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

38:1 ص والقرءان ذى الذكر

Transcription (English)
38:1 Sad waalqur-ani theealththikri
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:1 S90, and the Quran that contains the Reminder.1 2

Note 1

This letter/number plays an important role in the mathematical system of the Quran based on code 19. See 74:1; 1:1; 2:1; 13:38; 27:82; 38:1; 40:28; 46:10; 72:28.


Note 2

S90. This letter/number plays an important role in the mathematical system of the Quran based on code 19. For the meaning of this letter, see 1:1; 2:1; 40:1; 13:38; 46:10; 74:1. Also see 6:124; 26:1; 40:28; 72:24.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:1 S', and the Qur'an that contains the remembrance.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:1 Sad.1 CONSIDER2 this Qur'an, endowed with all that one ought to remember!3

Note 1
See Appendix II.

Note 2
For an explanation of this rendering of the adjurative particle Wa, see first half of note 23 on 74:32.

Note 3
Or: "endowed with eminence" (Zamakhshari), since the term dhikr (lit., "reminder" or "remembrance") has also the connotation of "that which is remembered", i.e., "renown", "fame" and, tropically, "eminence". As regards the rendering preferred by me, see 21:10, where the phrase fihi dhikrukum (relating, as above, to the Qur'an) has been translated as "wherein is found all that you ought to bear in mind", i.e., in order to attain to dignity and happiness.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:1 S. (Saad), and the Quran that contains the proof.,1

Note 1
The word "Zikr" is made distinct from the Quran and clearly points at the Quran's miraculous mathematical code. See15:6, 9;16:44;21:2, 24;26:5; &36:11, 69.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:1 S. Saad. (The Saadiq, Truthful God states that), This Qur’an stands witness (with internal evidence) that it is a profound Reminder worth taking to heart and it can give you eminence. [21:24, 23:70, 43:43-44]1

Note 1


This is the 38th Surah of the Qur’an. It has 88 verses. This Surah recaps several concepts, but as usual, from diverse vantage points. Using Tasreef (looking at the Divine message in diverse verses), the central theme here is how false pride becomes a barrier between man and Reality.



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



38:2 بل الذين كفروا فى عزة وشقاق

Transcription (English)
38:2 Bali allatheena kafaroo fee AAizzatinwashiqaqin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:2 Indeed, those who have rejected are in false pride and defiance.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:2 Indeed, those who have disbelieved are in false pride and defiance.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:2 But nay - they who are bent on denying the truth are lost in [false] pride, and [hence] deeply in the wrong.4

Note 4
I.e., they refuse to acknowledge the fact of divine revelation because such an acknowledg­ment would imply an admission of man's responsibility to God - and this their false pride, manifested in their arrogant belief in man's "self-sufficiency", does not allow them to do. The same idea is expressed in 16:22 and, in a more general way, in 2:206. Cf. also 96:6.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:2 Those who disbelieve have plunged into arrogance and defiance.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:2 Nay, but those who disbelieve have plunged into arrogance and thus into opposition.2

Note 2
Shiqaaq = Opposition, schism, splitting. If they reflect on the Qur’an in all humility, they will accept the Divine truth rather than opposing it

38:3 كم اهلكنا من قبلهم من قرن فنادوا ولات حين مناص

Transcription (English)
38:3 Kam ahlakna min qablihim min qarninfanadaw walata heena manasin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:3 How many a generation have We destroyed before them. They called out when it was far too late.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:3 How many a generation have We destroyed before them. And they called out when it was far too late.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:3 How many a generation have We destroyed before their time [for this very sin]!5 And [how] they called [unto Us] when it was too late to escape!6

Note 5
It is to be noted that the term qarn signifies not merely a "generation" but also - and quite frequently in the Qur'an - "people belonging to a particular period and environment', i.e., a "civilization" in the historical connotation of this word.

Note 6
Lit., "while there was no time for escaping".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:3 Many a generation before them we annihilated. They called for help, in vain.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:3 How many a generation have We (Our Law of Requital) wiped out before them, and they cried out when it was too late to escape.

38:4 وعجبوا ان جاءهم منذر منهم وقال الكفرون هذا سحر كذاب

Transcription (English)
38:4 WaAAajiboo an jaahum munthirunminhum waqala alkafiroona hatha sahirunkaththabun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:4 They were surprised that a warner has come to them from among themselves. The ingrates said, "This is a magician, a liar."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:4 And they were surprised that a warner has come to them from among themselves. And the rejecters said: "This is a magician, a liar."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:4 Now these [people] deem it strange that a warner should have come unto them from their own midst - and [so] the deniers of the truth are saying: “A [mere] spellbinder is he, a liar!7

Note 7
Although this passage describes, in the first instance, the attitude of the pagan Quraysh towards the Prophet, it touches upon the reluctance of most people, at all times, to recognize "a man from their own midst" - i.e., a human being like themselves - as God-inspired. (See note 2 on 50:2.)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:4 They wondered that a warner should come to them, from among them. The disbelievers said, "A magician, a liar.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:4 These people wonder that a warner has come to them from their own midst! And the disbelievers say, "This is a wizard, a liar.

38:5 اجعل الءالهة الها وحدا ان هذا لشىء عجاب

Transcription (English)
38:5 AjaAAala al-alihata ilahan wahidaninna hatha lashay-on AAujabun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:5 "Has he made the gods into One god? This is indeed a strange thing!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:5 "Has he made the gods into One god? This is indeed a strange thing!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:5 Does he claim that all the deities are [but] one God? Verily, a most strange thing is this!"8

Note 8
Divorced from its purely historical background, this criticism acquires a timeless significance, and may be thus paraphrased: "Does he claim that all creative powers and qualities are inherent exclusively in what he conceives as 'one God'?" - a paraphrase which illustrates the tendency of many people to attribute a decisive influence on human life - and, hence, a quasi-divine status - to a variety of fortuitous phenomena or circumstances (like wealth, "luck", social position, etc.) rather than to acknowledge the overwhelming evidence, in all observable nature, of God's unique existence.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:5 "Did he make the gods into one god? This is really strange.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:5 Does he blend all the gods into One God? This is a thing mind-boggling!”

38:6 وانطلق الملا منهم ان امشوا واصبروا على ءالهتكم ان هذا لشىء يراد

Transcription (English)
38:6 Waintalaqa almalao minhum aniimshoo waisbiroo AAala alihatikuminna hatha lashay-on yuradu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:6 The leaders among them went out: "Walk away, and remain patient to your gods. This thing can be turned back."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:6 And the leaders among them went out: "Walk away, and remain patient to your gods. This thing can be turned back."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:6 And their leaders launch forth [thus]: “Go ahead, and hold steadfastly onto your deities: this, behold, is the only thing to do!9

Note 9
Lit., "a thing desired" or "to be desired", i.e., a sensible course of action.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:6 The leaders announced, "Go and steadfastly persevere in worshipping your gods. This is what is desired.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:6 Their leaders go about saying, "Walk away and hold on to your gods! This is the only course of action, since this (mind-boggling thing) seems to be designed against you with ulterior motives.3

Note 3
Lashayiun yuraad carries all the meanings rendered in the last sentence. 26:137

38:7 ما سمعنا بهذا فى الملة الءاخرة ان هذا الا اختلق

Transcription (English)
38:7 Ma samiAAna bihatha feealmillati al-akhirati in hatha illa ikhtilaqun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:7 "We never heard of this from the people before us. This is but an innovation."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:7 "We never heard of this from the people before us. This is but an innovation."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:7 Never did we hear of [a claim like] this in any faith of latter days!10 It is nothing but [a mortal man's] invention!

Note 10
I.e., "in any of the faiths prevalent in our days": an oblique reference to Christianity and its dogma of the Trinity, which contrasts with the Quranic concept of God's oneness and uniqueness, as well as to any other faith based on the belief in a multiplicity or multiform incarnation of divine powers (e.g., Hinduism with its triad of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:7 "We never heard of this from the religion of our fathers. This is a lie.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:7 We have never heard of this in the latest religion. This (concept of One God) is nothing but a made-up tale!4

Note 4
Even the Christians subscribe to a Triune God

38:8 اءنزل عليه الذكر من بيننا بل هم فى شك من ذكرى بل لما يذوقوا عذاب

Transcription (English)
38:8 Aonzila AAalayhi alththikru minbaynina bal hum fee shakkin min thikree bal lammayathooqoo AAathabi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:8 "Has the remembrance been sent down to him, from between all of us!" Indeed, they are doubtful of My reminder. They have not yet tasted My retribution.3

Note 3

Zikr (message) is another attribute used for the Quran or for a feature of the Quran. The word message in this verse might be referring to a particular message contained in the Quran. The Quran is message upon message, light upon light (24:35). Could the Quran contain another book coded within its text? For another aspect of the message, see 74:30. Also see 15:9; 21:2; 21:24; 26:5; 29:51; 38:1; 41:41; 44:13; 72:17; 74:49.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:8 "Has the remembrance been sent down to him, from between all of us!" Indeed, they are doubtful of My reminder. Indeed, they have not yet tasted My retribution.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:8 What! Upon him alone from among all of us should a [divine] reminder have been bestowed from on high?" Nay, but it is My Own reminder that they distrust!11 Nay, they have not yet tasted the suffering which I do impose!12

Note 11
Lit., "that they are in doubt of": i.e., it is not the personality of the Prophet that fills them with distrust, but, rather, the substance of the message proclaimed by him - and, in particular, his insistence on God's absolute oneness and uniqueness, which runs counter to their habits of thought and social traditions.

Note 12
Sc., "on people who refuse to accept the truth".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:8 "Why did the proof come down to him, instead of us?" Indeed, they are doubtful of My proof. Indeed, they have not yet tasted My retribution.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:8 What! Has the Reminder come down only to him among us?" Nay, it is My Reminder that they distrust. They have not yet tasted My doom.

38:9 ام عندهم خزائن رحمة ربك العزيز الوهاب

Transcription (English)
38:9 Am AAindahum khaza-inu rahmatirabbika alAAazeezi alwahhabi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:9 Or do they have the treasures of mercy of your Lord, the Noble, the Grantor.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:9 Or do they have the treasures of mercy of your Lord, the Noble, the Grantor.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:9 Or do they [think that they] own the treasures of thy Sustainer's grace - [the grace] of the Almighty, the Giver of Gifts?13

Note 13
I.e., "Do they think that it is for them to decide as to who should and who should not be graced with divine revelation?"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:9 Do they own the treasures of mercy of your Lord, the Almighty, the Grantor.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:9 Are theirs the treasures of the grace of your Lord, the Mighty, the Grantor of bounties?

