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

47:1 الذين كفروا وصدوا عن سبيل الله اضل اعملهم

Transcription (English)
47:1 Allatheena kafaroo wasaddooAAan sabeeli Allahi adalla aAAmalahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:1 Those who rejected and repelled from the path of God, He will mislead their works.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:1 Those who rejected and repelled from the path of God, He will mislead their works.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:1 AS FOR THOSE who are bent on denying the truth and on barring [others] from the path of God - all their [good] deeds will He let go to waste;1

Note 1
I.e., whatever good deeds they may do will be so completely outweighed by the above mentioned sin that they will amount to nothing on the Day of Judgment. (See also note 9 below.) The above verse connects with the last sentence of the preceding surah, "Will, then, any be [really] destroyed save iniquitous folk?"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:1 Those who disbelieve and repel from the path of GOD, He nullifies their works.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:1 Those who oppose the truth and bar others from the way of God, He renders their actions vain.1

Note 1


This is the 47th Surah of the Qur’an. It has 38 verses. Herein we find the command that prisoners of war must be freed as soon as the hostilities are over. This command eradicated, in one stroke, the biggest source of slavery and freed mankind from bondage. Along with other concepts, the Surah emphasizes that going through life without a Noble Ideology is not becoming of a human being.



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



Even their good deeds will carry no weight against this mountain load of infringements. 47:8

47:2 والذين ءامنوا وعملوا الصلحت وءامنوا بما نزل على محمد وهو الحق من ربهم كفر عنهم سياتهم واصلح بالهم

Transcription (English)
47:2 Waallatheena amanoowaAAamiloo alssalihati waamanoo bimanuzzila AAala muhammadin wahuwa alhaqqu minrabbihim kaffara AAanhum sayyi-atihim waaslahabalahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:2 Those who acknowledge and promote reforms, and acknowledge what was sent down to Muhammed, for it is the truth from their Lord, He cancels for them their sins, and relieves their concern.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:2 And those who believe and do good works, and believe in what was sent down to Mohammed, for it is the truth from their Lord, He cancels for them their sins, and relieves their concern.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:2 whereas those who have attained to faith and do righteous deeds, and have come to believe in what has been bestowed from on high on Muhammad - for it is the truth from their Sustainer - [shall attain to God's grace:] He will efface their [past] bad deeds, and will set their hearts at rest.2

Note 2
Lit., "will set aright their hearts" or "their minds", inasmuch as one of the several meanings of the term bal is the "heart" or "mind" of man (Jawhari).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:2 Those who believe and work righteousness, and believe in what was sent down to Muhammad - which is the truth from their Lord - He remits their sins, and blesses them with contentment.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:2 Whereas those who believe, do acts of social welfare, and believe in what has been revealed to Muhammad – for it is the truth from their Lord - He will absolve their imperfections, erase the imprints of their faults, and direct their hearts and minds to rightful contentment.2

Note 2
The word Aamanoo those who believe has been repeated again, indicating that believers in the previous scriptures must believe in the Qur’an as well. Baal = State, condition. Salhil baal = Improvement of condition along with inner contentment

47:3 ذلك بان الذين كفروا اتبعوا البطل وان الذين ءامنوا اتبعوا الحق من ربهم كذلك يضرب الله للناس امثلهم

Transcription (English)
47:3 Thalika bi-anna allatheenakafaroo ittabaAAoo albatila waanna allatheena amanooittabaAAoo alhaqqa min rabbihim kathalika yadribuAllahu lilnnasi amthalahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:3 That is because those who reject followed falsehood, while those who acknowledge followed the truth from their Lord. God thus cites for the people their examples.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:3 That is because those who reject followed falsehood, while those who believe followed the truth from their Lord. God thus puts forth for the people their examples.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:3 This, because they who are bent on denying the truth pursue falsehood, whereas they who have attained to faith pursue [but] the truth [that flows] from their Sustainer. In this way does God set forth unto man the parables of their true state.3

Note 3
Lit., "their parables" (amthalahum). This, according to some of the most outstanding commentators, relates to the parabolic expressions in the above three verses: the "going to waste" - in consequence of their deliberate "pursuance of falsehood" - of the good deeds of those who deny the truth, as well as the "effacement of the bad deeds" of the true believers in consequence of their "pursuance of the truth" (Baghawi, Zamakhshari , Razi, Baydawi). In a broader perspective, this interpretation takes into account the parabolic nature not only of the above sentence but also of many other Quranic statements relating to men's spiritual conditions and destinies in this world as well as in the life to come.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:3 This is because those who disbelieve are following falsehood, while those who believe are following the truth from their Lord. GOD thus cites for the people their examples.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:3 This is because those who deny the truth (have no choice but to) follow falsehood, and those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. This is how God exemplifies concepts to people from within their own composition.3

Note 3
Amthalahum = Their own examples = Illustrations from within themselves = Typify from their own

47:4 فاذا لقيتم الذين كفروا فضرب الرقاب حتى اذا اثخنتموهم فشدوا الوثاق فاما منا بعد واما فداء حتى تضع الحرب اوزارها ذلك ولو يشاء الله لانتصر منهم ولكن ليبلوا بعضكم ببعض والذين قتلوا فى سبيل الله فلن يضل اعملهم

Transcription (English)
47:4 Fa-itha laqeetumu allatheenakafaroo fadarba alrriqabi hattaitha athkhantumoohum fashuddoo alwathaqa fa-immamannan baAAdu wa-imma fidaan hatta tadaAAaalharbu awzaraha thalika walaw yashaoAllahu laintasara minhum walakinliyabluwa baAAdakum bibaAAdin waallatheenaqutiloo fee sabeeli Allahi falan yudilla aAAmalahumsayahdeehim wayuslihu balahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
During the War, Aim to Capture the Enemy47:4 So, if you encounter those who have rejected, then strike the control center until you overcome them. Then bind them securely. You may either set them free or ransom them, until the war ends. That, and had God willed, He alone could have beaten them, but He thus tests you by one another. As for those who get killed in the cause of God, He will never let their deeds be put to waste.1

