address Me regarding those who have done wrong, for they will be drowned."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:27 Thereupon We inspired him thus: “Build, un­der Our eyes12 and according to Our inspiration, the ark [that shall save thee and those who follow thee].13 And when Our judgment comes to pass, and waters gush forth in torrents over the face of the earth, place on board of this [ark] one pair of each [kind of animal] of either sex, as well as thy family - excepting those on whom sentence has already been passed; and do not appeal to Me [any more] in behalf of those who are bent on evildoing - for, behold, they are destined to be drowned!

Note 12
I.e., "under Our protection".

Note 13
Regarding this interpolation, see surah 11 note 60. For an explanation of the passage that follows, see 11:40 and the corresponding notes 62-64. The reason for the (abbreviated) repetition of Noah's story - given in much greater detail in 11:25 - becomes evident from verse 29.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:27 We then inspired him: "Make the watercraft under our watchful eyes, and in accordance with our inspiration. When our command comes, and the atmosphere boils up, put on it a pair of every kind (of your domesticated animals), and your family, except those condemned to be doomed. Do not speak to Me on behalf of those who transgressed; they will be drowned.,1

Note 1
The story tellers have created a mockery of Noah's history. Noah's ark was a flat watercraft made of logs, ied togetherwith primitive ropes ( 54:13), the flood waslocal, around the Dead Sea area, and the animals were Noah's domesticatedanimals.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:27 Then We revealed to him thus, “Build the ark, under Our eyes and according to Our revealed instructions. Then, as Our command comes to pass and the torrent gushes forth, take on board a couple each of the domesticated animals - As well as your family and followers except the one against whom the Word has already gone forth (for his persistent denial). And do not plead with Me on behalf of the oppressors. Surely, they will be drowned.”

23:28 فاذا استويت انت ومن معك على الفلك فقل الحمد لله الذى نجىنا من القوم الظلمين

Transcription (English)
23:28 Fa-itha istawayta anta waman maAAakaAAala alfulki faquli alhamdu lillahi allatheenajjana mina alqawmi alththalimeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:28 So when you and those who are with you have embarked on the Ship, then say, "All praise is due to God who has saved us from the wicked people."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:28 So when you and those who are with you have embarked on the ship, then say: "All praise is due to God who has saved us from the wicked people."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:28 “And as soon as thou and those who are with thee are settled in the ark, say: 'All praise is due to God, who has saved us from those evildoing folk!'
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:28 "Once you are settled, together with those who are with you, on the watercraft, you shall say, `Praise GOD for saving us from the evil people.',
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:28 When you have settled on the ship along with your companions, say, “All praise is due to God Who has saved us from the oppressors.”

23:29 وقل رب انزلنى منزلا مباركا وانت خير المنزلين

Transcription (English)
23:29 Waqul rabbi anzilnee munzalan mubarakanwaanta khayru almunzileena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:29 Say, "My Lord, cause me to embark upon a blessed place, for You are the best for those who embark."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:29 Andsay: "My Lord, cause me to embark upon a blessed place, for You are the best for those who embark."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:29 “And say: 'O my Sustainer! Cause me to reach a destination blessed [by Thee]14 for Thou art the best to show man how to reach his [true] destination!' "15

Note 14
Lit., "Cause me to alight with a blessed alighting" - i.e., in a blessed condition of alighting, or at a blessed place of alighting (Tabari); both these meanings are implied in the word "destination".

Note 15
Lit., "the best of all who cause [man] to alight", i.e., at his true destination. In this prayer enjoined upon Noah - and, by implication, on every believer - the story of the ark is raised to symbollic significance: it reveals itself as a parable of the human soul's longing for divine illumination, which alone can show man how to save himself and to reach his true destination in the realm of the spirit as well as in worldly life.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:29 "And say, `My Lord, let me disembark onto a blessed location; You are the best deliverer.' ",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:29 And say, “O My Lord! Enable me to disembark at a blessed landing place. You are the Best Director of destinations."

23:30 ان فى ذلك لءايت وان كنا لمبتلين

Transcription (English)
23:30 Inna fee thalika laayatinwa-in kunna lamubtaleena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:30 In this are signs, and We will always test.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:30 In this are signs, and We will always test.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:30 In this [story], behold, there are messages indeed [for those who think]: for, verily, We always put [man] to a test.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:30 These should provide sufficient proofs for you. We will certainly put you to the test.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:30 Herein are messages, for We keep testing (communities for viability).

23:31 ثم انشانا من بعدهم قرنا ءاخرين

Transcription (English)
23:31 Thumma ansha/na min baAAdihim qarnan akhareena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Leaders Reject the Message of Monotheism23:31 Then We rose after them a different generation.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:31 Then We raised after them a different generation.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:31 AND AFTER those [people of old] We gave rise to new generations;16

Note 16
Lit., "a generation (qarn) of others''. For a wider meaning of the term qarn, see surah 6 note 5.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:31 Subsequently, we established another generation after them.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:31 (And after those people of old) We gave rise to new generations.

23:32 فارسلنا فيهم رسولا منهم ان اعبدوا الله ما لكم من اله غيره افلا تتقون

Transcription (English)
23:32 Faarsalna feehim rasoolan minhum anioAAbudoo Allaha ma lakum min ilahin ghayruhuafala tattaqoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:32 So We sent a messenger to them from amongst them: "Serve God, you have no other god besides Him. Will you not take heed?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:32 So We sent a messenger to them from among them: "Serve God, you have no other god besides Him. Will you not take heed?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:32 and [every time] We sent unto them an apostle from among themselves, [he told them:] “Worship God [alone]: you have no deity other than Him. Will you not, then, become conscious of Him?"17

Note 17
Most of the classical commentators assume that the apostle referred to in verses 32-41 is Hud, the prophet of the tribe of Ad (see surah 7 note 48). Since, however, this passage contains elements appearing in the stories of many prophets - including that of the Prophet Muhammad - I am of the opinion that it has a general import: namely, an allusion to all of God's apostles and to the ever-recurring similarity of their experiences.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:32 We sent to them a messenger from among them, saying, "You shall worship GOD. You have no other god beside Him. Would you not be righteous?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:32 And We always sent to them a Messenger of their own. (Without exception each of these Messengers said), "Serve God. You have no god other than Him. Will you not then be mindful of Him and be righteous?"

23:33 وقال الملا من قومه الذين كفروا وكذبوا بلقاء الءاخرة واترفنهم فى الحيوة الدنيا ما هذا الا بشر مثلكم ياكل مما تاكلون منه ويشرب مما تشربون

Transcription (English)
23:33 Waqala almalao min qawmihi allatheenakafaroo wakaththaboo biliqa-i al-akhiratiwaatrafnahum fee alhayati alddunyama hatha illa basharun mithlukum ya/kulumimma ta/kuloona minhu wayashrabu mimma tashraboona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:33 The leaders from amongst his people who rejected and denied the meeting of the Hereafter; and We indulged them in this worldly life; said, "What is this but a human like you? He eats from what you eat and he drinks from what you drink."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:33 Andthe leaders from among his people who rejected and denied the meeting of the Hereafter; and We indulged them in this worldly life; said: "What is this but a human being like you? He eats from what you eat and he drinks from what you drink."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:33 And [every time] the great ones among his people, who refused to acknowledge the truth and gave the lie to the announcement of a life to come - [simply] because We had granted them ease and plenty in [their] worldly life, and they had become corrupted by it18 [every time] they would say: “This [man] is nothing hut a mortal like yourselves, eating of what you eat, and drinking of what you drink:

Note 18
Thus Tabari interprets the concise but meaningful phrase atrafnahum fi l-hayati d-dunya. For a fuller explanation of the verb tarifa, see note 147 on 11:116.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:33 The leaders among his people who disbelieved and rejected the idea of the Hereafter - although we provided for them generously in this life - said, "This is no more than a human being like you. He eats from what you eat, and drinks as you drink.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:33 (And invariably) it was their leaders who refused to acknowledge the truth and denied the meeting in the Hereafter, simply because We had granted them ease and plenty in their worldly life. Every time such people would say, "This is only a man like you who eats what you eat and drinks as you drink.

23:34 ولئن اطعتم بشرا مثلكم انكم اذا لخسرون

Transcription (English)
23:34 Wala-in ataAAtum basharan mithlakuminnakum ithan lakhasiroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:34 "If you obey a human like you, then you will indeed be losers."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:34 "And if you obey a human being like you, then you will indeed be losers."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:34 and, indeed, if you pay heed to a mortal like your­selves, you will surely be the losers!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:34 "If you obey a human being like you, then you are really losers.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:34 If you obey a mortal like yourselves, you will be the losers.

23:35 ايعدكم انكم اذا متم وكنتم ترابا وعظما انكم مخرجون

Transcription (English)
23:35 AyaAAidukum annakum itha mittumwakuntum turaban waAAithaman annakummukhrajoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:35 "Does he promise you that if you die and become dust and bones that you will be brought out?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:35 "Does he promise you that if you die and become dust and bones that you will be brought out?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:35 Does he promise you that, after you have died and become [mere] dust and bones, you shall be brought forth [to a new life]?
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:35 "Does he promise you that, after you die and turn into dust and bones, you will come out again?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:35 Does he promise you that, after you die and become dust and bones, you shall be brought forth again?

23:36 هيهات هيهات لما توعدون

Transcription (English)
23:36 Hayhata hayhata limatooAAadoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:36 "Far fetched is what you are being promised."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:36 "Far fetched is what you are being promised."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:36 Far-fetched, far-fetched indeed is what you are promised!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:36 "Impossible, impossible indeed is what is promised to you.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:36 Impossible, impossible, is what you are promised!