38:10 ام لهم ملك السموت والارض وما بينهما فليرتقوا فى الاسبب

Transcription (English)
38:10 Am lahum mulku alssamawatiwaal-ardi wama baynahuma falyartaqoofee al-asbabi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:10 Or do they possess the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them? Then let them bring their own solutions.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:10 Or do they possess the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them? Then let them bring their own solutions.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:10 Or [that] the dominion over the heavens and the earth and all that is between them is theirs? Why, then, let them try to ascend [to God-like power] by all [conceivable] means!14

Note 14
I.e., "Do they think that human beings are so highly endowed that they are bound to attain, some day, to mastery over the universe and all nature, and thus to God-like power?" Cf. in this connection 96:6 and the corresponding note. As regards my rendering of al-asbab as "all [conceivable] means", see note 82 on 18:84.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:10 Do they possess the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them? Let them help themselves.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:10 Or is it that theirs is the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them? If so, let them ascend to Supremacy by all means.

38:11 جند ما هنالك مهزوم من الاحزاب

Transcription (English)
38:11 Jundun ma hunalika mahzoomunmina al-ahzabi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:11 The opposing troops they have gathered will be defeated.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:11 The Confederates that have gathered will be defeated.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:11 [But] there it is: any and all human beings, however [strongly] leagued together,15 are bound to suffer defeat [whenever they refuse to accept the truth].

Note 15
The collective noun jund, which primarily denotes "a host" or "an army", has also the meaning of "created beings", in this context obviously human beings; in combination with the particle ma, "any number of human beings". The term hizb (of which ahzab is the plural), on the other hand, denotes "a party" or "a group of people of the same mind" or "people leagued together", i.e., for a definite purpose.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:11 Instead, whatever forces they can muster - even if all their parties banded together - will be defeated.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:11 But here it is! Defeated confederates are these, however closely they might band together.

38:12 كذبت قبلهم قوم نوح وعاد وفرعون ذو الاوتاد

Transcription (English)
38:12 Kaththabat qablahum qawmu noohinwaAAadun wafirAAawnu thoo al-awtadi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:12 Rejecting before them were the people of Noah, Aad, and Pharaoh with the planks.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:12 Disbelieving before them were the people of Noah, 'Aad, and Pharaoh with the planks.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:12 To the truth gave the lie aforetime16 Noah's people, and [the tribe of] Ad, and Pharaoh of the [many] tent-poles,17

Note 16
Lit., "before them", i.e., before the people who opposed or oppose Muhammad's message.

Note 17
In classical Arabic, this ancient bedouin term is used idiomatically as a metonym for "mighty dominion" or "firmness of power" (Zamakhshari). The number of poles supporting a bedouin tent is determined by its size, and the latter has always depended on the status and power of its owner: thus, a mighty chieftain is often alluded to as "he of many tent-poles".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:12 Disbelieving before them were the people of Noah, `Aad, and the mighty Pharaoh.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:12 And before them denied the truth, the people of Noah, ‘Aad and Pharaoh of the firm stakes.5

Note 5
Zil-awtaad = The lord of the Pyramids. It may also refer to Pharaoh’s frequent crucifixion of his subjects on palm-tree stakes. 7:124, 20:71, 26:49

38:13 وثمود وقوم لوط واصحب ليكة اولئك الاحزاب

Transcription (English)
38:13 Wathamoodu waqawmu lootin waas-habual-aykati ola-ika al-ahzabu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:13 And Thamud, and the people of Lot, the dwellers of the Woods; such were the opponents.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:13 And Thamud, and the people of Lot, and the people of the Sycamore; these are the Confederates.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:13 and [the tribe of] Thamud, and the people of Lot, and the dwellers of the wooded dales [of Madyan]: they all were leagued together, [as it were, in their unbelief:]
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:13 Also, Thamoud, the people of Lot, the dwellers of the Woods (of Midyan); those were the opponents.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:13 And Thamud, and the people of Lot, and the dwellers of the Wood-dales (of Midyan). And they were clans strongly banded.

38:14 ان كل الا كذب الرسل فحق عقاب

Transcription (English)
38:14 In kullun illa kaththaba alrrusulafahaqqa AAiqabi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:14 Each of them rejected the messengers, therefore My retribution came to be.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:14 Each of them disbelieved the messengers, therefore My retribution came to be.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:14 not one [was there] but gave the lie to the apostles - and thereupon My retribution fell due.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:14 Each of them disbelieved the messengers and thus, My retribution was inevitable.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:14 All of them accused the Messengers of lying, and thus, My retribution was justified.

38:15 وما ينظر هؤلاء الا صيحة وحدة ما لها من فواق

Transcription (English)
38:15 Wama yanthuru haola-iilla sayhatan wahidatan ma lahamin fawaqin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:15 What these people are waiting for is a single scream, from which they will not recover.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:15 And what these people are waiting for is a single scream, from which they will not recover.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:15 And they [who now deny the truth - they, too,] have but to wait for one single blast [of punishment to overtake them]: it shall not be delayed a whit.18

Note 18
Sc., "beyond the term set for it by God".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:15 These people can expect a single blow, from which they never recover.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:15 These people only wait a single blast from which they would not recover.

38:16 وقالوا ربنا عجل لنا قطنا قبل يوم الحساب

Transcription (English)
38:16 Waqaloo rabbana AAajjil lanaqittana qabla yawmi alhisabi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:16 They said, "Our Lord, hasten for us our punishment, before the day of Reckoning."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:16 And they said: "Our Lord, hasten for us our punishment, before the Day of Reckoning."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:16 As it is, they say [mockingly]: “O our Sus­tainer! Hasten on to us our share [of punishment even] before the Day of Reckoning!"19

Note 19
Cf. 8:32. This mocking "demand" of the unbelievers is mentioned in several other places in the Qur'an.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:16 They challenged: "Our Lord, why do you not rush the retribution for us, before the Day of Reckoning.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:16 And they mock, "Our Lord! Bring for us our sentence before the Day of Account."

38:17 اصبر على ما يقولون واذكر عبدنا داود ذا الايد انه اواب

Transcription (English)
38:17 Isbir AAala mayaqooloona waothkur AAabdana dawooda thaal-aydi innahu awwabun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
David's Sensitivity Regarding Justice38:17 Be patient to what they say, and recall Our servant David, the resourceful. He was obedient.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:17 Be patient to what they say, and recall Our servant David, the resourceful. He was obedient.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:17 [But] bear thou with patience whatever they may say, and remember Our servant David, him who was endowed with [so much] inner strength! He, verily, would always turn unto Us:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:17 Be patient in the face of their utterances, and remember our servant David, the resourceful; he was obedient.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:17 Bear with patience whatever they may say, and remember Our servant David, the man of strength and resources. He always turned to Us (for guidance).

38:18 انا سخرنا الجبال معه يسبحن بالعشى والاشراق

Transcription (English)
38:18 Inna sakhkharna aljibalamaAAahu yusabbihna bialAAashiyyi waal-ishraqi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:18 We committed the mountains to glorify with him, during dusk and dawn.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:18 We commissioned the mountains to glorify with him, at dusk and dawn.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:18 [and for this,] behold, We caused20 the mountains to join him in extolling Our limitless glory at eventide and at sun­rise,

Note 20
Lit., "We compelled" or "constrained".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:18 We committed the mountains in his service, glorifying with him night and day.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:18 We subdued for him the strong Mountain Tribes that strove along with him night and day.

38:19 والطير محشورة كل له اواب

Transcription (English)
38:19 Waalttayra mahshooratankullun lahu awwabun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:19 The birds were gathered; all were obedient to him.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:19 And the birds were gathered; all were obedient to him.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:19 and [likewise] the birds in their assemblies:21 [together] they all Would turn again and again unto Him [who had created them].

Note 21
See surah 21 note 73.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:19 Also the birds were committed to serve him; all were obedient to him.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:19 And the nomad riders of Tayir Tribe were all obedient to him. [21:79, 27:16, 34:10]

38:20 وشددنا ملكه وءاتينه الحكمة وفصل الخطاب

Transcription (English)
38:20 Washadadna mulkahu waataynahualhikmata wafasla alkhitabi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:20 We strengthened his kingship, and We gave him the wisdom and the ability to make sound judgment.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:20 And We strengthened his kingship, and We gave him the wisdom and the ability to make sound judgment.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:20 And We streng­thened his dominion, and bestowed upon him wisdom and sagacity in judgment.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:20 We strengthened his kingship, and endowed him with wisdom and good logic.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:20 We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and good judgment. And We endowed him with the ability to make just decisions, and speak eloquently. [17:39, 43:63]

38:21 وهل اتىك نبؤا الخصم اذ تسوروا المحراب

Transcription (English)
38:21 Wahal ataka nabao alkhasmi ithtasawwaroo almihraba
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:21 Did the news come to you of the disputing party who came over into the temple enclosure?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:21 Did the news come to you of the disputing party who came over into the temple enclosure?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:21 AND YET, has the story of the litigants come within thy ken - [the story of the two] who surmounted the walls of the sanctuary [in which David prayed]?22