Note 1

The expression "darb al riqab" is traditionally translated as "smite their necks." We preferred to translate it as "strike the control center." The Quran uses the word "unuq" for neck (17:13; 8:12; 34:33; 38:33; 13:5; 26:4; 36:8; 40:71). The root RaQaBa means observe, guard, control, respect, wait for, tie by the neck, warn, fear. "Riqab" means slave, prisoner of war, since they are controlled or guarded. Even if one of the meanings of the word riqab were neck, we would still reject the traditional translation, for the obvious reason: The verse continues by instructing muslims regarding the capture of the enemies and the treatment of prisoners of war. If they were supposed to be beheaded, there would not be a need for an instruction regarding captives, which is a very humanitarian instruction. Unfortunately, the Sunni and Shiite terrorists have used the traditional mistranslation, and abused it further by beheading hostages in their fight against their counterpart terrorists, Crusaders and their allied coalition, who torture and kill innocent people in even bigger numbers, yet in a baptized fashion that is somehow depicted as non-barbaric by their culture and media. The Quran gives two options regarding the hostages or prisoners of war before the war ends: (1) set them free; or (2) release them to get a fee for their unjustified aggression. Considering the context of the verse and emphasis on capturing the enemy, we could have translated the segment under discussion as, "aim to take captives."

The Old Testament contains many scenes of beheadings and grotesque massacres. For instance, see: 2 Samuel 4:7-12 ; 2 Kings 10:7 , and 2 Chronicles 25:12 .

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:4 Therefore, if you encounter those who have rejected, then strike the necks; until you bind them, then secure the cords. You may then either set them free or ransom them, until the war ends. That, and if God had willed, He alone could have beaten them, but He thus tests you by one another. As for those who get killed in the cause of God, He will never let their deeds be put to waste.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:4 NOW WHEN you meet [in war] those who are bent on denying the truth,4 smite their necks until you overcome them fully, and then tighten their bonds;5 but thereafter [set them free,] either by an act of grace or against ransom, so that the burden of war may be lifted:6 thus [shall it be]. And [know that] had God so willed, He could indeed punish them [Himself]; but [He wills you to struggle] so as to test you [all] by means of one another.7 And as for those who are slain in God's cause, never will He let their deeds go to waste:

Note 4
Sc., "and on barring [others] from the path of God" - thus connecting with verse 1 and laying down the fundamental condition which alone justifies physical warfare: namely, a defense of the Faith and of freedom (cf. in this connection see note 167 on 2:190). In other words, when "those who are bent on denying the truth" try to deprive the Muslims of their social and political liberty and thus to make it impossible for them to live in accordance with the principles of their faith, a just war (jihad) becomes allowable and, more than that, a duty. The whole of the above verse relates to war actually in progress (cf. note 168 on the first part of 2:191); and there is no doubt that it was revealed after 22:39, the earliest Quranic reference to physical warfare.

Note 5
Lit., "tighten the bond". According to almost all the commentators, this expression denotes the taking of prisoners of war. In addition, it may also refer to any sanctions or safeguards which would make it unlikely that the aggression could be resumed in the foreseeable future.

Note 6
Lit., "so that (hatta) the war may lay down its burdens". The term "ransom" comprises also, in this context, a mutual exchange of prisoners of war (Zamakhshari , quoting an opinion of Imam Ash-Shafi'i).

Note 7
I.e., so as to enable the believers to prove by actual deeds the depth of their faith and their readiness for self-sacrifice, and to enable the aggressors to realize how wrong they have been, and thus to bring them closer to the truth.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:4 If you encounter (in war) those who disbelieve, you may strike the necks. If you take them as captives you may set them free or ransom them, until the war ends. Had GOD willed, He could have granted you victory, without war. But He thus tests you by one another. As for those who get killed in the cause of GOD, He will never put their sacrifice to waste.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:4 If you meet the disbelievers in battle, strike at their command centers, until you have subdued them, then, bind them firmly. And thereafter, there must be an act of kindness or ransom when the battle lays down its weapons. If God willed, He could punish them Himself, but that He may let you be tested by means of one another (as to who remains steadfast.) As for those who are slain in the way of God, He does not render their actions vain.4

Note 4
Free the captives as an act of kindness or ransom, such as in exchange for your men in their captivity. There is no third option. Fadharb ar-riqaab is usually rendered as ‘smite their necks.’ A little contemplation, however, makes it plain that in a battle of swords and arrows no commander would order his soldiers to aim for the necks alone. Therefore, the term has been used idiomatically, indicating knocking out the command centers. It is interesting to note that even in today’s encounters with high technology this principle is given a top priority. This verse halted slavery since the source of slaves and concubines used to be battles and raids. 8:67, 90:13

47:5 سيهديهم ويصلح بالهم

Transcription (English)
47:5 
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:5 He will guide them, and relieve their concerns.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:5 He will guide them, and relieve their concerns.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:5 He will guide them [in the hereafter as well], and will set their hearts at rest,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:5 He will guide them, and bless them with contentment.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:5 He will instantly guide them (straight to Paradise) and bless them with contentment. [47:6]

47:6 ويدخلهم الجنة عرفها لهم

Transcription (English)
47:6 Wayudkhiluhumu aljannata AAarrafahalahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:6 He will admit them into Paradise, which He has described to them.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:6 And He will admit them into the Paradise, which He has described to them.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:6 and will admit them to the paradise which He has promised them.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:6 He will admit them into Paradise, that He described to them.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:6 And will bring them into the Garden that He has made known to them.