23:37 ان هى الا حياتنا الدنيا نموت ونحيا وما نحن بمبعوثين

Transcription (English)
23:37 In hiya illa hayatunaalddunya namootu wanahya wamanahnu bimabAAootheena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:37 "There is nothing but our worldly life, we die and we live, and we will not be resurrected."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:37 "There is nothing but our worldly life, we die and we live, and we will not be resurrected."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:37 There is no life beyond our life in this world: we die and we live [but once], and we shall never be raised from the dead!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:37 "We only live this life - we live and die - and we will never be resurrected.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:37 There is nothing but our life of this world. We die and we live, and we shall not be raised again. (We see people dying and children being born every day.)

23:38 ان هو الا رجل افترى على الله كذبا وما نحن له بمؤمنين

Transcription (English)
23:38 In huwa illa rajulun iftaraAAala Allahi kathiban wama nahnulahu bimu/mineena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:38 "He is but a man who has invented a lie against God, and we will not acknowledge him."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:38 "Heis but a man who has invented a lie against God, and we will not believe in him."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:38 He is nothing but a man who attributes his own lying in­ventions to God, and we are not going to believe him!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:38 "He is just a man who fabricated lies and attributed them to GOD. We will never believe him.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:38 He is just a man who has invented a lie about God. We are not going to believe in him."

23:39 قال رب انصرنى بما كذبون

Transcription (English)
23:39 Qala rabbi onsurnee bimakaththabooni
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:39 He said, "My Lord, grant me victory for what they denied me."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:39 He said: "My Lord, grant me victory for what they denied me."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:39 [Whereupon the prophet] would say: “O my Sustainer! Succour me against their accusation of lying!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:39 He said, "My Lord, grant me victory, for they have disbelieved me.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:39 (Whereupon the Messenger) would say, "My Lord! Help me, for they accuse me of lying."

23:40 قال عما قليل ليصبحن ندمين

Transcription (English)
23:40 Qala AAamma qaleelin layusbihunnanadimeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:40 He replied: "In a little while they will be in regret."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:40 He said: "In a little while they will be in regret."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:40 [And God] would say: “After a little while they will surely be smitten with remorse!''19

Note 19
Lit., "they will surely become of those who feel remorse".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:40 He said, "Soon they will be sorry.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:40 (And God) would say, "In a little while they will be sorry!"

23:41 فاخذتهم الصيحة بالحق فجعلنهم غثاء فبعدا للقوم الظلمين

Transcription (English)
23:41 Faakhathat-humu alssayhatubialhaqqi fajaAAalnahum ghuthaanfabuAAdan lilqawmi alththalimeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:41 So the scream took them with justice, and We made them as dead plants. So away with the wicked people.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:41 So the scream took them with justice, and We made them as dead plants. So away with the wicked people.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:41 And then the blast [of Our punishment] over­took them, justly and unavoidably,20 and We caused them to become as the flotsam of dead leaves and the scum borne on the surface of a torrent: and so - away with those evildoing folk!

Note 20
The expression bi l-haqq (lit., "in accordance with truth" or "with justice'') combines in this instance the concepts of justice, wisdom, reality, inescapability, and consonance with the exigencies of the case under consideration (Raghib), and can be only approximately rendered in translation.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:41 The retribution struck them, equitably, and thus, we turned them into ruins. The wicked people perished.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:41 Then the blast (of requital) overtook them, justly and inevitably, and We made them as rubbish of dead leaves. (11:68). And so - away with people who wronged their own ‘self’!

23:42 ثم انشانا من بعدهم قرونا ءاخرين

Transcription (English)
23:42 Thumma ansha/na min baAAdihimquroonan akhareena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:42 Then We rose after them different generations.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:42 Then We raised after them different generations.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:42 AND AFTER them We gave rise to new genera­tions:21

Note 21
Lit., ''generations of others", i.e., new civilizations.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:42 Subsequently, we established other generations after them.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:42 Then after them We brought forth other generations.

23:43 ما تسبق من امة اجلها وما يستخرون

Transcription (English)
23:43 Ma tasbiqu min ommatin ajalahawama yasta/khiroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:43 No nation can hasten its appointed time, nor can it delay.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:43 No nation can hasten its appointed time, nor can it delay.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:43 [for,] no community can ever forestall [the end of] its term - and neither can they delay [its coming].22

Note 22
See note 5 on the identical phrase in 15:5.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:43 No community can advance its predetermined fate, nor delay it.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:43 No community can advance its term, nor delay it. (The laws of the rise and fall of nations are unchangeable 7:34, 13:38, 15:5)

23:44 ثم ارسلنا رسلنا تترا كل ما جاء امة رسولها كذبوه فاتبعنا بعضهم بعضا وجعلنهم احاديث فبعدا لقوم لا يؤمنون

Transcription (English)
23:44 Thumma arsalna rusulana tatrakulla ma jaa ommatan rasooluha kaththaboohufaatbaAAna baAAdahum baAAdan wajaAAalnahumahadeetha fabuAAdan liqawmin la yu/minoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:44 Then We sent Our messengers in succession. Every time there came to a nation their messenger, they denied him. So We made them follow one another, and We made them history. So away with a people who do not acknowledge!
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:44 Then We sent Our messengers in succession. Every time there came to a nation their messenger, they denied him. So We made them follow one another, and We let them become narrations. So away with a people who do not believe!
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:44 And We sent forth Our apostles, one after another: [and] every time their apostle came to a community, they gave him the lie: and so We caused them to follow one another [into the grave], and let them become [mere] tales: and so - away with the folk who would not believe!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:44 Then we sent our messengers in succession. Every time a messenger went to his community, they disbelieved him. Consequently, we annihilated them, one after the other, and made them history. The people who disbelieved have perished.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:44 We sent Our Messengers in succession. Whenever a Messenger came to a people, they denied him. Our Law of Requital caused them to follow one another in disaster, and We made them history. And so - away with people who would not believe!

23:45 ثم ارسلنا موسى واخاه هرون بايتنا وسلطن مبين

Transcription (English)
23:45 Thumma arsalna moosa waakhahuharoona bi-ayatina wasultaninmubeenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Moses and Aaron23:45 Then We sent Moses and his brother Aaron. With Our signs and a clear authority.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:45 Then We sent Moses and his brother Aaron with Our signs and a clear authority.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:45 AND THEN We sent forth Moses and his brother Aaron with Our messages and a manifest authority [from Us]
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Moses and Aaron23:45 Then we sent Moses and his brother Aaron with our revelations and a profound proof.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:45 Then We sent Moses and his brother Aaron with Our messages and a clear authority from Us.

23:46 الى فرعون وملايه فاستكبروا وكانوا قوما عالين

Transcription (English)
23:46 Ila firAAawna wamala-ihi faistakbaroowakanoo qawman AAaleena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:46 To Pharaoh and his entourage. But they became arrogant, for they were a high and mighty people.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:46 To Pharaoh and his commanders. But they became arrogant, for they were a high and mighty people.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:46 unto Pharaoh and his great ones;23 but these behaved with arrogance, for they were people wont to glorify [only] themselves.

Note 23
Moses and Aaron are mentioned here by name because their case was different from that of all other prophets: they were rejected not by their own community but by their community's oppressors.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:46 To Pharaoh and his elders, but they turned arrogant. They were oppressive people.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:46 To Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they showed arrogance. For, they were a nation of megalomaniacs.

23:47 فقالوا انؤمن لبشرين مثلنا وقومهما لنا عبدون

Transcription (English)
23:47 Faqaloo anu/minu libasharayni mithlinawaqawmuhuma lana AAabidoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:47 So they said, "Shall we acknowledge two humans like us, while their people are servants to us?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:47 So they said: "Shall we believe to two human beings like us, while their people are servants to us?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:47 And so they said: “Shall we believe [them] two mortals like ourselves - although their people are our slaves?"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:47 They said, "Shall we believe for two men whose people are our slaves?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:47 And so they said, "Shall we believe in these two mortals like us whose people are our slaves?"

23:48 فكذبوهما فكانوا من المهلكين

Transcription (English)
23:48 Fakaththaboohuma fakanoomina almuhlakeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:48 So they denied them, and they became of those who were destroyed.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:48 So they denied them, and they became of those who were destroyed.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:48 Thus, they gave the lie to those two, and earned (thereby) their place among the doomed:24

Note 24
Lit., "became of those who were destroyed''.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:48 They rejected the two, and consequently, they were annihilated.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:48 Thus they denied them, and earned their place among the doomed.

23:49 ولقد ءاتينا موسى الكتب لعلهم يهتدون

Transcription (English)
23:49 Walaqad atayna moosaalkitaba laAAallahum yahtadoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:49 We have given Moses the book, so that they may be guided.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:49 AndWe have given Moses the Book, so that they may be guided.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:49 for, indeed, We had vouchsafed revelation unto Moses in order that they might find the right way.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:49 We gave Moses the scripture, that they may be guided.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:49 For, We had given Moses the scripture, that they might live upright.

23:50 وجعلنا ابن مريم وامه ءاية وءاوينهما الى ربوة ذات قرار ومعين

Transcription (English)
23:50 WajaAAalna ibna maryama waommahu ayatanwaawaynahuma ila rabwatin thatiqararin wamaAAeenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:50 We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign, and We gave them refuge on high ground, a place for resting and with a flowing stream.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:50 AndWe made the son of Mary and his mother a sign, and We gave them refuge on high ground, a place for resting and with a flowing stream.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:50 And [as We exalted Moses, so, too,] We made the son of Mary and his mother a symbol [of Our grace],25 and provided for both an abode in a lofty place of lasting restfulness and unsullied springs.26

Note 25
For my rendering of ayah, in this instance, as "symbol", see surah 19 note 16. Jesus and his mother Mary are mentioned here specifically because they, too, had to suffer persecution and slander at the hands of "those who were bent on denying the truth".