Note 22
The story which, according to the oldest sources at our disposal, is alluded to in verses 21-26 affects the question as to whether God's elect, the prophets - all of whom were endowed, like David, with "wisdom and sagacity in judgment" - could or could not ever commit a sin: in other words, whether they, too, were originally subject to the weaknesses inherent in human nature as such or were a priori endowed with an essential purity of character which rendered each of them incapable of sinning" (masum). In the form in which it has been handed down from the earliest authorities (including, according to Tabari and Baghawi, Companions like Abd Allah ibn Abbas and Anas ibn Malik, as well as several of the most prominent of their immediate successors), the story contradicts the doctrine - somewhat arbitrarily developed by Muslim theologians in the course of the centuries - that prophets cannot sin by virtue of their very nature, and tends to show that their purity and subsequent sinless ness is a result of inner struggles and trials and, thus, represents in each case a moral achievement rather than an inborn quality. As narrated in some detail by Tabari and other early commentators, David fell in love with a beautiful woman whom he accidentally observed from his roof terrace. On inquiring, he was told that she was the wife of one of his officers, named Uriah. Impelled by his passion, David ordered his field-commander to place Uriah in a particularly exposed battle position, where he would be certain to be killed; and as soon as his order was fulfilled and Uriah died, David married the widow (who subsequently became the mother of Solomon). This story agrees more or less with the Old Testament, which gives the woman's name as Bath-Sheba (II Samuel xi), barring the Biblical allegation that David committed adultery with her before Uriah's death (ibid. xi, 4-5) - an allegation which has always been rejected by Muslims as highly offensive and slanderous: cf. the saying of the fourth Caliph, Ali ibn Abi Talib (quoted by Zamakhshari on the authority of Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab): "If anyone should narrate the story of David in the manner in which the story-tellers narrate it, I will have him flogged with one hundred and sixty stripes - for this is a [suitable] punishment for slandering prophets" (thus indirectly recalling the Quranic ordinance, in 24:4, which stipulates flogging with eighty stripes for accusing ordinary persons of adultery without legal proof). According to most of the commentators, the two "litigants" who suddenly appeared before David were angels sent to bring home to him his sin. It is possible, however, to see in their appearance an allegory of David's own realization of having sinned: voices of his own conscience which at last "surmounted the walls" of the passion that had blinded him for a time.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:21 Have you received news of the feuding men who sneaked into his sanctuary?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:21 Have you heard of the story of the two disputing men when they climbed the wall into his private chamber?

38:22 اذ دخلوا على داود ففزع منهم قالوا لا تخف خصمان بغى بعضنا على بعض فاحكم بيننا بالحق ولا تشطط واهدنا الى سواء الصرط

Transcription (English)
38:22 Ith dakhaloo AAala dawoodafafaziAAa minhum qaloo la takhaf khasmanibagha baAAduna AAala baAAdinfaohkum baynana bialhaqqi walatushtit waihdina ila sawa-ialssirati
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:22 When they entered upon David, he was startled by them. They said, "Have no fear. We are two who have disputed, and one has wronged the other, so judge between us with truth, and do not wrong us, and guide us to the right path."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:22 When they entered upon David, he was startled by them. They said: "Have no fear. We are two who have disputed, and one has wronged the other, so judge between us with the truth, and do not wrong us, and guide us to the right path."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:22 As they came upon David, and he shrank back in fear from them, they said: “Fear not! [We are but] two litigants. One of us has wronged the other: so judge thou between us with justice, and deviate not from what is right, and show [both of] us the way to rectitude.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:22 When they entered his room, he was startled. They said, "Have no fear. We are feuding with one another, and we are seeking your fair judgment. Do not wrong us, and guide us in the right path.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:22 When they breached his privacy, he was startled. They said, "Do not be startled!" We are both disputing with each other as to who has done wrong to the other. Therefore, judge fairly between us. Do not deviate from equity and guide us to the even path."

38:23 ان هذا اخى له تسع وتسعون نعجة ولى نعجة وحدة فقال اكفلنيها وعزنى فى الخطاب

Transcription (English)
38:23 Inna hatha akhee lahu tisAAunwatisAAoona naAAjatan waliya naAAjatun wahidatun faqalaakfilneeha waAAazzanee fee alkhitabi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:23 "This is my brother and he owns ninety nine lambs, while I own one lamb; so he said to me: ‘Let me take care of it' and he pressured me."4

Note 4

See 74:30.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:23 "This is my brother and he owns ninety-nine lambs, while I own one lamb; so he said to me: "'Let me take care of it' and he pressured me."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:23 “Behold, this is my brother: he has ninety-nine ewes, whereas I have [only] one ewe - and yet he said, 'Make her over to me,' and forcibly prevailed against me in this [our] dispute."
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:23 "This brother of mine owns ninety nine sheep, while I own one sheep. He wants to mix my sheep with his, and continues to pressure me.",2

Note 2
This is the only place where the number 99 occurs. Thirty different numbers are mentioned in the Quran, and their total comes to 162146, 19x8534.See Appendix1.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:23 One of them said, "This my brother has ninety nine farms, whereas I have only one. And yet he says, ‘Give it over to me’, and he dominates me in argument."6

Note 6
Na’jah = Ewe = Female sheep or deer = Agricultural farm

38:24 قال لقد ظلمك بسؤال نعجتك الى نعاجه وان كثيرا من الخلطاء ليبغى بعضهم على بعض الا الذين ءامنوا وعملوا الصلحت وقليل ما هم وظن داود انما فتنه فاستغفر ربه وخر راكعا واناب

Transcription (English)
38:24 Qala laqad thalamakabisu-ali naAAjatika ila niAAajihi wa-innakatheeran mina alkhulata-i layabghee baAAduhum AAalabaAAdin illa allatheena amanoowaAAamiloo alssalihati waqaleelun mahum wathanna dawoodu annama fatannahufaistaghfara rabbahu wakharra rakiAAan waanaba
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:24 He said, "He has wronged you by asking to combine your lambs with his lambs. Many who mix their properties take advantage of one another, except those who acknowledge and promote reforms, and these are very few." David guessed that We had tested him, so he sought forgiveness from his Lord, and fell down kneeling, and repented.5

Note 5

We are not given the exact reason why David repented. Perhaps we are expected to ponder on our own. For instance, I find at least two reasons for what might have caused David to feel guilty. The complaint and his reaction to it might have reminded him of his own greed and injustice against others. Or perhaps, after making the judgment, he realized that he reached a verdict without listening to the other party. Justice cannot be adjudicated in an ex parte hearing. The plaintiff might be distorting or hiding some facts pertinent to the case. Even if we approach the case in terms of social justice, hearing the defendant is still important. For instance, the plaintiff in this case could have been the owner of vast lands, vineyards and farms, while the entire wealth of the other party could have been no more than a hundred sheep. (See also: 28:15)

The Quran mentions David's name 16 times and describes him in very positive words. He was blessed by God (17:55; 21:79; 34:10), knowledgeable (27:15), resourceful and obedient (38:17), caring and just (38:22).

The Old Testament in 2 Samuel 12:1-14 tells a similar story about David with variable details. The Bible describes David as a good-looking young man (1 Samuel 17:25 ) and praises his intelligence and courage (1 Samuel 17:1-58 ), at age thirty he becomes king by divine direction (2 Samuel 2:1-4 ), and after some internal fights, finally becomes king over all of Israel (2 Samuel 4:1-12 ; 5:1; 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 ), brings the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem (Psalms 24:1), and extends his kingdom after fighting a series of wars and committing numerous massacres in a vast territory (2 Samuel 8:1-18 ; 8:3; 10:1; 18:7; 19:31; 21:11; 29:5). However, the Bible that praises him for wars and bloody conquests, contains lengthy stories blaming him for being a sinful manipulator (2 Samuel 11:2-27 ), and a sinful proud man who angered God (2 Samuel 23:39 ), and having affairs with married women (1 Samuel 25:31-44 ). The Bible then tells us about the reformation of David by depicting him in his last moments as one with abiding appreciation and trust in God after his reign of forty years (2 Samuel 23:1-7 ; 2 Samuel 5:5 ; 1 Corinthians 3:4 ).

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:24 He said: "He has wronged you by asking to combine your lamb with his lambs. And many who mix their properties take advantage of one another, except those who believe and do good works, and these are very few." And David guessed that We had tested him, so he sought forgiveness from his Lord, and fell down kneeling, and repented.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:24 Said [David]: “He has certainly wronged thee by demanding that thy ewe be added to his ewes! Thus, behold, do many kinsmen wrong one another23 [all] save those who believe [in God] and do righteous deeds: but how few are they!" And [suddenly] David understood that We had tried him:24 and so he asked his Sustainer to forgive him his sin, and fell down in prostration, and turned unto Him in repentance.

Note 23
The term khulata (sing. khalit) denotes, literally, "people who mix [i.e., are familiar or intimate] with others" or "with one another". In the present instance it evidently alludes to the "brotherhood" between the two mysterious litigants, and is therefore best rendered as "kinsmen".

Note 24
Sc., "and that he had failed" (in the matter of Bath-Sheba).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
David's Exemplary Piety38:24 He said, "He is being unfair to you by asking to combine your sheep with his. Most people who combine their properties treat each other unfairly, except those who believe and work righteousness, and these are so few." Afterwards, David wondered if he made the right judgment. He thought that we were testing him. He then implored his Lord for forgiveness, bowed down, and repented.,3

Note 3
In this clear example, 99 on one side vs 1 on the other side, David's extreme care to render the correct judgmentcaused him to ask forgiveness. Are we this careful?
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:24 David said, "He has certainly wronged you in demanding your farm in addition to his farms. Many close associates and partners (in business) treat each other unfairly, except those who believe (in the Law of Recompense) and care for others. And how few are they?” Afterwards, David thought that We had tried him. (The economic system in his kingdom needed reform.) He asked forgiveness of his Lord, bowed in humility and turned to Him (for guidance).