47:7 يايها الذين ءامنوا ان تنصروا الله ينصركم ويثبت اقدامكم

Transcription (English)
47:7 Ya ayyuha allatheena amanooin tansuroo Allaha yansurkum wayuthabbit aqdamakum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:7 O you who acknowledge, if you support God, He will support you, and make your foothold firm.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:7 O you who believe, if you support God, He will support you, and make your foothold firm.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:7 O you who have attained to faith! If you help [the cause of] God, He will help you, and will make firm your steps;
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:7 O you who believe, if you support GOD, He will support you, and strengthen your foothold.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:7 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! If you help God, He will help you and He will strengthen your foothold.5

Note 5
Helping God indicates that His servants must take the first step

47:8 والذين كفروا فتعسا لهم واضل اعملهم

Transcription (English)
47:8 Waallatheena kafaroo fataAAsanlahum waadalla aAAmalahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:8 Those who rejected, for them is destruction; and He has misled their works.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:8 And those who rejected, for them is destruction; and He has misled their works.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:8 but as for those who are bent on denying the truth, ill fortune awaits them, since He will let all their [good] deeds go to waste:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:8 Those who disbelieve incur misery; He causes their works to be utterly in vain.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:8 Those who reject the Truth, for them is destruction. And He brings their deeds to naught.6

Note 6
Ta’s = Trip and fall on the face = Destruction = Missing the mark. 47:1

47:9 ذلك بانهم كرهوا ما انزل الله فاحبط اعملهم

Transcription (English)
47:9 Thalika bi-annahum karihoo maanzala Allahu faahbata aAAmalahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:9 That is because they hated what God sent down, thus He nullifies their works.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:9 That is because they hated what God sent down, thus He nullifies their works.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:9 this, because they hate [the very thought of] what God has bestowed from on high8 and thus He causes all their deeds to come to nought!9

Note 8
Namely, the revelation relating to man's moral responsibility to a Supreme Being.

Note 9
The particle fa ("and thus") at the beginning of this clause connotes a consequence: in other words, it is their rejection of the idea of moral responsibility, inherent in all divine revelation, that deprives the deeds of "those who are bent on denying the truth" - even such deeds as might be termed "good" - of all moral value. This law of inner causality explains fully the phrase "He will let all their [good] deeds go to waste" occurring in verses 1 and 8.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:9 That is because they hated what GOD revealed and consequently, He nullifies their works.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:9 This is so because they detest what God has revealed, and so He renders all their actions fruitless.7

Note 7
13:17, 47:1, 47:8. Habt= Undigested food that fails to provide nourishment

47:10 افلم يسيروا فى الارض فينظروا كيف كان عقبة الذين من قبلهم دمر الله عليهم وللكفرين امثلها

Transcription (English)
47:10 Afalam yaseeroo fee al-ardi fayanthurookayfa kana AAaqibatu allatheena min qablihimdammara Allahu AAalayhim walilkafireena amthaluha
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:10 Did they not roam the land and note what the end was for those before them? God destroyed them and the ingrates in a similar fate.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:10 Did they not roam the earth and note how was the end for those before them? God destroyed them; and for the rejecters in a similar fate.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:10 Have they, then, never journeyed about the earth and beheld what happened in the end to those [willful sinners] who lived before their time? God destroyed them utterly: and the like thereof awaits all who deny the truth.10

Note 10
Cf. 6:10 and the corresponding note 9.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:10 Did they not roam the earth and see the consequences for those before them? GOD destroyed their works; all disbelievers will suffer the same fate.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:10 Have they not, then, traveled in the land and seen what eventually happened to those who lived before them? God wiped them out, and for these deniers of truth shall be the like thereof.

47:11 ذلك بان الله مولى الذين ءامنوا وان الكفرين لا مولى لهم

Transcription (English)
47:11 Thalika bi-anna Allaha mawlaallatheena amanoo waanna alkafireena lamawla lahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:11 This is because God is the Master for those who acknowledge, while those who do not appreciate have no master.2

Note 2

See 2:286.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:11 This is because God is the Master for those who believe, while the rejecters have no master.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:11 This, because God is the Protector of all who have attained to faith, whereas they who deny the truth have no protector.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:11 This is because GOD is the Lord of those who believe, while the disbelievers have no lord.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:11 This is so, because God is the Patron of those who accept His commands, whereas there is no patron for those who deny the truth.

47:12 ان الله يدخل الذين ءامنوا وعملوا الصلحت جنت تجرى من تحتها الانهر والذين كفروا يتمتعون وياكلون كما تاكل الانعم والنار مثوى لهم

Transcription (English)
47:12 Inna Allaha yudkhilu allatheenaamanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati jannatintajree min tahtiha al-anharu waallatheenakafaroo yatamattaAAoona waya/kuloona kama ta/kulu al-anAAamuwaalnnaru mathwan lahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:12 God admits those who acknowledge and promote reforms to paradises with rivers flowing beneath them. As for those who reject, they are enjoying and eating as the cattle eat, and the fire will be their abode.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:12 God admits those who believe and do good works to gardens with rivers flowing beneath them. As for those who reject, they are enjoying and eating as the livestock eat, and the Fire will be their abode.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:12 Verily, God will admit all who attain to faith and do righteous deeds into gardens through which running waters flow, whereas they who are bent on denying the truth shall have - even though they may enjoy their life [in this world] and eat as cattle eat - the fire [of the hereafter] for their abode.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:12 GOD admits those who believe and lead a righteous life into gardens with flowing streams. As for those who disbelieve, they live and eat like the animals eat, then end up in the hellfire.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:12 God will admit all those who accept His message and fulfill the needs of others into Gardens beneath which rivers flow. But those who deny the truth, may partake of life and eat like the cattle (live and) eat, and the fire will be their abode.8

Note 8
Living without a Noble Ideology reduces human beings to a subhuman existence

47:13 وكاين من قرية هى اشد قوة من قريتك التى اخرجتك اهلكنهم فلا ناصر لهم

Transcription (English)
47:13 Wakaayyin min qaryatin hiya ashaddu quwwatanmin qaryatika allatee akhrajatka ahlaknahum fala nasiralahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:13 Many a town was stronger than your own town, which drove you out. We destroyed them, and there was none who could help them.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:13 And many a town was stronger than your own town, which drove you out. We destroyed them, and there was none who could help them.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:13 And how many a community11 of greater power than this thy community which has driven thee out, [O Muhammad,] have We destroyed, with none to succour them!