Note 26
I.e., in paradise. The expression (ma'in) signifies "unsullied springs" or "running waters" (Ibn Abbas, as quoted by Tabari; also Lisan al-Arab and Taj al-'Arus), and thus symbolizes the spiritual purity associated with the concept of paradise, the "gardens through which running waters flow".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:50 We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign, and we gave them refuge on a mesa with food and drink.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:50 And We made the son of Mary and his mother a symbol (of Our grace). We gave them abode on a hilly resort providing tranquility and fresh water springs (as they migrated from Jerusalem after the attempted crucifixion. See www.tombofjesus.com).

23:51 يايها الرسل كلوا من الطيبت واعملوا صلحا انى بما تعملون عليم

Transcription (English)
23:51 Ya ayyuha alrrusulukuloo mina alttayyibati waiAAmaloo salihaninnee bima taAAmaloona AAaleemun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Those who Find God's Word Insufficient Divide Themselves into Hostile Factions23:51 "O messengers, eat from what is good, and do righteous work. I am aware of what you do."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:51 "O messengers, eat from what is good, and do good work. I am aware of what you do."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:51 O YOU APOSTLES! Partake of the good things of life,27 and do righteous deeds: verily, I have full knowledge of all that you do.

Note 27
This rhetorical apostrophe to all of God's apostles is meant to stress their humanness and mortality, and thus to refute the argument of the unbelievers that God could not have chosen "a mortal like ourselves" to be His message-bearer: an argument which overlooks the fact that only human beings who themselves "partake of the good things of life" are able to understand the needs and motives of their fellow-men and, thus, to guide them in their spiritual and social concerns.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
One God/One Religion23:51 O you messengers, eat from the good provisions, and work righteousness. I am fully aware of everything you do.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:51 (This was a brief resume of some of the Messengers. They were told), “O Messengers! Partake of the decent things of life and work for the betterment of humanity. Surely, I am Aware of what you do.

23:52 وان هذه امتكم امة وحدة وانا ربكم فاتقون

Transcription (English)
23:52 Wa-inna hathihi ommatukum ommatan wahidatanwaana rabbukum faittaqooni
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:52 "This is your nation, one nation, and I am your Lord so be aware."5

Note 5

The Quran strictly condemns sectarian division and tells us that power struggle and idol-worship as the source of sectarian division. See 6:153; 30:32; 98:4; 21:92; 23:52; 2:285.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:52 "And this is your nation, one nation, and I am your Lord so be aware."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:52 And, verily, this community of yours is one single community, since I am the Sustainer of you all: remain, then, conscious of Me!28

Note 28
As in 21:92, the above verse is addressed to all who truly believe in God, whatever their historical denomination. By the preceding reference to all of God's apostles the Qur'an clearly implies that all of them were inspired by, and preached, the same fundamental truths, notwith­standing all the differences in the ritual or the specific laws which they propounded in accordance with the exigencies of the time and the social development of their followers. (See notes 66-68 on the second paragraph of 5:48.)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:52 Such is your congregation - one congregation - and I am your Lord; you shall reverence Me.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:52 And certainly, this community of yours is one community and I am your Lord. So, remain conscious of Me.”7

Note 7
Since all Messengers were one Brotherhood unanimous in purpose, all mankind must consider one another as Brothers and Sisters

23:53 فتقطعوا امرهم بينهم زبرا كل حزب بما لديهم فرحون

Transcription (English)
23:53 FataqattaAAoo amrahum baynahumzuburan kullu hizbin bima ladayhim farihoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:53 But the affair was disputed between them into segments. Every group happy with what it had.6

Note 6

See 30:32; 3:188. Compare it to the New Testament: "And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But those who believe they own the kingdom of heaven shall be cast out into the outer darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 8:11-12 )

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:53 Butthe affair was disputed between them into segments. Every group happy with what it had.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:53 But they (who claim to follow you) have torn their unity wide asunder,29 piece by piece, each group delighting in [but] what they themselves possess [by way of tenets].30

Note 29
Cf. 21:93.

Note 30
Lit., "in what they have [themselves]". In the first instance, this verse refers to the various religious groups as such: that is to say, to the followers of one or another of the earlier revelations who, in the course of time, consolidated themselves within different "denominations", each of them jealously guarding its own set of tenets, dogmas and rituals and intensely intolerant of all other ways of worship (manasik, see 22:67). In the second instance, however, the above condemnation applies to the breach of unity within each of the established religious groups; and since it applies to the followers of all the prophets, it includes the latter-day followers of Muhammad as well, and thus constitutes a prediction and condemnation of the doctrinal disunity prevailing in the world of Islam in our times - cf. the well-authenticated saying of the Prophet quoted by Ibn Hanbal, Abu Da'ud, Tirmidhi and Darimi: "The Jews have been split up into seventy-one sects, the Christians into seventy-two sects, whereas my community will be split up into seventy-three sects." (It should be remembered that in classical Arabic usage the number "seventy" often stands for ''many" - just as "seven" stands for "several" or ''various'' - and does not necessarily denote an actual figure; hence, what the Prophet meant to say was that the sects and divisions among the Muslims of later days would become many, and even more numerous than those among the Jews and the Christians.)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:53 But they tore themselves into disputing factions; each party happy with what they have.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:53 But they (mankind) have torn their affair of unity between them into sects, each sect rejoicing in what it has. [30:31-32]

23:54 فذرهم فى غمرتهم حتى حين

Transcription (English)
23:54 Fatharhum fee ghamratihim hattaheenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:54 So leave them in their error until a time.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:54 So leave them in their error until a time.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:54 But leave them alone, lost in their ignorance, until a [future] time.31

Note 31
I.e., until they themselves realize their error. This sentence is evidently addressed to the last of the apostles, Muhammad. and thus to all who truly follow him.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:54 Therefore, just leave them in their confusion, for awhile.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:54 Leave them alone lost in their ignorance until a time.8

Note 8
And the truth will ultimately prevail. 9:32, 22:17, 22:55

23:55 ايحسبون انما نمدهم به من مال وبنين

Transcription (English)
23:55 Ayahsaboona annama numidduhumbihi min malin wabaneena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:55 Do they not think why We are extending them with wealth and children?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:55 Do they not think why We are extending them with wealth and sons?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:55 Do they think that by all the wealth and offspring with which We provide them
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:55 Do they think that, since we provided them with money and children,,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:55 Do they think that, since We continue to provide them with wealth and children,

23:56 نسارع لهم فى الخيرت بل لا يشعرون

Transcription (English)
23:56 NusariAAu lahum fee alkhayratibal la yashAAuroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:56 We are quick to give them the good things. But they do not perceive.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:56 We are quick to give them the good things. But they do not perceive.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:56 We [but want to] make them vie with one another in doing [what they consider] good works?32 Nay, but they do not perceive [their error]!

Note 32
I.e., "Do they think that by bestowing on them worldly prosperity God but wants them to vie with one another in their race after material goods and comforts, which they mistakenly identify with doing good works?" Another - linguistically permissible - rendering of the above two verses would be: "Do they think that by all the wealth and offspring with which We provide them We [but] hasten on [the coming] to them of all that is good?" Either of these two renderings implies, firstly, that worldly prosperity is not the ultimate good, and, secondly, that the breach of the unity spoken of in the preceding passage was, more often than not, an outcome of mere worldly greed and of factional striving after power.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:56 we must be showering them with blessings? Indeed, they have no idea.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:56 We are being swift to them with good things? Nay, but they perceive not.

23:57 ان الذين هم من خشية ربهم مشفقون

Transcription (English)
23:57 Inna allatheena hum min khashyatirabbihim mushfiqoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:57 As for those who are in reverence from the awareness of their Lord.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:57 As for those who are, from the concern of their Lord, worried.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:57 Verily, [only] they who stand in reverent awe of their Sustainer,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:57 Surely, those who are reverently conscious of their Lord,,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:57 Surely, those who are awe-inspired and conscious of their Lord,

23:58 والذين هم بايت ربهم يؤمنون

Transcription (English)
23:58 Waallatheena hum bi-ayatirabbihim yu/minoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:58 They acknowledge the signs of their Lord.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:58 Andthey believe in the revelations of their Lord.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:58 and who believe in their Sus­tainer's messages,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:58 And who believe in the revelations of their Lord,,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:58 And have conviction in the messages of their Lord,

23:59 والذين هم بربهم لا يشركون

Transcription (English)
23:59 Waallatheena hum birabbihim layushrikoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:59 They do not set up anything with their Lord.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:59 Andthey do not set up anything with their Lord.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:59 and who do not ascribe divinity to aught but their Sustainer,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:59 And who never set up any idols beside their Lord,,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:59 And do not associate anyone with Him,

23:60 والذين يؤتون ما ءاتوا وقلوبهم وجلة انهم الى ربهم رجعون

Transcription (English)
23:60 Waallatheena yu/toona maataw waquloobuhum wajilatun annahum ila rabbihim rajiAAoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:60 They give of what they were given, and their hearts are full of reverence that they will return to their Lord.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:60 Andthey give of what they were given, and their hearts are full of reverence that they will return to their Lord.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:60 and who give whatever they [have to] give33 with their hearts trembling at the thought that unto their Sustainer they must return:

Note 33
This is an allusion to the giving of what one is morally obliged to give, whether it be in charity or in satisfaction of rightful claims on the part of one's fellow-men, including such intangible "gifts" as the dispensing of justice.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:60 As they give their charities, their hearts are fully reverent. For they recognize that they will be summoned before their Lord,,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:60 And give (of their wealth and persons) whatever they can, and are still afraid (that they have not done enough and), because they have to return to their Lord.