38:25 فغفرنا له ذلك وان له عندنا لزلفى وحسن ماب

Transcription (English)
38:25 Faghafarna lahu thalikawa-inna lahu AAindana lazulfa wahusna maabin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:25 So We forgave him in this matter. For him with Us is a near position, and a beautiful abode.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:25 So We forgave him in this matter. And for him with Us is a near position, and a beautiful abode.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:25 And thereupon We forgave him that [sin]: and, verily, nearness to Us awaits him [in the life to come], and the most beauteous of all goals!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:25 We forgave him in this matter. We have granted him a position of honor with us, and a beautiful abode.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:25 So We granted him forgiveness for this lapse. We have granted him honor from Our Presence, and a beautiful abode.7

Note 7
Although mentioned by many ancient and modern commentators of the Qur’an, the Biblical story of David taking Uriah's beautiful wife, Bathsheba, finds no place in the Qur’an

38:26 يداود انا جعلنك خليفة فى الارض فاحكم بين الناس بالحق ولا تتبع الهوى فيضلك عن سبيل الله ان الذين يضلون عن سبيل الله لهم عذاب شديد بما نسوا يوم الحساب

Transcription (English)
38:26 Ya dawoodu inna jaAAalnakakhaleefatan fee al-ardi faohkum bayna alnnasibialhaqqi wala tattabiAAi alhawa fayudillakaAAan sabeeli Allahi inna allatheena yadilloonaAAan sabeeli Allahi lahum AAathabun shadeedun bimanasoo yawma alhisabi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:26 O David, We have made you a successor on earth. Therefore, you shall judge among the people with truth, and do not follow desire, lest it diverts you from the path of God. Indeed, those who stray off the path of God will have a severe retribution for forgetting the day of Reckoning.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:26 O David, We have made you a successor on the earth. Therefore, you shall judge among the people with the truth, and do not follow desire, lest it diverts you from the path of God. Indeed, those who stray off the path of God will have a severe retribution for forgetting the Day of Reckoning.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:26 [And We said:] “O David! Behold, We have made thee a [prophet and, thus, Our] vicegerent on earth: judge, then, between men with justice, and do not follow vain desire, lest it lead thee astray from the path of God: verily, for those who go astray from the path of God there is suffering severe in store for having forgotten the Day of Reckoning!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:26 O David, we have made you a ruler on earth. Therefore, you shall judge among the people equitably, and do not follow your personal opinion, lest it diverts you from the way of GOD. Surely, those who stray off the way of GOD incur severe retribution for forgetting the Day of Reckoning.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:26 (We said to him), "O David! We have made you a ruler on the earth. Therefore, establish the System of justice and equity for people. Never let your judgment be swayed by personal whims causing you to deviate from the path of God. For those who wander from the path of God, there is a strict retribution for having forgotten the Day of Account."

38:27 وما خلقنا السماء والارض وما بينهما بطلا ذلك ظن الذين كفروا فويل للذين كفروا من النار

Transcription (English)
38:27 Wama khalaqna alssamaawaal-arda wama baynahuma batilanthalika thannu allatheena kafaroofawaylun lillatheena kafaroo mina alnnari
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:27 We did not create the heaven and the earth, and everything between them, in vain. Such is the thinking of those who rejected. Therefore, because of the fire woe to those who have rejected.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:27 And We did not create the heaven and the earth, and everything between them, in vain. Such is the thinking of those who rejected. Therefore, woe to those who have rejected from the Fire.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:27 AND [thus it is:] We have not created heaven and earth and all that is between them without meaning and purpose, as is the surmise of those who are bent on denying the truth:25 but then, woe from the fire [of hell] unto all who are bent on denying the truth!26

Note 25
Cf. 3:191. The above statement appears in the Qur'an in several formulations; see, in particular, note 11 on 10:5. In the present instance it connects with the mention of the Day of Reckoning in the preceding verse, thus leading organically from a specific aspect of David's story to a moral teaching of wider import.

Note 26
I.e., a deliberate rejection of the belief that the universe - and, in particular, human life - is imbued with meaning and purpose leads unavoidably - though sometimes imperceptibly - to a rejection of all moral imperatives, to spiritual blindness and, hence, to suffering in the life to come.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:27 We did not create the heaven and the earth, and everything between them, in vain. Such is the thinking of those who disbelieve. Therefore, woe to those who disbelieve; they will suffer in Hell.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:27 (No action goes uncompensated since) We have not created the heavens and earth and all that is between them in vain, without meaning and purpose. Such is the assumption of those who disbelieve. There is destruction from the fire for those who oppose the truth. [10:4, 11:7, 45:22, 53:31]

38:28 ام نجعل الذين ءامنوا وعملوا الصلحت كالمفسدين فى الارض ام نجعل المتقين كالفجار

Transcription (English)
38:28 Am najAAalu allatheena amanoowaAAamiloo alssalihati kaalmufsideenafee al-ardi am najAAalu almuttaqeena kaalfujjari
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:28 Or shall We treat those who acknowledge and promote reforms as We treat those who make corruption on earth? Or shall We treat the righteous as the wicked?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:28 Or shall We treat those who believe and do good works as We treat those who make corruption on the earth? Or shall We treat the righteous as the wicked?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:28 [For,] would We treat those who have attained to faith and do righteous deeds in the same manner as [We shall treat] those who spread corruption on earth? Would We treat the God-conscious in the same manner as the wicked?27

Note 27
By implication, belief in resurrection, judgment and life after death is postulated in this passage (verses 27-28) as a logical corollary - almost a premise - of all belief in God: for, since we see that many righteous people suffer all manner of misery and deprivations in this world, while, on the other hand, many of the wicked and depraved enjoy their lives in peace and affluence, we must either assume that God does not exist (because the concept of injustice is incompatible with that of Godhead), or - alternatively - that there is a hereafter in which both the righteous and the unrighteous will harvest in full what they had morally sown during their lives on earth.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:28 Shall we treat those who believe and lead a righteous life as we treat those who commit evil on earth? Shall we treat the righteous as we treat the wicked?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:28 Shall We treat those who believe and improve the society as We treat those who spread corruption in the land? Or shall We treat the guardians of the law as the law-breakers?

38:29 كتب انزلنه اليك مبرك ليدبروا ءايته وليتذكر اولوا الالبب

Transcription (English)
38:29 Kitabun anzalnahu ilayka mubarakunliyaddabbaroo ayatihi waliyatathakkara olooal-albabi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:29 A book that We have sent down to you, that is blessed, so that they may reflect upon its signs, and so that those with intelligence will take heed.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:29 A Book that We have sent down to you, that is blessed, so that they may reflect upon its revelations, and so that those who possess intelligence will take heed.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:29 [All this have We expounded in this] blessed divine writ which We have revealed unto thee, [O Muhammad,] so that men may ponder over its mes­sages, and that those who are endowed with insight may take them to heart.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:29 This is a scripture that we sent down to you, that is sacred - perhaps they reflect on its verses. Those who possess intelligence will take heed.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:29 This is a scripture that We have revealed to you (O Prophet), full of lasting bliss that they may ponder its messages and that people of understanding may take them to heart.

38:30 ووهبنا لداود سليمن نعم العبد انه اواب

Transcription (English)
38:30 Wawahabna lidawooda sulaymananiAAma alAAabdu innahu awwabun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Solomon is Tested by Wealth38:30 To David We granted Solomon. What an excellent and obedient servant.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:30 And to David We granted Solomon. What an excellent and obedient servant.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:30 AND UNTO DAVID We granted Solomon [as a son - and] how excellent a servant [of Ours he grew up to be]! Behold, he would always turn unto Us -28

Note 28
I.e., he would always think of God, as illustrated by the example given in the sequence.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Solomon's Exemplary Devotion38:30 To David we granted Solomon; a good and obedient servant.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:30 And to David We granted Solomon, how excellent a servant! He would turn to Divine laws in every situation.

38:31 اذ عرض عليه بالعشى الصفنت الجياد

Transcription (English)
38:31 Ith AAurida AAalayhi bialAAashiyyialssafinatu aljiyadu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:31 When, during dusk, well trained horses were displayed before him.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:31 When, before evening, well trained horses were displayed before him.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:31 [and even] when, towards the close of day, nobly-bred, swift-footed steeds were brought before him,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:31 One day he became preoccupied with beautiful horses, until the night fell.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:31 In the evenings he used to examine his cavalry of nicely-bred, swift-footed horses.

38:32 فقال انى احببت حب الخير عن ذكر ربى حتى توارت بالحجاب

Transcription (English)
38:32 Faqala innee ahbabtu hubbaalkhayri AAan thikri rabbee hatta tawaratbialhijabi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:32 He said, "I enjoyed the good of materials more than I enjoyed remembering my Lord, until it became totally dark!"*
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:32 He said: "I have enjoyed materialism more than I enjoyed the remembrance of my Lord; until it had set beyond the horizon!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:32 he would say, “Verily, I have come to love the love of all that is good because I bear my Sustainer in mind!"29 [repeating these words as the steeds raced away,] until they were hidden by the veil [of distance - whereupon he would command],30

Note 29
Lit., "because of [or "out of"] the remembrance of my Sustainer".

Note 30
This and the preceding interpolation are based on Razi's interpretation of this passage.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:32 He then said, "I enjoyed the material things more than I enjoyed worshipping my Lord, until the sun was gone.,4

Note 4
Solomon missed his afternoon prayer because of his horses. To nullify Satan's possible claim that Solomon loved his horses more than loving God,he got rid of his horses.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:32 He would say, “Surely, I love all that is good since it reminds me of my Lord”, (as the horses raced away) until hidden by the veil of the sunset.

38:33 ردوها على فطفق مسحا بالسوق والاعناق

Transcription (English)
38:33 Ruddooha AAalayya fatafiqa mashanbialssooqi waal-aAAnaqi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:33 "Send them back." He then rubbed their legs and necks.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:33 "Send them back." He then rubbed their legs and necks.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:33 “Bring them back unto me!"- and would [lovingly] stroke their legs and their necks.31

Note 31
The story of Solomon's love of beautiful horses is meant to show that all true love of God is bound to be reflected in one's realization of, and reverence for, the beauty created by Him.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:33 "Bring them back." (To bid farewell,) he rubbed their legs and necks.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:33 "Bring them back to me!" – and he would lovingly stroke their legs and their necks.8

Note 8
Solomon loved his cavalry since they helped him glorify his Lord’s name. But, many ancient exponents of the Qur’an and in their following some modern ones too have, unfortunately, contrived most fantastic stories here. They assert, without any grounds, that one day Solomon got engrossed in his horses and thus his evening prayer was delayed. So, he called back the twenty thousand of his horses and single-handedly slaughtered them with his sword!