Note 11
See note 116 on 6:131. It is said that this verse was revealed on the first night of the Prophet's hijrah from Mecca to Medina (Tabari, on the authority of Ibn Abbas).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:13 Many a community was much stronger than the community that evicted you from your town; when we annihilated them, no one could help them.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:13 And how many a township stronger than your township, which has evicted you (O Prophet) have We annihilated! And they had no helper.

47:14 افمن كان على بينة من ربه كمن زين له سوء عمله واتبعوا اهواءهم

Transcription (English)
47:14 Afaman kana AAala bayyinatinmin rabbihi kaman zuyyina lahu soo-o AAamalihi waittabaAAooahwaahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:14 Is one who is based on proof from his Lord, as one for whom his evil works have been adorned for him and they followed their desires?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:14 Is he who is based on proof from his Lord, as he for whom his evil works have been adorned for him and they followed their desires?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:14 CAN, THEN, he who takes his stand on a clear evidence from his Sustainer be likened Unto one12 to whom the evil of his own doings [always] seems goodly, and unto such as would follow but their own lusts?

Note 12
Lit., "Is, then, one who takes his stand. . . like one…," etc.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:14 Are those enlightened by their Lord the same as those whose evil works are adorned in their eyes, and they follow their own opinions?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:14 Is he, then, who lives by self-evident truth from his Lord like the one to whom his disruptive behavior seems pleasing, while such people are only following their own desires?

47:15 مثل الجنة التى وعد المتقون فيها انهر من ماء غير ءاسن وانهر من لبن لم يتغير طعمه وانهر من خمر لذة للشربين وانهر من عسل مصفى ولهم فيها من كل الثمرت ومغفرة من ربهم كمن هو خلد فى النار وسقوا ماء حميما فقطع امعاءهم

Transcription (English)
47:15 Mathalu aljannati allatee wuAAidaalmuttaqoona feeha anharun min ma-in ghayri asininwaanharun min labanin lam yataghayyar taAAmuhuwaanharun min khamrin laththatin lilshsharibeenawaanharun min AAasalin musaffan walahum feehamin kulli alththamarati wamaghfiratun min rabbihimkaman huwa khalidun fee alnnari wasuqoo maanhameeman faqattaAAa amAAaahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Allegorical Description of Paradise and Hell47:15 The example of Paradise; that the righteous have been promised with rivers of pure water, rivers of milk whose taste does not change, rivers of intoxicants that are delicious for the drinkers, and rivers of strained honey. For them in it are all kinds of fruits, and forgiveness from their Lord. Compare it to that of those who abide in the fire, and are given to drink boiling water that cuts up their intestines.3

Note 3

The only verse that uses intoxicants (KHAMR) in a positive context is 47:15, and interestingly it is about paradise, that is, the hereafter. A quick reflection on the reason for prohibition of intoxicants will explain the apparent contradiction. The harm of intoxicants, such as drunk driving, domestic violence or alcoholism, is not an issue in the other universe, where the laws and rules are different. In other words, a person who is rewarded by eternal paradise will not hurt himself, herself, or anyone else by getting intoxicated. See 52:23; 76:21. Also see 7:43; 15:47; 21:102; 41:31; 43:71; 2:112; 5:69.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:15 Is the example of the Paradise; that the righteous have been promised with rivers of pure water, and rivers of milk whose taste does not change, and rivers of alcohol that are delicious for the drinkers, and rivers of strained honey, and for them in it are all kinds of fruits, and a forgiveness from their Lord; like that of those who abide in the Fire, and are given to drink boiling water that cuts-up their intestines?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:15 [And can] the parable of the paradise which the God-conscious are promised13 [a paradise] wherein there are rivers of water which time does not corrupt, and rivers of milk the taste whereof never alters, and rivers of wine delightful to those who drink it,14 and rivers of honey of all impurity cleansed, and the enjoyment15 of all the fruits [of their good deeds] and of forgiveness from their Sustainer -: can this [parable of paradise] be likened unto [the parable of the recompense of]16 such as are to abide in the fire and be given waters of burning despair17 to drink, so that it will tear their bowels asunder?

Note 13
My rendering of this verse is based in its entirety on the grammatical construction given to it by Zamakhshari and supported by Razi. In this construction, the parabolic description of paradise - beginning with the phrase "wherein there are rivers, etc., and ending with the words "and forgiveness from their Sustainer" - is a parenthetic passage (jumlah mutaridah). As for the term "parable" (mathal) itself, it is undoubtedly meant to impress upon those who read or listen to the Qur'an that its descriptions of life in the hereafter are purely allegorical: see in this connection Zamakhshari 's explicit remarks cited in note 65 on 13:35.

Note 14
Cf. 37:45, especially verse 47: "no headiness will there be in it, and they will not get drunk thereon".

Note 15
Lit., "and wherein they [i.e., the God-conscious] will have, etc.

Note 16
This interpolation reproduces literally Zamakhshari 's explanation of the above ellipticism.