23:61 اولئك يسرعون فى الخيرت وهم لها سبقون

Transcription (English)
23:61 Ola-ika yusariAAoona feealkhayrati wahum laha sabiqoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:61 These are the ones who race in doing good, and they are the first to it.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:61 These are the ones who race in doing good, and they are the first to it.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:61 it is they who vie with one another in doing good works, and it is they who outrun [all others] in attaining to them!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:61 They are eager to do righteous works; they compete in doing them.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:61 It is those who race with one another to improve the quality of life for humanity, and it is those who are worthy of winning good things.

23:62 ولا نكلف نفسا الا وسعها ولدينا كتب ينطق بالحق وهم لا يظلمون

Transcription (English)
23:62 Wala nukallifu nafsan illawusAAaha waladayna kitabun yantiqu bialhaqqiwahum la yuthlamoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:62 We do not burden a person except with what it can bear. We have a record that speaks with the truth, they will not be wronged.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:62 AndWe do not burden a soul except with what it can bear. And We have a record that speaks with the truth, they will not be wronged.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:62 And [withal.] We do not burden any human being with more than he is well able to bear: for with Us is a record that speaks the truth [about what men do and can do]; and none shall be wronged.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
The Disbelievers Unappreciative23:62 We never burden any soul beyond its means, and we keep a record that utters the truth. No one will suffer injustice.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:62 We do not burden any human being with more than he or she is able to bear. And with Us is a Record that speaks the truth (about what you can and cannot do). And so, none shall be wronged.9

Note 9
2:286, 6:153, 7:42. Burden: Challenges come your way to let you expand your potential. One is only accountable for one’s capacity

23:63 بل قلوبهم فى غمرة من هذا ولهم اعمل من دون ذلك هم لها عملون

Transcription (English)
23:63 Bal quloobuhum fee ghamratin min hathawalahum aAAmalun min dooni thalika hum lahaAAamiloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:63 No, their hearts are unaware of this! They have deeds besides this which they are doing.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:63 No,their hearts are unaware of this! And they have deeds besides this which they are doing.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:63 NAY, [as for those who have torn asunder the unity of faith] - their hearts are lost in ignorance of all this!34 But apart from that [breach of unity] they have [on their conscience even worse] deeds;35 and they will [continue to] commit them

Note 34
This passage obviously connects with the last sentence of verse 56 - ''Nay, but they do not perceive [their error]!'' - and, hence, refers to the people spoken of in verse 54 as being "lost in their ignorance'' (fi ghamratihim).

Note 35
Namely, actions and dogmatic assertions which utterly contradict the teachings of the very apostles whom they claim to follow, like ascribing divine qualities to beings other than God, worshipping saints, or rejecting divine revelations which do not accord with their own likes and dislikes or with their customary mode of thinking.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:63 Because their minds are oblivious to this, they commit works that do not conform with this; their works are evil.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:63 Nay, their hearts are oblivious to this Qur’an, for they are too busy doing other things and they will keep doing so!

23:64 حتى اذا اخذنا مترفيهم بالعذاب اذا هم يجرون

Transcription (English)
23:64 Hatta itha akhathnamutrafeehim bialAAathabi itha hum yaj-aroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:64 Until We take their carefree people with the retribution, then they will shout for help.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:64 Until We take their carefree people with the retribution, then they will shout for help.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:64 until - after We shall have taken to task, through suffering, those from among them who [now] are lost in the pursuit of pleasures -36 they cry out in [belated] supplication.

Note 36
See surah 17 note 22. The particular reference, in this context, to people "who [at present] are lost in the pursuit of pleasures" contains an allusion to verse 55 above (see my explanation in note 32, especially the last sentence). The ''taking to task through suffering spoken of here may refer to the Day of Judgment or - as in 17:16 - to the inevitable social ruin which, in the long run, wrong beliefs and actions bring with themselves in this world.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:64 Then, when we requite their leaders with retribution, they complain.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:64 When We grasp their rich elite with retribution, they will moan and groan.

23:65 لا تجروا اليوم انكم منا لا تنصرون

Transcription (English)
23:65 La taj-aroo alyawma innakum minnala tunsaroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:65 Do not shout for help today, for you will not be helped against Us.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:65 Do not shout for help today, for you will not be helped against Us.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:65 [But they will be told:] “Cry not in supplication today: for, behold, you shall not he succoured by Us!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:65 Do not complain now; you have given up all help from us.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:65 Do not complain now; you deserve no help from Us.

23:66 قد كانت ءايتى تتلى عليكم فكنتم على اعقبكم تنكصون

Transcription (English)
23:66 Qad kanat ayatee tutlaAAalaykum fakuntum AAala aAAqabikum tankisoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:66 My signs were recited to you, but you used to turn back on your heels.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:66 My revelations were recited to you, but you used to turn back on your heels.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:66 Time and again37 were My messages conveyed unto you, but [every time] you would turn about on your heels

Note 37
This is the meaning implied in the auxiliary verb kanat, preceded by the particle qad.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:66 My proofs have been presented to you, but you turned back on your heels.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:66 My messages were conveyed to you, but you used to turn back on your heels.

23:67 مستكبرين به سمرا تهجرون

Transcription (English)
23:67 Mustakbireena bihi samiran tahjuroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:67 You were too proud from it, talking evil about it; and you defiantly disregarded it.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:67 Youwere too proud from it, talking evil about it; and you defiantly disregarded it.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:67 [and,] impelled by your arrogance, you would talk senselessly far into the night."38

Note 38
Lit., "as one who keeps awake at night'' (samiran). In combination with the phrase kuntum . . . tahjurun, this expression indicates the pursuit of endless, fruitless discussions divorced from all reality, or a mere play with words leading nowhere. (See also 31:6 and the corresponding note 4.)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:67 You were too arrogant to accept them, and you defiantly disregarded them.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:67 In arrogance, talking nonsense about these verses like people telling fables far into the night.

23:68 افلم يدبروا القول ام جاءهم ما لم يات ءاباءهم الاولين

Transcription (English)
23:68 Afalam yaddabbaroo alqawla am jaahumma lam ya/ti abaahumu al-awwaleena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:68 Did they not ponder the words, or has what come to them not come to their fathers of old?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:68 Didthey not ponder the words, or has there come to them that which had not come to their fathers of old?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:68 Have they, then, never tried to understand this word [of God]? Or has there [now] come to them something that never came to their forefathers of old?39

Note 39
Implying that the message of the Qur'an is but a continuation of all the divine messages ever revealed to man.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:68 Why do they not reflect upon this scripture? Do they not realize that they have received something never attained by their ancestors?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:68 Have they not pondered the Word? Is the revelation something that never came to their remote ancestors?

23:69 ام لم يعرفوا رسولهم فهم له منكرون

Transcription (English)
23:69 Am lam yaAArifoo rasoolahum fahum lahumunkiroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:69 Or did they not know their messenger? For they are in denial of him.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:69 Or did they not know their messenger? For they are in denial of him.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:69 Or is it, perchance, that they have not recog­nized their Apostle, and so they disavow him?
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:69 Have they failed to recognize their messenger? Is this why they are disregarding him?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:69 Or do they not recognize their Messenger, that they deny him? [10:16]

23:70 ام يقولون به جنة بل جاءهم بالحق واكثرهم للحق كرهون

Transcription (English)
23:70 Am yaqooloona bihi jinnatun bal jaahumbialhaqqi waaktharuhum lilhaqqi karihoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:70 Or do they say that there is a madness in him? No, he has come to them with the truth, but most of them are hateful of the truth.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:70 Or do they say that there is a madness in him? No, he has come to them with the truth, but most of them are hateful of the truth.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:70 Or do they say. “There is madness in him"? Nay, he has brought them the truth - and the truth do most of them detest!40

Note 40
I.e., they hate to admit the truth: the reason being - as the sequence shows - that the world-view propounded by the Qur'an is not in accord with their own likes and dislikes or preconceived notions.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:70 Have they decided that he is crazy? Indeed, he has brought the truth to them, but most of them hate the truth.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:70 Or do they say, “There is madness in him?” Nay, he brings them the truth, and most of them detest the truth.10

Note 10
They want him to make compromises. 10:15, 11:113, 17:74, 68:9

23:71 ولو اتبع الحق اهواءهم لفسدت السموت والارض ومن فيهن بل اتينهم بذكرهم فهم عن ذكرهم معرضون

Transcription (English)
23:71 Walawi ittabaAAa alhaqqu ahwaahumlafasadati alssamawatu waal-arduwaman feehinna bal ataynahum bithikrihim fahum AAanthikrihim muAAridoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:71 If the truth were to follow their desires, then the heavens and the earth and all who are in them would have been corrupted. No, We have come to them with their reminder, but from their reminder they are turning away.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:71 Andif the truth were to follow their desires, then the heavens and the earth and all who are in them would have been corrupted. No, We have come to them with their reminder, but from their reminder they are turning away.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:71 But if the truth41 were in accord with their own likes and dislikes, the heavens and the earth would surely have fallen into ruin, and all that lives in them [would long ago have perished]!42 Nay, [in this divine writ] We have conveyed unto them all that they ought to bear in mind:43 and from this their reminder they [heedlessly] turn away!