38:34 ولقد فتنا سليمن والقينا على كرسيه جسدا ثم اناب

Transcription (English)
38:34 Walaqad fatanna sulaymanawaalqayna AAala kursiyyihi jasadan thumma anaba
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:34 We tested Solomon and placed a corpse on his throne, but he then repented.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:34 And We tested Solomon and placed a corpse upon his throne, but he then repented.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:34 But [ere this], indeed, We had tried Solomon by placing upon his throne a [lifeless] body;32 and thereupon he turned [towards Us; and]

Note 32
To explain this verse, some of the commentators advance the most fantastic stories, almost all of them going back to Talmudic sources. Razi rejects them all, maintaining that they are unworthy of serious consideration. Instead, he plausibly suggests that the "body" (jasad) upon Solomon's throne is an allusion to his own body, and - metonymically - to his kingly power, which was bound to remain "lifeless" so long as it was not inspired by God-willed ethical values. (It is to be borne in mind that in classical Arabic a person utterly weakened by illness, worry or fear, or devoid of moral values, is often described as "a body without a soul".) In other words, Solomon's early trial consisted in his inheriting no more than a kingly position, and it rested upon him to endow that position with spiritual essence and meaning.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:34 We thus put Solomon to the test; we blessed him with vast material wealth, but he steadfastly submitted.,5

Note 5
& 41 Solomon and Job represent both ends of the testing spectrum. We are put to the test through wealth,health, or lack of them, to see if we worship God alone under allcircumstances.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:34 We passed Solomon through difficult times by granting him a very incompetent (son) to succeed him to his throne. Yet, he turned to Us as always.9

Note 9
'Jasad' = A mere body. His son, the crown prince Rehoboam was a hopeless presence 34:14. Until that point in history, the kingdom of Israel was inherited and ruled by the generations of Prophet Jacob

38:35 قال رب اغفر لى وهب لى ملكا لا ينبغى لاحد من بعدى انك انت الوهاب

Transcription (English)
38:35 Qala rabbi ighfir lee wahab leemulkan la yanbaghee li-ahadin min baAAdee innakaanta alwahhabu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:35 He said, "My Lord, forgive me, and grant me a kingship that will never be attained by anyone after me. You are the Grantor."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:35 He said: "My Lord, forgive me, and grant me a kingship that will never be attained by anyone after me. You are the Grantor."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:35 he prayed: “O my Sustainer! Forgive me my sins, and bestow upon me the gift of a kingdom which may not suit anyone after me:33 verily, Thou alone art a giver of gifts!"

Note 33
I.e., a spiritual kingdom, which could not be inherited by anyone and, hence, would not be exposed to envy or worldly intrigue.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:35 He said, "My Lord, forgive me, and grant me a kingship never attained by anyone else. You are the Grantor.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:35 Solomon prayed, "O My Lord! Absolve my imperfections and bestow upon me the gift of a kingdom that may not suit anyone (incompetent) after me. Surely, You are the Grantor of bounties.”10

Note 10
He did not wish to leave his great kingdom in incompetent hands and in all probability was thinking of merit in preference over lineage. 34:14, 38:34

38:36 فسخرنا له الريح تجرى بامره رخاء حيث اصاب

Transcription (English)
38:36 Fasakhkharna lahu alrreehatajree bi-amrihi rukhaan haythu asaba
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:36 So, We committed the wind to run by his command, raining gently where he directed it.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:36 So, We commissioned the wind to run by his command, raining gently where he directed it.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:36 And so34 We made subservient to him the wind, so that it gently sped at his behest whithersoever he willed,35

Note 34
I.e., as a reward for his humility and turning-away from worldly ambitions, implied in the prayer, "Forgive me my sins".

Note 35
Cf. 21:81 and the corresponding note 75. For the meaning, in general, of the many legends surrounding the person of Solomon, see note 77 on 21:82.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:36 We (answered his prayer and) committed the wind at his disposal, pouring rain wherever he wanted.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:36 So We gave him the science of making the wind serve him and it carried his ships wherever he intended. [34:12]

38:37 والشيطين كل بناء وغواص

Transcription (English)
38:37 Waalshshayateena kulla banna-inwaghawwasin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:37 The devils, builders and divers.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:37 And the devils, building and diving.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:37 as well as all the rebellious forces [that We made to work for him] - every kind of builder and diver -
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:37 And the devils, building and diving.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:37 And We made subservient to him the wild unruly men, every kind of builder and diver. [21:82, 34:13]

38:38 وءاخرين مقرنين فى الاصفاد

Transcription (English)
38:38 Waakhareena muqarraneena fee al-asfadi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:38 Others, held by restraints.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:38 And others, held by restraints.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:38 and others linked together in fetters.36

Note 36
I.e., subdued and, as it were, tamed by him: see note 76 on 21:82, which explains my rendering, in this context, of shayatin as "rebellious forces".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:38 Others were placed at his disposal.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:38 And others linked together in chains of discipline.

38:39 هذا عطاؤنا فامنن او امسك بغير حساب

Transcription (English)
38:39 Hatha AAataona faomnunaw amsik bighayri hisabin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:39 "This is Our gift, so you may spend or withhold, without any repercussions."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:39 "This is Our gift, so you may spend or withhold, without any repercussions."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:39 [And We told him:] “This is Our gift, for thee to bestow freely on others, or to withhold, without [having to render] account!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:39 "This is our provision to you; you may give generously, or withhold, without limits.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:39 We told him, “All this is Our Gift for you. Give freely or withhold, in matters of the State, according to your best judgment. It is given to you beyond count.”

38:40 وان له عندنا لزلفى وحسن ماب

Transcription (English)
38:40 Wa-inna lahu AAindana lazulfawahusna maabin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:40 He has deserved a near position with Us, and a wonderful abode.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:40 And he has a near position with Us, and a wonderful abode.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:40 And, verily, nearness to Us awaits him [in the life to come], and the most beauteous of all goals!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:40 He has deserved an honorable position with us, and a wonderful abode.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:40 We have granted him honor from Our Presence, and a beautiful abode.

38:41 واذكر عبدنا ايوب اذ نادى ربه انى مسنى الشيطن بنصب وعذاب

Transcription (English)
38:41 Waothkur AAabdanaayyooba ith nada rabbahu annee massaniya alshshaytanubinusbin waAAathabin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Job is Tested by Health and Family Problems38:41 Recall Our servant Job, when he called upon his Lord: "The devil has afflicted me with an illness and pain."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:41 And recall Our servant Job, when he called upon his Lord: "The devil has afflicted me with an illness and pain."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:41 AND CALL to mind Our servant Job,37 [how it was] when he cried out to his Sustainer, “Behold, Satan has afflicted me with [utter] weariness and suffering!"38

Note 37
See note 78 on 21:83.

Note 38
I.e., with life-weariness in consequence of suffering. As soon as he realizes that God has been testing him, Job perceives that his utter despondency and weariness of life - eloquently described in the Old Testament (The Book of Job iii) - was but due to what is described as "Satan's whisperings": this is the moral to be drawn from the above evocation of Job's story.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:41 Remember our servant Job: he called upon his Lord, "The devil has afflicted me with hardship and pain.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:41 And remember Our servant Job, when he called upon his Lord, “The serpent has bitten me and I am in distress and suffering.”11

Note 11
'Satan has touched me', as a metonym = Serpent has bitten me. Satan also denotes Serpent in the Bible and other ancient writings. Job was left alone from his caravan and family, ran out of the essential supplies, and now this happened. 4:163, 6:84, 21:83

38:42 اركض برجلك هذا مغتسل بارد وشراب

Transcription (English)
38:42 Orkud birijlika hathamughtasalun baridun washarabun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:42 "Strike with your foot, here is a cold spring to wash with and to drink."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:42 "Rapidly move with your foot, here is a cold spring to wash with and to drink."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:42 [and thereupon was told:] “Strike [the ground] with thy foot: here is cool water to wash with and to drink!"39

Note 39
According to the classical commentators, the miraculous appearance of a healing spring heralded the end of Job's suffering, both physical and mental.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:42 "Strike the ground with your foot. A spring will give you healing and a drink.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:42 (He was told), “Strike the ground with your foot (move away a little bit). And here is cool water to wash with and a refreshing drink.”

38:43 ووهبنا له اهله ومثلهم معهم رحمة منا وذكرى لاولى الالبب

Transcription (English)
38:43 Wawahabna lahu ahlahu wamithlahummaAAahum rahmatan minna wathikrali-olee al-albabi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:43 We restored his family to him along with a group like them, as a mercy from Us; and a reminder for those who possess intelligence.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:43 And We restored his family to him along with a group like them, as a mercy from Us; and a reminder for those who possess intelligence.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:43 And We bestowed upon him new offspring,40 doubling their number as an act of grace from Us, and as a reminder unto all who are endowed with insight.

Note 40
Lit., "his family" (cf. 21:84 and the corresponding note 79).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
God Makes it up to the Believers38:43 We restored his family for him; twice as many. Such is our mercy; a reminder for those who possess intelligence.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:43 And We gave him back his family and followers and, in time, doubled their numbers as a grace from Us. And herein is a Reminder for people of understanding (on the virtue of steadfastness).12

Note 12
At this point, we read weird stories that his one dozen children had died and two dozens 'new' children were given to him in exchange. That is too many labor pains for his aging wife! Ah! The poor woman. And then every child being a unique presence is irreplaceable

38:44 وخذ بيدك ضغثا فاضرب به ولا تحنث انا وجدنه صابرا نعم العبد انه اواب

Transcription (English)
38:44 Wakhuth biyadika dighthan faidribbihi wala tahnath inna wajadnahu sabiranniAAma alAAabdu innahu awwabun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:44 "Take in your hand a bundle and travel with it, and do not break your oath." We found him steadfast. What a good servant! He was obedient.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:44 "And take in your hand a bundle and go forth with it, and do not break your oath." We found him steadfast. What a good servant! He was obedient.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:44 [And finally We told him:] “Now take in thy hand a small bunch of grass, and strike therewith, and thou wilt not break thine oath!"41 for, verily, We found him full of patience in adversity: how excellent a servant [of Ours], who, behold, would always turn unto Us!

Note 41
In the words of the Bible (The Book of Job ii, 9), at the time of his seemingly hopeless suffering Job's wife reproached her husband for persevering in his faith: "Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God, and die." According to the classical Qur'an-commentators, Job swore that, if God would restore him to health, he would punish her blasphemy with a hundred stripes. But when he did recover, he bitterly regretted his hasty oath, for he realized that his wife's "blasphemy" had been an outcome of her love and pity for him; and thereupon he was told in a revelation that he could fulfill his vow in a symbolic manner by striking her once with "a bunch of grass containing a hundred blades or more". (Cf. 5:89 - "God will not take you to task for oaths which you may have uttered without thought.")
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:44 "Now, you shall travel the land and preach the message, to fulfill your pledge." We found him steadfast. What a good servant! He was a submitter.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:44 (And finally We told him,) “Now gather your strength and travel the land and do not break your pledge.” We found him steadfast. How excellent a servant! In every situation he turned to Our laws.13

Note 13
Hold the grass in your hand and strike with it = Collect your senses and go ahead on your Mission. Under Biblical influence, some ‘experts’ have interpreted this verse to mean that Prophet Job is being commanded to strike his wife with one hundred stripes or a broomstick with a hundred twigs, since she had asked her husband to curse God for his afflictions!