Note 17
Lit., "exceedingly hot [or "boiling"] water". For an explanation of this metaphor, see note 62 on 6:70.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:15 The allegory of Paradise that is promised for the righteous is this: it has rivers of unpolluted water, and rivers of fresh milk, and rivers of wine - delicious for the drinkers - and rivers of strained honey. They have all kinds of fruits therein, and forgiveness from their Lord. (Are they better) or those who abide forever in the hellfire, and drink hellish water that tears up their intestines?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:15 In allegorical terms the Paradise that the righteous are promised is this: Therein are rivers of ever fresh water, and rivers of ever fresh milk, and rivers of delicious wine, and rivers of clear-run honey. Therein are all kinds of fruit (of their good deeds), with a life secure from deterioration bestowed upon them from their Lord. Are they like the ones who abide in the fire and are given drinks of burning despair that tears their insides?9

Note 9
Maghfirah here denotes protection from deterioration. Note that the Paradise is described in allegorical terms since we can only understand some of it by way of similitude and metaphor at our current level of intellect and understanding. The wine therein is refreshing with no trace of beclouding of the mind or hangover 52:23, 56:19

47:16 ومنهم من يستمع اليك حتى اذا خرجوا من عندك قالوا للذين اوتوا العلم ماذا قال ءانفا اولئك الذين طبع الله على قلوبهم واتبعوا اهواءهم

Transcription (English)
47:16 Waminhum man yastamiAAu ilayka hattaitha kharajoo min AAindika qaloo lillatheenaootoo alAAilma matha qala anifan ola-ikaallatheena tabaAAa Allahu AAalaquloobihim waittabaAAoo ahwaahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:16 Some of them listen to you, until when they go out from you, they say to those who have been given the knowledge: "What did he say?" Those are the ones whom God has sealed upon their hearts, and they followed their desires.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:16 And some of them listen to you, until when they go out from you, they say to those who have been given the knowledge: "What did he say?" Those are the ones whom God has sealed their hearts, and they followed their desires.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:16 Now among those [hapless sinners] are such as [pretend to] listen to thee, [O Muhammad,]18 and then, as soon as they leave thy presence, speak [with scorn] unto those who have understood [thy mes­sage]:19 “What is it that he has said just now?" It is such as these whose hearts God has sealed because they [always] followed but their own lusts20

Note 18
Cf. 6:25 and 10:42.

Note 19
Lit., "unto those who have been given knowledge", sc., "of the truth" or "of thy message": i.e., the believers. The people spoken of in the above are the hypocrites among the contemporaries of the Prophet as well as all people, at all times, who pretend to approach the Quranic message with a show of "reverence" but are in their innermost unwilling to admit that there is any sense in it.

Note 20
I.e., the "sealing" of their hearts (for an explanation of which see note 7 on 2:7) is a consequence of their "following but their own lusts".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:16 Some of them listen to you, then as soon as they leave they ask those who were enlightened, "What did he just say?" GOD thus seals their hearts and, consequently, they follow only their opinions.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:16 (O Messenger) there are some among them who pretend to listen to you, and then, as soon as they leave your presence, they ask others who have received knowledge, “What was it that he just said?” Such are the ones whose hearts God has sealed, for their minds are always contemplating ways to fulfill their vain desires. [4:155, 10:74, 16:106, 17:45, 47:24, 83:14]

47:17 والذين اهتدوا زادهم هدى وءاتىهم تقوىهم

Transcription (English)
47:17 Waallatheena ihtadaw zadahumhudan waatahum taqwahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:17 Those who are guided, He increases their guidance, and grants them their righteousness.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:17 And those who are guided, He increases their guidance, and grants them their righteousness.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:17 just as for those who are [willing to be] guided, He increases their [ability to follow His] guidance and causes them to grow in God-consciousness.21

Note 21
Lit., "and gives them their God-consciousness (taqwahum)".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:17 As for those who are guided, He augments their guidance, and grants them their righteousness.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:17 As for those who wish to walk in the light, He shows them the way all along, and secures for them their journey through life.10

Note 10
Huda = Brightness, light, guidance, beacon, showing the way, leading right

47:18 فهل ينظرون الا الساعة ان تاتيهم بغتة فقد جاء اشراطها فانى لهم اذا جاءتهم ذكرىهم

Transcription (English)
47:18 Fahal yanthuroona illaalssaAAata an ta/tiyahum baghtatan faqad jaaashratuha faanna lahum itha jaat-humthikrahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:18 So are they waiting until the moment comes to them suddenly? For its conditions have already been met. But once it comes to them, how will they benefit from their message?4

Note 4

Since the Quran is the last book, it gives us clues about the end of the world. See 20:13; 15:87.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:18 So are they waiting until the Hour comes to them suddenly? For its conditions have already been met. But once it comes to them, how will they benefit from their message?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:18 Are, then, they [whose hearts are sealed] wait­ing for the Last Hour - [waiting] that it come upon them of a sudden? But it has already been foretold!22 And what will their remembrance [of their past sins] avail them, once it has come upon them?23

Note 22
Lit., "its indications have already come": a reference to the many Quranic predictions of its inevitability, as well as to the evidence, accessible to every unprejudiced mind, of the temporal finality of all creation.

Note 23
I.e., "of what benefit will be to them, when the Last Hour comes, their dawning awareness of having sinned, and their belated repentance?"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
End of the World47:18 Are they waiting until the Hour comes to them suddenly? All the signs thereof have already come. Once the Hour comes to them, how will they benefit from their message?1 ,

Note 1
The Quran, being the Final Testament, provides all the signs needed to pinpoint the end of the world; AD 2280. SeeAppendix 25 forthe details.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:18 Are they, then, waiting for the Hour that may come upon them suddenly? And the signs of confrontation have already appeared. And when it comes to them, how could their understanding (of the truth) then help them?