Note 41
I.e., the reality of all creation.

Note 42
I.e., if the universe - and, especially, human life - had been as devoid of meaning and purpose as they imagine, nothing could have endured, and everything would have long since perished in chaos.

Note 43
For this rendering of the term dhikr, see note 13 on 21:10.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:71 Indeed, if the truth conformed to their wishes, there would be chaos in the heavens and the earth; everything in them would be corrupted. We have given them their proof, but they are disregarding their proof.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:71 And if the truth had followed their whims (2:120), certainly the heavens and the earth and all beings therein would have suffered chaos. Nay, We have given them their Reminder but they turn away from their Reminder that can give them eminence. [7:176, 21:10-24, 43:43]

23:72 ام تسلهم خرجا فخراج ربك خير وهو خير الرزقين

Transcription (English)
23:72 Am tas-aluhum kharjan fakharajurabbika khayrun wahuwa khayru alrraziqeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:72 Or do you ask them for a wage? The wage of your Lord is best, and He is the best of providers.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:72 Or do you ask them for a wage? The wage of your Lord is best, and He is the best of providers.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:72 Or dost thou [O Muhammad] ask of them any worldly recompense? But [they ought to know that] recompense from thy Sustainer is best, since He is the best of providers!44

Note 44
The terms kharj and kharaj which occur in the above verse are more or less synonymous, both of them denoting "recompense". According to Zamakhshari, however, there is a slight difference between these two expressions, kharj being more restricted in its meaning than kharaj: hence, the first has been rendered as ''worldly recompense" and the second as "recompense" without any restrictive definition, implying that a recompense from God is unlimited, relating both to this world and the hereafter.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:72 Are you asking them for a wage? Your Lord's wage is far better. He is the best Provider.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:72 (O Messenger) do you ask them for any tribute? (They must know that) your Lord’s tribute is best, for, He is the Best of providers.

23:73 وانك لتدعوهم الى صرط مستقيم

Transcription (English)
23:73 Wa-innaka latadAAoohum ila siratinmustaqeemin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:73 You are inviting them to a Straight Path.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:73 Andyou are inviting them to a straight path.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:73 And, verily, thou callest them onto a straight way –
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:73 Most assuredly, you are inviting them to a straight path.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:73 Certainly, you call them onto a straight path.

23:74 وان الذين لا يؤمنون بالءاخرة عن الصرط لنكبون

Transcription (English)
23:74 Wa-inna allatheena layu/minoona bial-akhirati AAani alssiratilanakiboona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:74 Those who do not acknowledge the Hereafter, they are deviating away from the path.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:74 Andthose who do not believe in the Hereafter, they are deviating away from the path.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:74 but, behold, those who will not believe in the life to come are bound to deviate from that way.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:74 Those who disbelieve in the Hereafter will surely deviate from the right path.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:74 But those who disbelieve in the life to come are bound to deviate from the right path.

23:75 ولو رحمنهم وكشفنا ما بهم من ضر للجوا فى طغينهم يعمهون

Transcription (English)
23:75 Walaw rahimnahum wakashafnama bihim min durrin lalajjoo fee tughyanihimyaAAmahoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:75 If We were to have mercy on them and remove what distress was upon them, they would still return to persist in their transgression, wandering blindly.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:75 Andif We were to have mercy on them and remove what distress was upon them, they would still return to persist in their transgression, wandering blindly.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:75 And even were We to show them mercy and remove whatever distress might befall them [in this life],45 they would still persist in their overweening arrogance, blindly stumbling to and fro.

Note 45
Sc., "as it inevitably befalls all human beings": an oblique allusion to the fact that human life is never free from distress.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:75 Even when we showered them with mercy, and relieved their problems, they plunged deeper into transgression, and continued to blunder.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:75 Even if We had mercy on them and relieved them of their suffering, they would obstinately persist in their transgression wandering to and fro.

23:76 ولقد اخذنهم بالعذاب فما استكانوا لربهم وما يتضرعون

Transcription (English)
23:76 Walaqad akhathnahum bialAAathabifama istakanoo lirabbihim wama yatadarraAAoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:76 When We seized them with the punishment, they did not humble themselves to their Lord nor did they invoke Him.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:76 Andwhen We seized them with the punishment, they did not humble themselves to their Lord nor did they invoke Him.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:76 And, indeed, We tested them46 through suffer­ing, but they did not abase themselves before their Sustainer; and they will never humble them­selves

Note 46
Lit., "We took them to task".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:76 Even when we afflicted them with retribution, they never turned to their Lord imploring.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:76 We tested them through suffering, but they did not humble themselves before their Lord, nor implored Him.

23:77 حتى اذا فتحنا عليهم بابا ذا عذاب شديد اذا هم فيه مبلسون

Transcription (English)
23:77 Hatta itha fatahnaAAalayhim baban tha AAathabin shadeedin ithahum feehi mublisoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:77 Until We open for them a door of immense retribution, then they become in sorrow and despair.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:77 Until We open for them a door of immense retribution, then they become in sorrow and despair.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:77 until We open before them a gate of [truly] severe suffering [in the life to come]: and then, lo! they will be broken in spirit.47

Note 47
Or: "they will despair of all hope".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:77 Subsequently, when we requited them with the severe retribution they had incurred, they were shocked.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:77 Until when We open for them the gate of severe retribution, they will then be plunged in despair.

23:78 وهو الذى انشا لكم السمع والابصر والافدة قليلا ما تشكرون

Transcription (English)
23:78 Wahuwa allathee anshaa lakumu alssamAAawaal-absara waal-af-idata qaleelan matashkuroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
God23:78 He is the One who established for you the hearing, and the sight, and the minds. Little do you give thanks.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:78 AndHe is the One who established for you the hearing, and the sight, and the hearts. Little do you give thanks.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:78 [O MEN! Pay heed to God's messages,] for it is He who has endowed you with hearing, and sight, and minds: [yet] how seldom are you grateful!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:78 He is the One who granted you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brains. Rarely are you appreciative.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:78 (O Mankind) He is the One Who has created for you hearing and sight, and mind (the faculties to perceive and conceive). But, how seldom do you show gratitude by really using them!

23:79 وهو الذى ذراكم فى الارض واليه تحشرون

Transcription (English)
23:79 Wahuwa allathee tharaakum feeal-ardi wa-ilayhi tuhsharoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:79 He is the One who multiplied you on the earth, and to Him you will be returned.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:79 AndHe is the One who multiplied you on the earth, and to Him you will be returned.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:79 And He it is who has caused you to multiply on earth; and unto Him you shall be gathered.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:79 He is the One who established you on earth, and before Him you will be summoned.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:79 And He is the One Who has multiplied you on earth (as unity in diversity), and to Him you will be gathered. [67:24]

23:80 وهو الذى يحى ويميت وله اختلف اليل والنهار افلا تعقلون

Transcription (English)
23:80 Wahuwa allathee yuhyeewayumeetu walahu ikhtilafu allayli waalnnahariafala taAAqiloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:80 He is the One who gives life and brings death, and to Him is the alteration of the night and the day. Do you not reason?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:80 AndHe is the One who gives life and brings death, and to Him is the alteration of the night and the day. Do you not comprehend?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:80 And He it is who grants life and deals death; and to Him is due the alternation of night and day. Will you not, then, use your reason?
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:80 He is the One who controls life and death, and He is the One who alternates the night and day. Do you not understand?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:80 And He is the One Who gives life and death and to Him is due the alternation of Night and Day. Will you not, then, use your sense?11

Note 11
His laws govern the life and death of individuals and nations, just as He alternates night and day

23:81 بل قالوا مثل ما قال الاولون

Transcription (English)
23:81 Bal qaloo mithla ma qalaal-awwaloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:81 Indeed, they have said the same as what the people of old had said.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:81 No,they have said the same as what the people of old had said.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:81 But nay, they speak as the people of olden times did speak:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:81 They said what their ancestors said.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:81 Nay, they say what the people of the olden times used to say.

23:82 قالوا اءذا متنا وكنا ترابا وعظما اءنا لمبعوثون

Transcription (English)
23:82 Qaloo a-itha mitnawakunna turaban waAAithamana-inna lamabAAoothoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:82 They said, "If we are dead and become dust and bones, will we then be resurrected?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:82 They said: "If we are dead and become dust and bones, will we then be resurrected?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:82 they say: “What! After we have died and become mere dust and bones, shall we, forsooth, be raised from the dead?
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:82 They said, "After we die and become dust and bones, we get resurrected?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:82 They say, "What! After we die and become mere dust and bones, shall we then, be raised again?

23:83 لقد وعدنا نحن وءاباؤنا هذا من قبل ان هذا الا اسطير الاولين

Transcription (English)
23:83 Laqad wuAAidna nahnu waabaonahatha min qablu in hatha illa asateerual-awwaleena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:83 "We, as well as our fathers, have been promised this from before. This is nothing but the tales of the ancients."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:83 "We, as well as our fathers, have been promised this from before. This is nothing except fictional tales of old!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:83 Indeed, this [very thing] we have been promised - we and our forefathers - long ago! This is nothing but fables of ancient times!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:83 "Such promises were given to us and to our parents in the past. These are no more than tales from the past.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:83 Indeed, this we have been promised, we and our forefathers, long ago. These are nothing but tales of the ancient."