38:45 واذكر عبدنا ابرهيم واسحق ويعقوب اولى الايدى والابصر

Transcription (English)
38:45 Waothkur AAibadanaibraheema wa-ishaqa wayaAAqooba olee al-aydee waal-absari
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
The Elite38:45 Recall Our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were resourceful, and with vision.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:45 And recall Our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were resourceful, and with vision.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:45 AND CALL to mind Our servants Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, [all of them] endowed with inner strength and vision:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:45 Remember also our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were resourceful, and possessed vision.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:45 And also remember Our servants, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, men of strength and vision.

38:46 انا اخلصنهم بخالصة ذكرى الدار

Transcription (English)
38:46 Inna akhlasnahum bikhalisatinthikra alddari
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:46 We had chosen them to enforce awareness of the Hereafter.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:46 We had chosen them to enforce awareness of the Hereafter.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:46 for, verily, We purified them by means of a thought most pure: the remembrance of the life to come.42

Note 42
Lit., "of the [final] abode".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:46 We bestowed upon them a great blessing: awareness of the Hereafter.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:46 Surely, We endowed them with sincerity of purpose and with exceptional foresight. So, in all their efforts they never lost sight of the desired destination.

38:47 وانهم عندنا لمن المصطفين الاخيار

Transcription (English)
38:47 Wa-innahum AAindana lamina almustafaynaal-akhyari
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:47 They are with Us of the elite, the best.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:47 And they are with Us of the elite, the best.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:47 And, behold, in Our sight they were indeed among the elect, the truly good!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:47 They were chosen, for they were among the most righteous.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:47 In Our Sight, they are of the elect, the excellent, foremost in benefiting people.

38:48 واذكر اسمعيل واليسع وذا الكفل وكل من الاخيار

Transcription (English)
38:48 Waothkur ismaAAeelawa-ilyasaAAa watha alkifli wakullun mina al-akhyari
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:48 Recall Ishmael, Elisha, and Isaiah; all are among the best.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:48 And recall Ishmael, Elisha, and Isaiah; all are among the best.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:48 And call to mind Ishmael and Elisha,43 and every one who [like them] has pledged himself [unto Us]: for, each of them was of the truly good!44

Note 43
Al-Yasa in Arabic - the Biblical prophet who succeeded Elijah (see surah 37 note 48).

Note 44
For an explanation of this rendering of dhu l-kifl, see surah 21, note 81.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:48 Remember Ismail, Elisha, and Zal-Kifl; among the most righteous.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:48 Also mention Ishmael, Al-Yasa’ (Elisha), and Zal-Kifl (Ezekiel). For, all of them were foremost in serving humanity.

38:49 هذا ذكر وان للمتقين لحسن ماب

Transcription (English)
38:49 Hatha thikrun wa-innalilmuttaqeena lahusna maabin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:49 This is a reminder, and the righteous will have a wonderful abode.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:49 This is a reminder, and the righteous will have a wonderful abode.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:49 LET [all] this be a reminder [to those who believe in God] - for, verily, the most beauteous of all goals awaits the God-conscious:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
The Righteous38:49 This is a reminder: the righteous have deserved a wonderful destiny.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:49 This is a Reminder, and there is a most beautiful destination for the righteous.

38:50 جنت عدن مفتحة لهم الابوب

Transcription (English)
38:50 Jannati AAadnin mufattahatanlahumu al-abwabu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:50 The gardens of Eden, whose gates will be open for them.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:50 Gardens of delight, whose gates will be open for them.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:50 gardens of perpetual bliss, with gates wide-open to them,45

Note 45
In all the eleven instances in which the noun adn occurs in the Qur'an - and of which the present is the oldest - it is used as a qualifying term for the "gardens" (jannat) of paradise. This noun is derived from the verb adana, which primarily denotes "he remained [somewhere]" or "he kept [to something]", i.e., permanently: cf. the phrase adantu l-balad ("I remained for good [or "settled"] in the country"). In Biblical Hebrew - which, after all, is but a very ancient Arabian dialect - the closely related noun eden has also the additional connotation of "delight", "pleasure" or bliss". Hence the combination of the two concepts in my rendering of adn as "perpetual bliss". As in many other places in the Qur'an, this bliss is here allegorized - and thus brought closer to man's imagination - by means of descriptions recalling earthly joys.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:50 The gardens of Eden will open up their gates for them.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:50 Gardens of Eden, the perpetual bliss, with gates wide-open for them.

38:51 متكين فيها يدعون فيها بفكهة كثيرة وشراب

Transcription (English)
38:51 Muttaki-eena feeha yadAAoona feehabifakihatin katheeratin washarabin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:51 Reclining therein, they will be invited to many fruits and drinks.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:51 Reclining therein, they will be invited to many fruits and drinks.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:51 wherein they will recline, [and] wherein they may [freely] call for many a fruit and drink,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:51 Relaxing therein, they will be given many kinds of fruits and drinks.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:51 Relaxing therein, they will be hosted with all kinds of food and drink.

38:52 وعندهم قصرت الطرف اتراب

Transcription (English)
38:52 WaAAindahum qasiratu alttarfiatrabun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:52 With them are attendants with a splendid look and of equal age.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:52 And with them are those with a modest gaze, mature in age.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:52 having beside them well-matched mates of modest gaze."46

Note 46
Lit., "such as restrain their gaze", i.e., are of modest bearing and have eyes only for their mates (Razi). This allegorical reference to the delights of paradise occurs in the Qur'an three times (apart from the above instance, which is chronologically the earliest, in 37: 48 and 55: 56 as well). As an allegory, this phrase evidently applies to the righteous of both sexes, who in the life to come will be rejoined with those whom they loved and by whom they were loved in this world: for, "God has promised the believers, both men and women, gardens through which running waters flow, therein to abide, and goodly dwellings in gardens of perpetual bliss" (9:72); and, "anyone - be it man or woman - who does [whatever he can] of good deeds and is a believer withal, shall enter paradise" (4:124, with similar statements in 16:97 and 40:40). Finally, we are told in 36:56 that in this paradise "will they and their spouses on couches recline" - i.e., will find peace and inner fulfillment with and in one another. (For an explanation of the term atrab, rendered by me as "well-matched", see note 15 on 56:38.)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:52 They will have wonderful spouses.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:52 And with them are well-matched companions of modest gaze.

38:53 هذا ما توعدون ليوم الحساب

Transcription (English)
38:53 Hatha ma tooAAadoona liyawmialhisabi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:53 This is what you have been promised for the day of Reckoning.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:53 This is what you have been promised for the Day of Reckoning.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:53 This is what you are promised for the Day of Reckoning:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:53 This is what you have deserved on the Day of Reckoning.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:53 This is what you are promised for the Day of Account.

38:54 ان هذا لرزقنا ما له من نفاد

Transcription (English)
38:54 Inna hatha larizquna malahu min nafadin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:54 Such is Our provisions, it does not run out.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:54 Such is Our provisions, it does not run out.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:54 this, verily, shall be Our provision [for you], with no end to it!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
The Disbelievers: Feuding With One Another38:54 Our provisions are inexhaustible.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:54 This is Our never ending provision.

38:55 هذا وان للطغين لشر ماب

Transcription (English)
38:55 Hatha wa-inna lilttagheenalasharra maabin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
The Transgressors are Disappointed38:55 This is so, and for the transgressors is a miserable destiny.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:55 This is so, and for the transgressors is a miserable destiny.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:55 All this [for the righteous]: but, verily, the most evil of all goals awaits those who are wont to transgress the bounds of what is right:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:55 As for the transgressors, they have incurred a miserable destiny.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:55 Yes, this is so. But, for those who kept trespassing the Moral Values, is a destination with no good in it.

38:56 جهنم يصلونها فبئس المهاد

Transcription (English)
38:56 Jahannama yaslawnaha fabi/saalmihadu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:56 Hell is where they burn. What a miserable abode!
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:56 Hell is where they burn. What a miserable abode!
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:56 hell will they have to endure - and how vile a resting-place!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:56 Hell is where they burn; what a miserable abode!,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:56 Hell that is! Wherein they burn, a miserable bed to lie on!

38:57 هذا فليذوقوه حميم وغساق

Transcription (English)
38:57 Hatha falyathooqoohu hameemunwaghassaqun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:57 This is so, and let them taste a boiling drink and bitter food.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:57 This is so, and let them taste what is boiling and dark.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:57 This, [then, for them -] so let them taste it: burning despair and ice-cold darkness
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:57 What they taste therein will be hellish drinks and bitter food.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:57 So let them taste, a drink of burning distress and brave a freezing cold wind.14

Note 14
Distress they caused others and insensitivity they showed toward oppression and injustice. 78:25

38:58 وءاخر من شكله ازوج

Transcription (English)
38:58 Waakharu min shaklihi azwajun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:58 Other multitudes that are similar to that.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:58 And other multitudes that are similar to that.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:58 and, coupled with it, further [suffering] of a similar nature.47

Note 47
Lit., "of its kind": i.e., corresponding in intensity to what the Qur'an describes as hamim and ghassaq. For my rendering of hamim as "burning despair", see surah 6 note 62. The term ghassaq, on the other hand, is derived from the verb ghasaqa, "it became dark" or "intensely dark" (Taj al-'Arus); thus, al-ghasiq denotes "black darkness" and, tropically, "the night" or, rather, "the black night". According to some authorities, the form ghassaq signifies "intense [or "icy"] cold". A combination of these two meanings gives us the concept of the "ice-cold darkness" of the spirit which, together with "burning despair" (hamim), will characterize the suffering of inveterate sinners in the life to come. All other interpretations of the term ghassaq are purely speculative and, therefore, irrelevant.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:58 And much more of the same kind.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:58 And other penalties in pairs.15

Note 15
Heat-cold, glare-darkness, noise-isolation, anxiety-depression, desire-hopelessness, etc

38:59 هذا فوج مقتحم معكم لا مرحبا بهم انهم صالوا النار

Transcription (English)
38:59 Hatha fawjun muqtahimunmaAAakum la marhaban bihim innahum saloo alnnari
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:59 Here is another group to be thrown into hell with you. "We have no welcome for them, for they shall burn in the fire."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:59 Here is another group to be thrown into Hell with you. "We have no welcome for them, for they shall burn in the Fire."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:59 [And they will say to one another: “Do you see] this crowd of people who rushed headlong [into sin] with you?48 No welcome to them! Verily, they [too] shall have to endure the fire!"49

Note 48
I.e., "people whom you had seduced, and who thereupon blindly followed you": an apostrophe stressing the double responsibility of the seducers.