47:19 فاعلم انه لا اله الا الله واستغفر لذنبك وللمؤمنين والمؤمنت والله يعلم متقلبكم ومثوىكم

Transcription (English)
47:19 FaiAAlam annahu la ilahailla Allahu waistaghfir lithanbikawalilmu/mineena waalmu/minati waAllahuyaAAlamu mutaqallabakum wamathwakum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:19 So know that there is no god besides God, and ask forgiveness of your sins and also for the acknowledging men and acknowledging women. God knows your movements and your place of rest.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:19 So know that there is no god besides God, and ask forgiveness of your sins and also for the believing males and the believing females. And God knows your movements and your place of rest.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:19 Know, then, [O man,] that there is no deity save God, and [while there is yet time,] ask forgive­ness for thy sins and for [the sins of] all other believing men and women: for God knows all your comings and goings as well as your abiding [at rest].24

Note 24
I.e., "He knows all that you do and all that you fail to do".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
La Elaha Ella Allah: First Commandment47:19 You shall know that: "There is no other god beside GOD," and ask forgiveness of your sins and the sins of all believing men and women. GOD is fully aware of your decisions and your ultimate destiny.,2

Note 2
Significantly, the "First Pillar" of religion is stated in the sura entitled Muhammad, and is utterly devoted to God alone.Muhammad's name was added by his idolizers, against his will.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:19 So (O Prophet) remain constantly aware that there is no ‘power’ but God, and guard yourself, and the believing men, and the believing women against any slander. Devise means to counter whatever may cause your community to lag behind in their Mission. For, God knows how you move about in your daily lives and what your destination is.11

Note 11
Wastaghfir = And protect. Zanb = Tail = Rumor and slander in backbiting = Lagging behind like the tail lags behind an animal’s body

47:20 ويقول الذين ءامنوا لولا نزلت سورة فاذا انزلت سورة محكمة وذكر فيها القتال رايت الذين فى قلوبهم مرض ينظرون اليك نظر المغشى عليه من الموت فاولى لهم

Transcription (English)
47:20 Wayaqoolu allatheena amanoolawla nuzzilat sooratun fa-itha onzilat sooratun muhkamatunwathukira feeha alqitalu raayta allatheenafee quloobihim maradun yanthuroona ilayka natharaalmaghshiyyi AAalayhi mina almawti faawla lahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Difficult Times Expose the Hypocrites47:20 Those who acknowledge say, "If only a chapter is sent down!" But when a resolute chapter is sent down, and fighting is mentioned in it, you see those who have a disease in their hearts look at you, as if death had already come to them. It thus revealed them.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:20 And those who believe say: "If only a chapter is sent down!" But when a lawgiving chapter is sent down, and fighting is mentioned in it, you see those who have a disease in their hearts look at you, as if death had already come to them. It thus revealed them.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:20 NOW THOSE who have attained to faith say, “Would that a revelation [allowing us to fight] was bestowed from on high!"25 But now that a revelation clear in and by itself,26 mentioning war, has been bestowed from on high, thou canst see those in whose hearts is disease look­ing at thee, [O Muhammad,] with the look of one who is about to faint for fear of death! And yet, far better for them would be

Note 25
I am rendering the term surah here and in the next sentence as "a revelation", for whereas there is no surah as such which deals exclusively with questions of war, there are numerous references to it in various surahs; and this is evidently the meaning of this term in the present context as well as in 9:86. There is no doubt that this verse precedes the revelation, in the year 1 H., of 22:39, which states categorically - and for the first time - that the believers are allowed to wage war whenever "war is wrongfully waged" against them (see in this connection note 57 on 22:39).

Note 26
This is a reference to 22:39. For an explanation of the expression muhkamah ("clear in and by itself"), see note 5 on 3:7. (As in the preceding sentence, the term surah has been rendered here, exceptionally, as "revelation".)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Exposing the Hypocrites47:20 Those who believed said: "When will a new sura be revealed?" But when a straightforward sura was revealed, wherein fighting was mentioned, you would see those who harbored doubts in their hearts looking at you, as if death had already come to them. They were thus exposed.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:20 Those who have believed, say, “Why is not an injunction revealed (permitting us to fight in self-defense?”) But when a decisive injunction has been revealed about fighting, you find the hypocrites looking at you as if death had already come to them. The most befitting for them would have been -

47:21 طاعة وقول معروف فاذا عزم الامر فلو صدقوا الله لكان خيرا لهم

Transcription (English)
47:21 TaAAatun waqawlun maAAroofun fa-ithaAAazama al-amru falaw sadaqoo Allaha lakanakhayran lahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:21 Obedience and to speak righteousness until the matter is decided, then if they trust God it would be better for them.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:21 Obedience and to speak righteousness until the matter is decided, then if they trust God it would be better for them.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:21 obedience [to God's call] and a word that could win [His] approval:27 for, since the matter has been resolved [by His revelation], it would be but for their own good to remain true to God.

Note 27
I.e., an expression of readiness to fight in His cause: which is obviously the meaning of qawl ma'ruf in this context.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Proof of Faith During Muhammad's Era47:21 Obedience and righteous utterances are expected of them. If only they showed confidence in GOD, when mobilization was called for, it would have been better for them.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:21 Obedience and righteous utterance. Once a matter has been determined, it would be best for them if they were true to God.