23:84 قل لمن الارض ومن فيها ان كنتم تعلمون

Transcription (English)
23:84 Qul limani al-ardu waman feehain kuntum taAAlamoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:84 Say, "To whom the earth is and whosoever is in it if you know?"7

Note 7

Acknowledging God means accepting all of God's attributes as defined by God. Thus, those who do not acknowledge God's absolute control over His creation (8:17), His being the only source of law (12:40), are in fact not acknowledging God.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:84 Say: "To whom is the earth and whoever is in it if you know?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:84 Say: “Unto whom belongs the earth and all that lives there on?48 [Tell me this] if you happen to know [the answer]!"

Note 48
Lit., "and all who are on it".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Most Believers are Destined for Hell23:84 Say, "To whom belongs the earth and everyone on it, if you know?"2 ,

Note 2
Belief in God is valid only if one recognizes God's qualities, such as the fact that God controls everything( 8:17). Believers who do not know God are notreally believers. Most believers nullify their belief by idolizing such powerlessidols as the prophets and saints(6:106).
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:84 Say, "Unto whom belongs the earth and all that live thereon, if you happen to know?"

23:85 سيقولون لله قل افلا تذكرون

Transcription (English)
23:85 Sayaqooloona lillahi qul afalatathakkaroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:85 They will say, "To God." Say, "Will you then not remember!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:85 They will say: "To God." Say: "Will you then not remember!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:85 [And they will reply: “Unto God." Say: “Will you not, then, bethink yourselves [of Him]?"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:85 They will say, "To GOD." Say, "Why then do you not take heed?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:85 They will reply “Unto God." Say, “Will you not then think?”

23:86 قل من رب السموت السبع ورب العرش العظيم

Transcription (English)
23:86 Qul man rabbu alssamawatialssabAAi warabbu alAAarshi alAAatheemi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:86 Say, "Who is the Lord of the seven heavens and the Lord of the great dominion?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:86 Say: "Who is the Lord of the seven heavens and the Lord of the great Throne?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:86 Say: “Who is it that sustains the seven heavens and is enthroned in His awesome almightiness?"49

Note 49
Lit., "who is the Sustainer (rabb) of the seven heavens'' - see note 20 on 2:29 - ''and the Sustainer of the awesome throne of almightiness": cf. 9:129 as well as note 43 on 7:54.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:86 Say, "Who is the Lord of the seven universes; the Lord of the great dominion?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:86 Say, "Who is the Lord of the seven heavens, and the Lord of the Tremendous Throne?" [16:49, 42:29]

23:87 سيقولون لله قل افلا تتقون

Transcription (English)
23:87 Sayaqooloona lillahi qul afalatattaqoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:87 They will say, "To God." Say, "Will you then not take heed?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:87 They will say: "To God." Say: "Will you then not take heed?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:87 [And] they will reply: “[All this power belongs] to God." Say: “Will you not, then, remain conscious of Him?"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:87 They will say, "GOD." Say, "Why then do you not turn righteous?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:87 They will answer, "They belong to God." Say, "Will you not then be mindful of Him?"

23:88 قل من بيده ملكوت كل شىء وهو يجير ولا يجار عليه ان كنتم تعلمون

Transcription (English)
23:88 Qul man biyadihi malakootu kulli shay-inwahuwa yujeeru wala yujaru AAalayhi in kuntumtaAAlamoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:88 Say, "In whose hand is the sovereignty of all things, and He protects while there is no protector against Him, if you know?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:88 Say: "In whose hand is the sovereignty of all things, and He protects while there is no protector against Him, if you know?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:88 Say: “In whose hand rests the mighty dominion over all things, and who is it that protects, the while there is no protection against Him? [Tell me this] if you happen to know [the answer]!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:88 Say, "In whose hand is all sovereignty over all things, and He is the only one who can provide help, but needs no help, if you know?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:88 Say, "In whose hand is the mighty Dominion over all things, and who protects, while against Him there is no protection; if you happen to know the answer!"

23:89 سيقولون لله قل فانى تسحرون

Transcription (English)
23:89 Sayaqooloona lillahi qul faannatusharoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:89 They will say, "To God." Say, "Then why are you deceived?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:89 They will say: "To God." Say: "Then why are you deceived?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:89 [And] they will reply: “[All this power belongs] to God." Say: 'How, then, can you be so deluded?"50

Note 50
Sc., "as to deny the prospect of resurrection".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:89 They will say, "GOD." Say, "Where did you go wrong?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:89 They will reply, "All that belongs to God." Say, "How can you then deceive yourselves?”

23:90 بل اتينهم بالحق وانهم لكذبون

Transcription (English)
23:90 Bal ataynahum bialhaqqiwa-innahum lakathiboona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:90 In fact, We have come to them with the truth, and they are truly liars.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:90 No,We have come to them with the truth, and they are truly liars.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:90 Nay, We have conveyed unto them the truth: and yet, behold, they are intent on lying [to them­selves]!51

Note 51
Lit., "they are indeed liars''- i.e., they deceive themselves by asserting that they believe in God and, at the same time, rejecting the idea of a life after death, which - in view of the fact that many wrongdoers prosper in this world while many righteous lead a life of suffering - is insolubly bound up with the concept of divine justice. Apart from this, a denial of the possibility of resurrection implies a doubt as to God's unlimited power and, thus, of His Godhead in the true sense of this concept. This latter doubt often finds its expression in the mystic belief in a multiplicity of divine powers: and it is to this erroneous belief that the next verse alludes.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:90 We have given them the truth, while they are liars.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:90 We have given them the truth, yet they are intent upon lying to themselves.12

Note 12
Acceptance of His Rule in their lives hurts their selfish interests. 21:20, 23:70

23:91 ما اتخذ الله من ولد وما كان معه من اله اذا لذهب كل اله بما خلق ولعلا بعضهم على بعض سبحن الله عما يصفون

Transcription (English)
23:91 Ma ittakhatha Allahumin waladin wama kana maAAahu min ilahin ithanlathahaba kullu ilahin bima khalaqa walaAAalabaAAduhum AAala baAAdin subhana AllahiAAamma yasifoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:91 God has not taken a son, nor is there with Him any god. If it were so, then every god would have taken what He created and they would have tried to overtake each other. God be glorified against what they describe!
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:91 God has not taken a son, nor is there with Him any god. If it were so, then every god would have taken what he created and they would have tried to overtake each other. God be glorified against what they describe!
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:91 Never did God take unto Himself any offspring,52 nor has there ever been any deity side by side with Him: [for, had there been any,] lo! each deity would surely have stood apart [from the others] in whatever it had created,53 and they would surely have [tried to] overcome one another! Limitless in His glory is God, [far] above anything that men may devise by way of definition,54

Note 52
This allusion to the pre-Islamic Arabian belief in angels as "God's daughters" and the Christian dogma of Jesus' "sonship of God" connects with the statement "they are intent on lying [to themselves]", which has been explained in the preceding note.

Note 53
This is how almost all the classical commentators explain the phrase la-dhahaba bi-ma khalaqa (lit., "would surely have taken away whatever he had created"), implying that in such a hypothetical case each of the gods would have been concerned only with his own sector of creation, thus causing complete confusion in the universe.

Note 54
See note 88 on 6:100.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:91 GOD has never begotten a son. Nor was there ever any other god beside Him. Otherwise, each god would have declared independence with his creations, and they would have competed with each other for dominance. GOD be glorified; far above their claims.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:91 Never did God take to Himself a son, nor was there ever any god besides Him. For, had there been any, each god would have taken along its creation and tried to overcome the others. God is High above all that they allege.

23:92 علم الغيب والشهدة فتعلى عما يشركون

Transcription (English)
23:92 AAalimi alghaybi waalshshahadatifataAAala AAamma yushrikoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:92 The knower of the unseen and the seen. Be He exalted above what they set up.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:92 Theknower of the unseen and the seen. Be He exalted above what they set up.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:92 knowing all that is beyond the reach of a created being's perception as well as all that can be witnessed by a creature's senses or mind55 and, hence, sublimely exalted is He above anything to which they may ascribe a share in His divinity!

Note 55
See surah 6 note 65.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:92 The Knower of all secrets and declarations; be He exalted, far above having a partner.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:92 Knower of the Invisible and the Visible! And Exalted He is above the partners they attribute to Him.

23:93 قل رب اما ترينى ما يوعدون

Transcription (English)
23:93 Qul rabbi imma turiyannee mayooAAadoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Repel Evil with Good Work23:93 Say, "My Lord, if You show me what they are promised."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:93 Say: "My Lord, if You show me what they are promised."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:93 SAY: “O my Sustainer! If it be Thy will to let me witness56 [the fulfillment of] whatever they [who blaspheme against Thee] have been promised [to suffer] –

Note 56
Lit., ''to show me" [sc., "in my lifetime"]. According to Zamakhshari, the combination of the conditional particle in (''if'') with ma (''that which'' or "whatever") - spelt and pronounced imma - endows the verb turini (lit., "Thou wilt show me") with the quality of intrinsic necessity - thus: "If it is inevitable (la budd) that "thou show me [or "let me witness"]…", etc. In translation, this particular phrasing is best rendered as above, since anything that is God's will becomes eo ipso inevitable.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:93 Say, "My Lord, whether You show me (the retribution) they have incurred,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:93 Say, “My Lord! If you let me witness what the wrongdoers are warned against,

23:94 رب فلا تجعلنى فى القوم الظلمين

Transcription (English)
23:94 Rabbi fala tajAAalnee fee alqawmi alththalimeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:94 "My Lord, then do not leave me amongst the wicked people."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:94 "My Lord, then do not leave me among the wicked people."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:94 do not, O my Sustainer, let me be one of those evildoing folk!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:94 "My Lord, let me not be one of the transgressing people.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:94 My Lord! Then let me not be among them.” [8:25]

23:95 وانا على ان نريك ما نعدهم لقدرون

Transcription (English)
23:95 Wa-inna AAala an nuriyaka manaAAiduhum laqadiroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:95 We are able to show you what We promise them.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:95 AndWe are able to show you what We promise them.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:95 [Pray thus] for, behold, We are most cer­tainly able to let thee witness [the fulfillment, even in this world, of] whatever We promise them!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:95 To show you (the retribution) we have reserved for them is something we can easily do.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:95 Surely, We are Able to show you what they are warned against.