Note 49
In Arabic usage, the phrase "no welcome to them" or "to you" (la marhaban bihim, resp.bikum) is equivalent to a curse. In this context - carried on into the next verse - it expresses a mutual disavowal of the seducers and the seduced.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:59 "This is a group to be thrown into Hell with you." They will not be welcomed (by the residents of Hell). They have deserved to burn in the hellfire.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:59 It will be said to the ringleaders, “Here is your group going with you headlong. There is no welcome for them, for only the fire is here to embrace them.”

38:60 قالوا بل انتم لا مرحبا بكم انتم قدمتموه لنا فبئس القرار

Transcription (English)
38:60 Qaloo bal antum la marhabanbikum antum qaddamtumoohu lana fabi/sa alqararu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:60 They said, "No, you are the ones without welcome. It was you who misled us, so here is the result!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:60 They said: "No, you are the ones without welcome. It was you who presented this to us, what a miserable result!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:60 [And] they [who had been seduced] will exclaim: “Nay, but it is you! No welcome to you! It is you who have prepared this for us: and how vile a state to abide in!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:60 The newcomers will respond, "Nor are you welcomed. You are the ones who preceded us and misled us. Therefore, suffer this miserable end.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:60 The followers will say to the leaders, “Nay, but you - There is no welcome for you either! It is you who sent forth this torment for us! What a station of plight!” [14:21, 33:67, 34:32, 37:29, 40:47]

38:61 قالوا ربنا من قدم لنا هذا فزده عذابا ضعفا فى النار

Transcription (English)
38:61 Qaloo rabbana man qaddama lanahatha fazidhu AAathaban diAAfan fee alnnari
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:61 They said, "Our Lord, whoever brought this upon us, then double their retribution in the fire!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:61 They said: "Our Lord, whoever brought this upon us, then double their retribution in the Fire!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:61 [And] they will pray: “O our Sustainer! Who­ever has prepared this for us, double Thou his suffering in the fire!"50

Note 50
Cf. 7:38 (and the corresponding notes 28 and 29) as well as 33:67.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:61 They will also say, "Our Lord, these are the ones who led us into this; double the retribution of hellfire for them.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:61 Then the followers will say, “Our Lord! Whoever has brought this upon us, double for him the suffering of the fire.”

38:62 وقالوا ما لنا لا نرى رجالا كنا نعدهم من الاشرار

Transcription (English)
38:62 Waqaloo ma lana lanara rijalan kunna naAAudduhum mina al-ashrari
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:62 They said, "Why do we not see some men whom we used to count among the wicked?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:62 And they said: "Why do we not see some men whom we used to count among the wicked?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:62 And they will add: “How is it that we do not see [here any of the] men whom we were wont to count among the wicked,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Surprise!38:62 They will say, "How come we do not see (in Hell) people we used to count among the wicked?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:62 Then they will say, “What is amiss with us? We do not see people whom we counted among evil.

38:63 اتخذنهم سخريا ام زاغت عنهم الابصر

Transcription (English)
38:63 Attakhathnahum sikhriyyan am zaghatAAanhumu al-absaru
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:63 "Did we mock them erroneously, or have our eyes failed to find them?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:63 "Did we mock them erroneously, or have our eyes failed to find them?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:63 [and] whom we made the target of our derision?51 Or is it that [they are here, and] our eyes have missed them?"

Note 51
I.e., the prophets and the righteous, who - as the Qur'an points out in many places - have always been derided by people enamoured of the life of this world and, therefore, averse to all moral exhortation.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:63 "We used to ridicule them; we used to turn our eyes away from them.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:63 The ones we used to ridicule. (Are they not here) or is it that our eyes are missing them?”

38:64 ان ذلك لحق تخاصم اهل النار

Transcription (English)
38:64 Inna thalika lahaqqun takhasumuahli alnnari
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:64 Surely, this is in truth the feuding of the people of hell.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:64 Surely, this is in truth the feuding of the people of Hell.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:64 Such, behold, will in truth be the [confusion and] mutual wrangling of the people of the fire!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:64 This is a predetermined fact: the people of Hell will feud with one another.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:64 Such will be the argumentation between people of the fire.

38:65 قل انما انا منذر وما من اله الا الله الوحد القهار

Transcription (English)
38:65 Qul innama ana munthirunwama min ilahin illa Allahu alwahidualqahharu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:65 Say, "I am but a warner; and there is no god besides God, the One, the Supreme."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:65 Say: "I am but a warner; and there is no god besides God, the One, the Supreme."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:65 SAY [O Muhammad]: “I am only a warner; and there is no deity whatever save God, the One, who holds absolute sway over all that exists,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:65 Say, "I warn you; there is no other god beside GOD, the One, the Supreme.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:65 Say, “I am only a warner, and there is no god but God, the One, the Irresistible,

38:66 رب السموت والارض وما بينهما العزيز الغفر

Transcription (English)
38:66 Rabbu alssamawati waal-ardiwama baynahuma alAAazeezu alghaffaru
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:66 "The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them; the Noble, the Forgiving."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:66 "The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them; the Noble, the Forgiving."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:66 the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, the Almighty, the All-Forgiving!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:66 "The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them; the Almighty, the Forgiving.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:66 Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, the Mighty, the Forgiving.”

38:67 قل هو نبؤا عظيم

38:67 ql hw nbaa AZym
Transcription (English)
38:67 Qul huwa nabaon AAatheemun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:67 Say, "It is awesome news."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:67 Say: "It is an awesome news."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:67 Say: “This is a message tremendous:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
The Great Feud38:67 Say, "Here is awesome news.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:67 Say, “That is a Tremendous News,

38:68 انتم عنه معرضون

38:68 antm Anh mArDwn
Transcription (English)
38:68 Antum AAanhu muAAridoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:68 "From which you turn away."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:68 "From which you turn away."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:68 [how can] you turn away from it?"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:68 "That you are totally oblivious to.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:68 From which you turn away!”

38:69 ما كان لى من علم بالملا الاعلى اذ يختصمون

Transcription (English)
38:69 Ma kana liya min AAilmin bialmala-ial-aAAla ith yakhtasimoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
The First Racist Disobeys God38:69 "I had no knowledge of the command up high that they had quarreled."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:69 "I had no knowledge of the command up high, that they had quarreled."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:69 [Say, O Muhammad:] “No knowledge would I have had of [what passed among] the host on high when they argued [against the creation of man],52

Note 52
For the allegorical contention of the angels ("the host on high") against the creation of man, see 2:30 ff. and the corresponding notes 22-24. The allegory of man's creation, of God's command to the angels to "prostrate themselves" before the new creature, and of Iblis' refusal to do so appears in the Qur'an six times (2:30, 7:11 ff., 15:28, 17:61, 18:50, and -85), each time with an accent on a different aspect of this allegory. In the present instance (which is undoubtedly the earliest in the chronology of revelation) it is connected with the statement, in 2:31, that God "imparted unto Adam the names of all things", i.e., endowed man with the faculty of conceptual thinking (see note 23 on 2:31) and, thus, with the ability to discern between what is true and what false. Since he possesses this faculty, man has no excuse for not realizing God's existence and oneness - the "message tremendous" referred to in the preceding passage.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:69 "I had no knowledge previously, about the feud in the High Society.,6

Note 6
The feud in the High Society was triggered by Satan's challenge to God's absolute authority. This is definitely themost important event in the history of the human race. We failed to makea firm stand regarding God's absolute authority. This life represents thethird and final chance to redeem ourselves (See the Introduction andAppendix 7).
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:69 Say! “I have no knowledge of the exalted chiefs of the past when they disputed.16

Note 16
15:17, 37:8. Mala-ul-A’la = Exalted chiefs. This term applies to worldly leaders as well as to the assembly of angels. The latter would not dispute, so this verse is alluding to the worldly leaders of the past

38:70 ان يوحى الى الا انما انا نذير مبين

Transcription (English)
38:70 In yooha ilayya illa annamaana natheerun mubeenun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:70 "It is only inspired to me that I am a clear warner."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:70 "It is only inspired to me that I am a clear warner."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:70 had it not been revealed unto me [by God] - to no other end than that I might convey [unto you] a plain warning.53

Note 53
Lit., "otherwise than that I be (illa annama ana) a plain warner" - i.e., of the prospect of spiritual self-destruction inherent in a willful disregard of the fact of God's existence and oneness, which is the core of all religious cognition and, hence, of all true prophethood.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:70 "I am inspired that my sole mission is to deliver the warnings to you.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:70 It is revealed to me that I am only a plain warner.”

38:71 اذ قال ربك للملئكة انى خلق بشرا من طين

Transcription (English)
38:71 Ith qala rabbuka lilmala-ikatiinnee khaliqun basharan min teenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:71 For your Lord said to the controllers: "I am creating a human being from clay."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:71 For your Lord said to the angels: "I am creating a human being from clay."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:71 [For,] lo,54 thy Sustainer said unto the angels: “Behold, I am about to create a human being out of clay;55

Note 54
For this rendering of idh, see surah 2, note 21.