47:22 فهل عسيتم ان توليتم ان تفسدوا فى الارض وتقطعوا ارحامكم

Transcription (English)
47:22 Fahal AAasaytum in tawallaytum an tufsidoofee al-ardi watuqattiAAoo arhamakum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:22 So do you plan that when you turn away, that you will corrupt the land and sever your family ties?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:22 So do you plan that when you turn away, that you will corrupt the land and sever your family ties?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:22 [Ask them:] “Would you, perchance, after having turned away [from God's commandment, pre­fer to revert to your old ways, and] spread corruption on earth, and [once again] cut asunder your ties of kinship?"28

Note 28
The above interpolations are in tune with the explanation of this passage advanced by almost all of the classical commentators, who regard this rhetorical "question" as an allusion to the chaotic conditions of pre-Islamic Arabia , its senseless internecine wars, and the moral darkness from which Islam had freed its followers. Nevertheless, this verse has, like the whole of the passage of which it forms a part, a timeless import as well.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:22 Is it also your intention that as soon as you leave you will commit evil and mistreat your relatives?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:22 Would you then, rather turn back (to the old ways of Ignorance) and work corruption in the land, and break the common bond of humanity and your ties of mutual relationships?

47:23 اولئك الذين لعنهم الله فاصمهم واعمى ابصرهم

Transcription (English)
47:23 Ola-ika allatheena laAAanahumuAllahu faasammahum waaAAma absarahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:23 These are the ones whom God has cursed and thus He made them deaf and blinded their sight.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:23 These are the ones whom God has cursed and thus He made them deaf and blinded their sight.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:23 It is such as these whom God rejects, and whom He makes deaf [to the voice of truth], and whose eyes He blinds [to its sight]!29

Note 29
Cf. the reference to God's "sealing" the hearts of stubborn wrongdoers in 2:7.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:23 It is those who incurred a curse from GOD, whereby He rendered them deaf and blind.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:23 Such are the ones whom God deprives of His grace, makes them deaf, and blinds their sight.

47:24 افلا يتدبرون القرءان ام على قلوب اقفالها

Transcription (English)
47:24 Afala yatadabbaroona alqur-anaam AAala quloobin aqfaluha
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:24 Do they not reflect on the Quran? Or are there locks on their hearts?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:24 Do they not reflect upon the Qur'an? Or are there locks on the hearts?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:24 Will they not, then, ponder over this Qur'an? - or are there locks upon their hearts?
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Study the Quran47:24 Why do they not study the Quran carefully? Do they have locks on their minds?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:24 Will they not then reflect on the Qur’an, or is it that they have locks on their hearts (which bar them from reason?) [4:82]

47:25 ان الذين ارتدوا على ادبرهم من بعد ما تبين لهم الهدى الشيطن سول لهم واملى لهم

Transcription (English)
47:25 Inna allatheena irtaddoo AAalaadbarihim min baAAdi ma tabayyana lahumu alhudaalshshaytanu sawwala lahum waamla lahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:25 Surely, those who reverted back, after the guidance has been made clear to them, the devil has enticed them and led them on.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:25 Surely, those who returned back, after the guidance has been made clear to them, the devil has enticed them and has led them on.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:25 VERILY, those who turn their backs [on this mes­sage] after guidance has been vouchsafed to them, [do it because] Satan has embellished their fancies and filled them with false hopes:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:25 Surely, those who slide back, after the guidance has been manifested to them, the devil has enticed them and led them on.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:25 Those who slide back after the guidance has been made clear to them, Satan has charmed them into utopia and given them long rein.12

Note 12
Sawwal = Entice = Instigate. Aml =Long rope = False hopes = Respite = Rein

47:26 ذلك بانهم قالوا للذين كرهوا ما نزل الله سنطيعكم فى بعض الامر والله يعلم اسرارهم

Transcription (English)
47:26 Thalika bi-annahum qaloo lillatheenakarihoo ma nazzala Allahu sanuteeAAukum feebaAAdi al-amri waAllahu yaAAlamu israrahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:26 That is because they said to those who hated what God had sent down: "We will obey you in certain matters." God knows their secrets.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:26 That is because they said to those who hated what God had sent down: "We will obey you in certain matters." And God knows their secrets.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:26 [they do turn their backs on it] inasmuch as30 they are wont to say unto those who abhor all that God has revealed, “We will comply with your views on some points."31 But God knows their secret thoughts:

Note 30
Lit., "this, because…," etc.

Note 31
Lit., "in some [or "parts of"] the matter": i.e., "although we cannot agree with you [atheists] as regards your denial of God, or of resurrection, or of the fact of revelation as such, we do agree with you that Muhammad is an impostor and that the Qur'an is but his invention" (Razi). By "those who turn their backs [on this message] after guidance has been vouchsafed to them" are meant, in the first instance, the hypocrites and half-hearted followers of Islam at the time of the Prophet who refused to fight in defense of the Faith, in a wider sense, however, this definition applies to all people, at all times, who are impressed by the teachings of the Qur'an but nevertheless refuse to accept it as God-inspired and, therefore, morally binding.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:26 This is because they said to those who hated what GOD has sent down, "We will obey you in certain matters." GOD fully knows their secret conspiracies.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:26 This, because they say to those who resent the Qur’an, “We will be with you in part of your plans.” And God fully knows their secret consultations.

47:27 فكيف اذا توفتهم الملئكة يضربون وجوههم وادبرهم

Transcription (English)
47:27 Fakayfa itha tawaffat-humu almala-ikatuyadriboona wujoohahum waadbarahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:27 So how will it be when the controllers put them to death, striking their faces and their backs?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:27 So how will it be when their lives are terminated by the angels, while striking their faces and their backs?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:27 hence, how [will they fare] when the angels gather them in death, striking their faces and their backs?32

Note 32
See note 55 on 8:50 .
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:27 How will it be for them when the angels put them to death? They will beat them on their faces and their rear ends.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:27 Then how will it be when the angels gather them in death, smiting their faces and backs?13

Note 13
They leave the world in agony and regret for not having readied themselves for the life to come

47:28 ذلك بانهم اتبعوا ما اسخط الله وكرهوا رضونه فاحبط اعملهم

Transcription (English)
47:28 Thalika bi-annahumu ittabaAAoo maaskhata Allaha wakarihoo ridwanahufaahbata aAAmalahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:28 That is because they followed what angered God, and they hated what pleased Him. Thus, He nullified their works.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:28 That is because they followed that which angered God, and they hated that which pleased Him. Thus, He nullified their works.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:28 This, because they were wont to pursue what God con­demns and to hate [whatever would meet with] His goodly acceptance:33 and so He has caused all their [good] deeds to come to nought.