23:96 ادفع بالتى هى احسن السيئة نحن اعلم بما يصفون

Transcription (English)
23:96 IdfaAA biallatee hiya ahsanu alssayyi-atanahnu aAAlamu bima yasifoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:96 Repel evil with what is better. We are better aware of what they describe.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:96 Push away evil with that which is better. We are better aware of what they describe.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:96 [But whatever they may say or do,] repel the evil [which they commit] with something that is bet­ter:57 We are fully aware of what they attribute [to Us].

Note 57
See surah 13 note 44. In the present context, the evil referred to consists - as the next clause shows - in blasphemous attempts at "defining" God (cf. verse 91); but the ethical principle implied in the above injunction is the same as that expressed in the last clause of 13:22 as well as in 41:34 namely, that evil must not be countered with another evil but, rather, repelled by an act of goodness.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:96 Therefore, counter their evil works with goodness; we are fully aware of their claims.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:96 (Nevertheless), counter evil with goodness. We are best Aware of what they allege (about these revelations).

23:97 وقل رب اعوذ بك من همزت الشيطين

Transcription (English)
23:97 Waqul rabbi aAAoothu bika min hamazatialshshayateeni
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:97 Say, "My Lord, I seek refuge with you from the whispers of the devils."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:97 Andsay: "My Lord, I seek refuge with You from the whispers of the devils."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:97 And say: “O my Sustainer! I seek refuge with Thee from the promptings of all evil impulses;58

Note 58
Lit., "of the satans'' or "satanic forces": see note 10 on 2:14.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
To Be Protected From Satan23:97 Say, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the whispers of the devils.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:97 And say, “My Lord! I seek refuge with You from the prompting of the satanic forces13

Note 13
in my heart and from the evil ones

23:98 واعوذ بك رب ان يحضرون

23:98 waAwź bk rb an yHDrwn
Transcription (English)
23:98 WaaAAoothu bika rabbi an yahdurooni
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:98 "I seek refuge with you O Lord that they should come near."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:98 "And I seek refuge with you O Lord that they should come near."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:98 and I seek refuge with Thee, O my Sustainer, lest they come near unto me!'
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:98 "And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they come near me.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:98 And I seek refuge with You, my Lord, lest they come near me.”

23:99 حتى اذا جاء احدهم الموت قال رب ارجعون

Transcription (English)
23:99 Hatta itha jaa ahadahumualmawtu qala rabbi irjiAAooni
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:99 Until death comes to one of them, he says: "My Lord, send me back."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:99 Until death comes to one of them, he says: "My Lord, send me back."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:99 [AS FOR THOSE who will not believe in the life to come, they go on lying to themselves]59 until, when death approaches any of them, he prays: “O my Sustainer! Let me return, let me return [to life],60

Note 59
Cf. verses 74 and 90 above, with which the present passage connects.

Note 60
Most of the commentators regard the plural form of address in the verb irji'uni ("let me return") as an expression of reverence. Since, however, the Qur'an offers no other instance of God's being addressed in the plural (in contrast with the frequent use of the plural in His speaking of Himself), Baydawi suggests - on the strength of examples from pre-Islamic poetry - that this plural form of address is equivalent to an emphatic repetition of the singular form irji ni: hence the repetition of this phrase in my rendering.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
The Dead Never Come Back Until the Day of Resurrection23:99 When death comes to one of them, he says, "My Lord, send me back.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:99 (Those who keep lying to themselves), when death comes to one of them, says, “My Lord! Send me back, [23:74, 90]

23:100 لعلى اعمل صلحا فيما تركت كلا انها كلمة هو قائلها ومن ورائهم برزخ الى يوم يبعثون

Transcription (English)
23:100 LaAAallee aAAmalu salihanfeema taraktu kalla innaha kalimatun huwa qa-iluhawamin wara-ihim barzakhun ila yawmi yubAAathoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:100 "So that I may do good in what I have left behind." No, it is but a word he is speaking. There is a barrier to prevent them from going back until the day they are all resurrected.8

Note 8

This verse rejects the idea of reincarnation and the spirits/souls of dead people roaming on earth. Communication with the dead is not allowed.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:100 "So that I may do good in that which I have left behind." No, it is but a word he is speaking. And there is a barrier to prevent them from going back until the Day they are all resurrected.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:100 so that I might act righteously in whatever I have failed [aforetime]!''61 Nay, it is indeed but a [meaningless] word that he utters: for behind those [who leave the world] there is a barrier [of death] until the Day when all will be raised from the dead!

Note 61
Lit., "in respect of that which (fi-ma) I have left'', comprising both the omission of good and the commission of bad deeds.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:100 "I will then work righteousness in everything I left." Not true. This is a false claim that he makes. A barrier will separate his soul from this world until resurrection.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:100 That I may do good works in what I left behind!” Nay! It is but a meaningless word he says. And behind them is a barrier until the Day they are raised. [39:58]

23:101 فاذا نفخ فى الصور فلا انساب بينهم يومئذ ولا يتساءلون

Transcription (English)
23:101 Fa-itha nufikha fee alssoorifala ansaba baynahum yawma-ithin walayatasaaloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:101 So when the horn is blown, then there will be no kinship between them on that day, nor will they ask for one another.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:101 So when the horn is blown, then there will be no kinship between them on that Day, nor will they ask for one another.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:101 Then, when the trumpet [of resurrection] is blown, no ties of kinship will on that Day prevail among them, and neither will they ask about one another.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:101 When the horn is blown, no relations among them will exist on that day, nor will they care about one another.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:101 And when the Trumpet is blown, there will be no relationships between them that Day, nor will they ask about one another.

23:102 فمن ثقلت موزينه فاولئك هم المفلحون

Transcription (English)
23:102 Faman thaqulat mawazeenuhu faola-ikahumu almuflihoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:102 So, those whose weight is heavy on the scales, then those are the successful ones.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:102 So, those whose weights are heavy on the balance, those are the successful ones.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:102 And they whose weight [of righteousness] is heavy in the balance - it is they, they who will have attained to a happy state;
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:102 As for those whose weights are heavy, they will be the winners.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:102 Then those whose scales (of good deeds) are heavy, they are the successful.

23:103 ومن خفت موزينه فاولئك الذين خسروا انفسهم فى جهنم خلدون

Transcription (English)
23:103 Waman khaffat mawazeenuhu faola-ikaallatheena khasiroo anfusahum fee jahannama khalidoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:103 Those whose weight is light on the scales, those are the ones who lost themselves, in hell they will abide.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:103 And those whose weights are light on the balance, those are the ones who lost their souls, in Hell they will abide.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:103 whereas they whose weight is light in the balance - it is they who will have squandered their own selves, [destined] to abide in hell:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:103 Those whose weights are light are the ones who lost their souls; they abide in Hell forever.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:103 And those whose scales are light, it is those who have wasted their own ‘self’, and abide in Hell.

23:104 تلفح وجوههم النار وهم فيها كلحون

Transcription (English)
23:104 Talfahu wujoohahumu alnnaruwahum feeha kalihoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:104 The fire will scorch their faces, and in it their grin will be with displaced lips.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:104 The Fire will scorch their faces, and in it their grin will be with displaced lips.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:104 the fire will scorch their faces, and they will abide therein with their lips distorted in pain.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:104 Fire will overwhelm their faces, and they last miserably therein.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:104 Their faces in agony as the fire burns them therein.

23:105 الم تكن ءايتى تتلى عليكم فكنتم بها تكذبون

Transcription (English)
23:105 Alam takun ayatee tutlaAAalaykum fakuntum biha tukaththiboona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:105 "Were My signs not recited to you, then you denied them?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:105 "Were My revelations not recited to you, then you denied them?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:105 [And God will say:] “Were not My messages conveyed unto you, and were you [not] wont to give them the lie?"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:105 Were not My revelations recited to you, and you kept on rejecting them?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:105 (And it will be said), “Were not My messages conveyed to you, and did you not deny them?”

23:106 قالوا ربنا غلبت علينا شقوتنا وكنا قوما ضالين

Transcription (English)
23:106 Qaloo rabbana ghalabatAAalayna shiqwatuna wakunna qawman dalleena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:106 They said, "Our Lord, our wickedness overcame us, and we were a misguided people."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:106 Theysaid: "Our Lord, our wickedness overcame us, and we were a misguided people."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:106 They will exclaim: “O our Sustainer! Our bad luck has overwhelmed us, and so we went astray!62

Note 62
Lit., "we became people who go astray''. This allegorical "dialogue" is meant to bring out the futile excuse characteristic of so many sinners who attribute their failings to an abstract bad luck" (which is the meaning of shiqwah in this context); and thus, indirectly, it stresses the element of free will - and, therefore, of responsibility - in man's actions and behaviour.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:106 They will say, "Our Lord, our wickedness overwhelmed us, and we were people gone astray.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:106 They will say, “Our Lord! Our wickedness overwhelmed us, and we became a people astray.