Note 55
See note 24 on 15:26.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:71 Your Lord said to the angels, "I am creating a human being from clay.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:71 (The disputations began ever since mankind divided themselves for selfish tribal gains.) When your Lord said to the angels, “I am about to create a human being out of inorganic matter.17

Note 17
Angels = God’s forces in nature. 15:26

38:72 فاذا سويته ونفخت فيه من روحى فقعوا له سجدين

Transcription (English)
38:72 Fa-itha sawwaytuhu wanafakhtu feehimin roohee faqaAAoo lahu sajideena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:72 "So when I have evolved him, and breathed into him from My Spirit, then you shall submit to him."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:72 "So when I have evolved him, and blow of My Spirit in him, then you shall yield to him."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:72 and when I have formed him fully and breathed into him of My spirit, fall you down before him in prostration!"56

Note 56
See 15:29 and the corresponding note 26.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:72 "Once I design him, and blow into him from My spirit, you shall fall prostrate before him.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:72 And when I have designed him, and breathed into him of My Energy (given him free will) then be submissive to him.”

38:73 فسجد الملئكة كلهم اجمعون

Transcription (English)
38:73 Fasajada almala-ikatu kulluhumajmaAAoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:73 The controllers submitted, all of them,
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:73 The angels yielded, all of them,
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:73 Thereupon the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:73 The angels fell prostrate, all of them,,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:73 Thereupon the angels agreed to be subservient to him, all of them together.18

Note 18
Sajdah = Literally prostration, is due to God alone. So, the allegorical meaning here

38:74 الا ابليس استكبر وكان من الكفرين

Transcription (English)
38:74 Illa ibleesa istakbara wakanamina alkafireena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:74 Except Satan; he turned arrogant, and became one of the ingrates.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:74 Except Satan; he turned arrogant, and became one of the rejecters.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:74 save Iblis: he gloried in his arrogance, and [thus] became one of those who deny the truth.57

Note 57
See note 26 on 2:34 and note 31 on 15:41.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:74 except Satan; he refused, and was too arrogant, unappreciative.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:74 Except Iblees - he acted arrogantly and denied the command.19

Note 19
Iblees = Satan = Selfish desires. 2:34. See the author’s note before Surah 1

38:75 قال يابليس ما منعك ان تسجد لما خلقت بيدى استكبرت ام كنت من العالين

Transcription (English)
38:75 Qala ya ibleesu mamanaAAaka an tasjuda lima khalaqtu biyadayya astakbarta amkunta mina alAAaleena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:75 He said, "O Satan, what prevented you from submitting to what I have created by My hands? Are you too arrogant? Or are you one of those exalted?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:75 He said: "O Satan, what prevented you from yielding to what I have created by My hands? Are you too arrogant? Or are you one of those exalted?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:75 Said He: “O Iblis! What has kept thee from prostrating thyself before that [being] which I have created with My hands?58 Art thou too proud [to bow down before another created being], or art thou of those who think [only] of themselves as high?"59

Note 58
Cf. the metaphorical phrase "the things which Our hands have wrought" in 36:71, explained in the corresponding note 42. In the present instance, the stress lies on the God-willed superiority of man's intellect - which, like everything else in the universe, is God's "handiwork" - over the rest of creation (see note 25 on 2:34).

Note 59
This "question" is, of course, only rhetorical, since God is omniscient. The phrase inter­polated by me ("to bow down before another created being") reflects Zamakhshari's interpretation of this passage.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:75 He said, "O Satan, what prevented you from prostrating before what I created with My hands? Are you too arrogant? Have you rebelled?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:75 Said He, “O Iblees! What has kept you from being submissive to what I have created with My Hands? Are you too proud or are you of the rebellious?”

38:76 قال انا خير منه خلقتنى من نار وخلقته من طين

Transcription (English)
38:76 Qala ana khayrun minhukhalaqtanee min narin wakhalaqtahu min teenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:76 He said, "I am better than he; You created me from fire, and created him from clay."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:76 He said: "I am better than he; You created me from fire, and created him from clay."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:76 Answered [Iblis]: “I am better than he: Thou hast created me out of fire,60 whereas him Thou hast created out of clay."

Note 60
I.e., out of something non-corporeal and, therefore (in the view of Iblis), superior to the "clay" out of which man has been created. Inasmuch as "fire" is a symbol of passion, the above "saying" of Iblis contains, I believe, a subtle allusion to the Quranic concept of the "satanic forces" (shayatin) active within man's own heart: forces engendered by uncontrolled passions and love of self, symbolized by the preceding characterization of Iblis, the foremost of the shayatin, as "one of those who think only of themselves as high" (min al-alin).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:76 He said, "I am better than he; You created me from fire, and created him from clay.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:76 Iblees replied, “I am better than he. You created me of fire while you created him of clay.”20

Note 20
Emotions are fiery in relation to the ‘cool’ higher controls

38:77 قال فاخرج منها فانك رجيم

Transcription (English)
38:77 Qala faokhruj minhafa-innaka rajeemun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:77 He said, "Therefore exit from it, you are outcast."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:77 He said: "Therefore exit from it, you are outcast."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:77 Said He: “Go forth, then, from this [angelic state] - for, behold, thou art henceforth accursed,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:77 He said, "Therefore, you must be exiled, you will be banished.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:77 Said He, “Go away from here, for you are rejected.

38:78 وان عليك لعنتى الى يوم الدين

Transcription (English)
38:78 Wa-inna AAalayka laAAnatee ila yawmialddeeni
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:78 "My curse will be upon you until the day of judgment."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:78 "And My curse will be upon you until the Day of Recompense."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:78 and My rejection shall be thy due until the Day of Judgment!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:78 "You have incurred My condemnation until the Day of Judgment.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:78 And My condemnation is on you until the Day of Judgment.”

38:79 قال رب فانظرنى الى يوم يبعثون

Transcription (English)
38:79 Qala rabbi faanthirneeila yawmi yubAAathoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:79 He said, "My Lord, respite me till the day they are resurrected."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:79 He said: "My Lord, respite me until the Day they are resurrected."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:79 Said [Iblis]: “Then, O my Sustainer, grant me a respite till the Day when all shall be raised from the dead!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:79 He said, "My Lord, respite me till the Day of Resurrection.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:79 Iblees said, “Then, My Lord! Give me respite until the Day when they are raised.”

38:80 قال فانك من المنظرين

Transcription (English)
38:80 Qala fa-innaka mina almunthareena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:80 He said, "Then, you are granted respite,"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:80 He said: "You are respited."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:80 Answered He: “Verily, so [be it:] thou shalt be among those who are granted respite
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:80 He said, "You are respited.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:80 Answered He, “Certainly, you shall be among those who are given respite. [15:36-38]

38:81 الى يوم الوقت المعلوم

Transcription (English)
38:81 Ila yawmi alwaqti almaAAloomi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:81 "Until the appointed day."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:81 "Until the appointed Day."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:81 till the Day the time whereof is known [only to Me]."61

Note 61
The grant of "respite" to Iblis implies that he would have the power to tempt man until the end of time.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:81 "Until the appointed day.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:81 Until the Day of the appointed time.”

38:82 قال فبعزتك لاغوينهم اجمعين

Transcription (English)
38:82 Qala fabiAAizzatika laoghwiyannahumajmaAAeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:82 He said, "By Your majesty, I will mislead them all."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:82 He said: "By Your majesty, I will mislead them all."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:82 [Whereupon Iblis] said: “Then [I swear] by Thy very might: I shall most certainly beguile them all into grievous error –
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:82 He said, "I swear by Your majesty, that I will send them all astray.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:82 Iblees said, “I swear by Your Honor, I will certainly lead them all astray.

38:83 الا عبادك منهم المخلصين

Transcription (English)
38:83 Illa AAibadaka minhumualmukhlaseena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:83 "Except for Your servants who are loyal."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:83 "Except for Your servants who are loyal."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:83 [all] save such of them as are truly Thy servants!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:83 "Except Your worshipers who are devoted absolutely to You alone.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:83 Except such of them as are Your sincere servants.”

38:84 قال فالحق والحق اقول

Transcription (English)
38:84 Qala faalhaqqu waalhaqqaaqoolu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:84 He said, "The truth, and the truth is what I say.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:84 He said: "The truth, and the truth is what I say."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:84 [And God] said: “This, then, is the truth!62 And this truth do I state:

Note 62
Cf. 15:41 - "This is, with Me, a straight way"- and the corresponding note 31.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:84 He said, "This is the truth, and the truth is all that I utter.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:84 He said, “This is the truth, and I state this truth,

38:85 لاملان جهنم منك وممن تبعك منهم اجمعين

Transcription (English)
38:85 Laamlaanna jahannama minka wamimmantabiAAaka minhum ajmaAAeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:85 That I will fill hell with you and all those who follow you."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:85 "That I will fill Hell with you and all those who follow you."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:85 Most certainly will I fill hell with thee and such of them as shall follow thee, all together!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:85 "I will fill Hell with you and all those who follow you.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:85 That I will certainly fill Hell with you and with such of them as follow you, together.”

38:86 قل ما اسلكم عليه من اجر وما انا من المتكلفين

Transcription (English)
38:86 Qul ma as-alukum AAalayhi min ajrinwama ana mina almutakallifeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:86 Say, "I do not ask you for any wage, nor am I a fraud."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:86 Say: "I do not ask you for any wage, nor am I a fraud."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:86 SAY [O Prophet]: “No reward whatever do I ask of you for this [message]; and I am not one of those who claim to be what they are not.63

Note 63
The expression mutakallif denotes, primarily, "a person who takes too much upon himself", be it in action or in feeling; hence, a person who pretends to be more than he really is, or to feel what he does not really feel. In this instance, it indicates the Prophet's disclaimer of any "supernatural" status.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:86 Say, "I do not ask you for any wage, and I am not an impostor.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:86 (O Messenger) say to them, “I ask of you no reward for this message, nor am I a pretender.

38:87 ان هو الا ذكر للعلمين

Transcription (English)
38:87 In huwa illa thikrun lilAAalameena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:87 "It is but a reminder for the worlds."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:87 "It is but a reminder for the worlds."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:87 This [divine writ], behold, is no less than a reminder to all the worlds —
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:87 "This is a reminder for the world.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:87 This (Qur’an) is no less than a Reminder for all people.

38:88 ولتعلمن نباه بعد حين

Transcription (English)
38:88 WalataAAlamunna nabaahu baAAda heenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
38:88 "You will come to know its news after awhile."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
38:88 "And you will come to know its news after awhile."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
38:88 and you will most certainly grasp its purport after a lapse of time!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
38:88 "And you will certainly find out in awhile.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
38:88 And in time you will know the truth of it.”