23:107 ربنا اخرجنا منها فان عدنا فانا ظلمون

Transcription (English)
23:107 Rabbana akhrijna minhafa-in AAudna fa-inna thalimoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:107 "Our Lord, bring us out of it, and if we return to this then we are wicked."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:107 "OurLord, bring us out of it, and if we return to such, then we are indeed wicked."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:107 O our Sustainer! Cause us to come out of this [suffering] - and then, if ever We revert [to sinning], may we truly be [deemed] evildoers!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:107 "Our Lord, take us out of this; if we return (to our old behavior), then we are really wicked.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:107 Our Lord! Bring us out of here, and if we return to our old behavior, then we are wrongdoers.”

23:108 قال اخسوا فيها ولا تكلمون

Transcription (English)
23:108 Qala ikhsaoo feeha walatukallimooni
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:108 He said, "Be humiliated therein and do not speak to Me."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:108 He said: "Be humiliated therein and do not speak to Me."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:108 [But] He will say: “Away with you into this [ignominy]!63 And speak no more unto Me!

Note 63
My interpolation of the word "ignominy'' is based on the fact that this concept is inherent in the verb khasaa (lit., "he drove [someone or something] scornfully away'), and is, therefore, forcefully expressed in the imperative ikhsa'u.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:108 He will say, "Abide therein, humiliated, and do not speak to Me.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:108 He will say, “Be downgraded in this humiliation and do not speak to Me.”

23:109 انه كان فريق من عبادى يقولون ربنا ءامنا فاغفر لنا وارحمنا وانت خير الرحمين

Transcription (English)
23:109 Innahu kana fareequn min AAibadeeyaqooloona rabbana amanna faighfirlana wairhamna waanta khayru alrrahimeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:109 There was a group from among My servants who used to say, "Our Lord, we have acknowledged, so forgive us, and have mercy upon us, for You are the best of those who show mercy."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:109 There was a group from among My servants who used to say: "Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us, and have mercy upon us, for You are the best of those who show mercy."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:109 “Behold, there were among My servants such as would pray, 'O our Sustainer! We have come to believe [in Thee]; forgive, then, our sins and bestow Thy mercy on us: for Thou art the truest bestower of mercy!'64

Note 64
Lit., "the best of those [or "of all"] who show mercy". The same expression is found in the concluding verse of this surah.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
They Ridiculed the Believers23:109 "A group of My servants used to say, `Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us and shower us with mercy. Of all the merciful ones, You are the Most Merciful.',
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:109 “Behold! A group of My servants used to say, ‘Our Lord! We have chosen to believe, so forgive us and bestow grace upon us, for, You are the Most Merciful.’”

23:110 فاتخذتموهم سخريا حتى انسوكم ذكرى وكنتم منهم تضحكون

Transcription (English)
23:110 Faittakhathtumoohumsikhriyyan hatta ansawkum thikree wakuntumminhum tadhakoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:110 But you mocked them, so much so that they made you forget My remembrance, and you used to laugh at them.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:110 But you mocked them, so much so that they made you forget My remembrance, and you used to laugh at them.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:110 - but you made them a target of your derision to the point where it made you forget65 all remembrance of Me; and you went on and on laugh­ing at them.

Note 65
Lit., ''until they made you forget'': i.e., "your scoffing at them became the cause of your forgetting".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:110 "But you mocked and ridiculed them, to the extent that you forgot Me. You used to laugh at them.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:110 But you ridiculed them, to the extent that it made you ignore My message while you were laughing at them.

23:111 انى جزيتهم اليوم بما صبروا انهم هم الفائزون

Transcription (English)
23:111 Innee jazaytuhumu alyawma bima sabarooannahum humu alfa-izoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:111 I have rewarded them today for their patience, they are indeed the winners.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:111 I have rewarded them today for their patience, they are indeed the winners.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:111 [But,] behold, today I have rewarded them for their patience in adversity: verily, it is they, they who have achieved a triumph!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:111 "I have rewarded them today, in return for their steadfastness, by making them the winners.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:111 This Day I have rewarded them for their patience. They certainly are the triumphant.”

23:112 قل كم لبثتم فى الارض عدد سنين

Transcription (English)
23:112 Qala kam labithtum fee al-ardiAAadada sineena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:112 Say, "How long have you stayed on earth in terms of years?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:112 He said:"How long have you stayed in the earth in terms of years?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:112 [And] He will ask [the doomed]: “What number of years have you spent on earth?"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:112 He said, "How long have you lasted on earth? How many years?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:112 He will ask, “What number of years did you spend on earth?”

23:113 قالوا لبثنا يوما او بعض يوم فسل العادين

Transcription (English)
23:113 Qaloo labithna yawman aw baAAdayawmin fais-ali alAAaddeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:113 They said, "We remained for a day, or for part of a day. So ask those who kept count."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:113 Theysaid: "We remained for a day, or for part of a day. So ask those who kept count."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:113 They will answer: 'We have spent there a day, or part of a day; but ask those who [are able to] count [time]…"66

Note 66
This part of the allegorical "dialogue" between God and the doomed sinners touches (as do several other verses of the Qur'an) upon the illusory, problematical character of "time" as conceived by man, and the comparative irrelevancy of the life of this world within the context of the ultimate - perhaps timeless - reality known only to God. The disappearance, upon resurrection, of man's earth-bound concept of time is indicated by the helpless answer, "ask those who are able to count time".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:113 They said, "We lasted a day or part of a day. Ask those who counted.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:113 They will say, “We stayed a day or part of a day. But ask those who keep count.”

23:114 قل ان لبثتم الا قليلا لو انكم كنتم تعلمون

Transcription (English)
23:114 Qala in labithtum illaqaleelan law annakum kuntum taAAlamoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:114 He said, "You have remained for very little, if you knew."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:114 He said: "You have remained for very little, if only you knew."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:114 [Whereupon] He will say: “You have spent there but a short while: had you but known [how short it was to be]!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:114 He said, "In fact, you stayed but a brief interim, if you only knew.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:114 He will say, “You stayed only a little, if you had only realized then!”

23:115 افحسبتم انما خلقنكم عبثا وانكم الينا لا ترجعون

Transcription (English)
23:115 Afahasibtum annama khalaqnakumAAabathan waannakum ilayna la turjaAAoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:115 "Did you think that We have created you without purpose, and that you would not return to Us?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:115 "Didyou think that We have created you without purpose, and that you would not return to Us?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:115 Did you, then, think that We created you in mere idle play, and that you would not have to return to Us?"67

Note 67
Lit., "that you would not be brought back to Us", i.e., for judgment.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:115 "Did you think that we created you in vain; that you were not to be returned to us?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:115 Do you think that We have created you without purpose, and that you will not be brought back to Us?”

23:116 فتعلى الله الملك الحق لا اله الا هو رب العرش الكريم

Transcription (English)
23:116 FataAAala Allahualmaliku alhaqqu la ilaha illa huwarabbu alAAarshi alkareemi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:116 So, exalted is God, the true King, there is no god but He, the Lord of the supreme throne.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:116 So, Exalted is God, the true King, there is no god except He, the Lord of the noble Throne.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:116 [KNOW,] then, [that] God is sublimely exalted, the Ultimate Sovereign, the Ultimate Truth:68 there is no deity save Him, the Sustainer, in bountiful almightiness enthroned!69

Note 68
See surah 20 note 99.

Note 69
Lit., "the Sustainer (rabb) of the bountiful throne of almightiness (al -arsh al-karim)". See also surah 7 note 43, for an explanation of my rendering of al-arsh as "the throne of [His] almightiness''.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:116 Most exalted is GOD, the true Sovereign. There is no other god beside Him; the Most Honorable Lord, possessor of all authority.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:116 Know that God is Exalted, the King, the truth. There is no god but He, the Lord of the Honored Throne.

23:117 ومن يدع مع الله الها ءاخر لا برهن له به فانما حسابه عند ربه انه لا يفلح الكفرون

Transcription (English)
23:117 Waman yadAAu maAAa Allahi ilahanakhara la burhana lahu bihi fa-innamahisabuhu AAinda rabbihi innahu la yuflihualkafiroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:117 Whosoever calls on another god with God when he has no proof for such, then his judgment is with his Lord. The ingrates will never succeed.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:117 And whoever calls on another god with God when he has no proof for such, then his judgment is with his Lord. The rejecters will never succeed.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:117 Hence, he who invokes, side by side with God, any other deity [- a deity] for whose existence he has no evidence - shall but find his reckoning with his Sustainer: [and,] verily, such deniers of the truth will never attain to a happy state!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:117 Anyone who idolizes beside GOD any other god, and without any kind of proof, his reckoning rests with his Lord. The disbelievers never succeed.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:117 So, anyone who calls upon gods besides God, has no evidence of it. And his account rests with his Lord? Surely, such deniers of the truth will not attain the ultimate prosperity. [23:1]

23:118 وقل رب اغفر وارحم وانت خير الرحمين

Transcription (English)
23:118 Waqul rabbi ighfir wairhamwaanta khayru alrrahimeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
23:118 Say, "My Lord, forgive and have mercy, and you are the best of those who are merciful."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
23:118 And say: "My Lord, forgive and have mercy, and you are the best of those who are merciful."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
23:118 Hence, [O believer,] say: “O my Sustainer! Grant [me] forgiveness and bestow Thy mercy [upon me]: for Thou art the truest bestower of mercy!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
23:118 Say, "My Lord, shower us with forgiveness and mercy. Of all the merciful ones, You are the Most Merciful.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
23:118 And say, “My Lord! Grant me the protection of forgiveness absolving my imperfections and bestow grace, for You are the Best of the merciful.”