Note 33
See first clause of verse 3 of this surah, which speaks of the "pursuit of falsehood". In the present instance, "that which would meet with His goodly acceptance" is the believer's readiness to sacrifice, if necessary, his life in the defense of the Faith.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:28 This is because they followed what angered GOD and hated the things that please Him. Consequently, He has nullified their works.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:28 This, because they followed what brings God’s disapproval, and detested the actions that win His approval. And so, He renders all their actions fruitless.

47:29 ام حسب الذين فى قلوبهم مرض ان لن يخرج الله اضغنهم

Transcription (English)
47:29 Am hasiba allatheena feequloobihim maradun an lan yukhrija Allahu adghanahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:29 Or did those who harbor a disease in their hearts think that God would not bring out their evil thoughts?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:29 Or did those who harbor a disease in their hearts think that God would not bring out their evil thoughts?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:29 Or do they in whose hearts is disease think, perchance, that God would never bring their moral failings to light?34

Note 34
The noun dighn (of which adghan is the plural) denotes, primarily, "rancour" or "hate"; in its wider sense it signifies a person's "disposition", "inclination" or "leaning", especially in its negative aspects (Jawhari): hence, a "moral defect" or "failing".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:29 Did those who harbor doubts in their hearts think that GOD will not bring out their evil thoughts?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:29 Or do the hypocrites think that God will not reveal their malice?

47:30 ولو نشاء لارينكهم فلعرفتهم بسيمهم ولتعرفنهم فى لحن القول والله يعلم اعملكم

Transcription (English)
47:30 Walaw nashao laaraynakahumfalaAAaraftahum biseemahum walataAArifannahum fee lahnialqawli waAllahu yaAAlamu aAAmalakum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:30 If We wished, We would show them to you so you would recognize them by their looks. However, you can recognize them by their speech. God is fully aware of your works.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:30 And if We wished, We would show them to you so you would recognize them by their looks. However, you can recognize them by their speech. And God is fully aware of your works.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:30 Now had We so willed, We could have shown them clearly to thee, so that thou wouldst know them for sure as by a visible mark:35 but [even so,] thou wilt most certainly recognize them by the tone of their voice.36 And God knows all that you do, [O men;]

Note 35
Lit., "by their marks": implying, elliptically, that God does not grant to anyone a clear insight, as by a visible mark, into another human being's heart or mind.

Note 36
Lit., "the tone (lahn) of speech": indicating that a true believer recognizes hypocrisy even without a "visible mark" (sima).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:30 If we will, we can expose them for you, so that you can recognize them just by looking at them. However, you can recognize them by the way they talk. GOD is fully aware of all your works.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:30 Had We so willed, We could have pointed them out to you and you would have identified them by their faces. But you will recognize them by the tone of their speech. And God knows all that you do. [9:64]

47:31 ولنبلونكم حتى نعلم المجهدين منكم والصبرين ونبلوا اخباركم

Transcription (English)
47:31 Walanabluwannakum hattanaAAlama almujahideena minkum waalssabireenawanabluwa akhbarakum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:31 We will test you until We know those who strive among you and those who are patient. We will bring out your qualities.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:31 And We will test you for We know those who strive among you and those who are patient. And We will bring out your qualities.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:31 and most certainly We shall try you all, so that We might mark out37 those of you who strive hard [in Our cause] and are patient in adversity: for We shall put to a test [the truth of] all your assertions.38

Note 37
Cf. 3:140, where the verb a1ama has been rendered in the same way.

Note 38
Lit., "your announcements" - i.e., all assertions relating to belief. The "test" consists in one's readiness to undergo any sacrifice - and, since most of this surah deals with the problem of a just war (jihad) in God's cause - even the sacrifice of one's life.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:31 We will certainly put you to the test, in order to distinguish those among you who strive, and steadfastly persevere. We must expose your true qualities.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:31 And certainly We shall try you all in order to distinguish the valiant among you and the steadfast. And We shall put your reputation to test.

47:32 ان الذين كفروا وصدوا عن سبيل الله وشاقوا الرسول من بعد ما تبين لهم الهدى لن يضروا الله شيا وسيحبط اعملهم

Transcription (English)
47:32 Inna allatheena kafaroo wasaddooAAan sabeeli Allahi washaqqoo alrrasoola minbaAAdi ma tabayyana lahumu alhuda lan yadurooAllaha shay-an wasayuhbitu aAAmalahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:32 Those who have rejected and repelled from the path of God, and stood against the messenger after the guidance has been made clear for them, they will not harm God in the least, and He will nullify their works.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:32 Those who have rejected and repelled from the path of God, and stood against the messenger; after the guidance has been made clear for them; they will not harm God in the least, and He will nullify their works.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:32 Verily, they who are bent on denying the truth and on barring [others] from the path of God, and [who thus] cut themselves off from the Apostle39 after guidance has been vouchsafed to them, can in no wise harm God; but He will cause all their deeds to come to nought.

Note 39
For the above rendering of shaqqu, see note 16 on 8:13 . The "cutting oneself off" from the Apostle signifies, of course, a rejection of his message, and, in this particular context, a refusal to follow the Quranic call to fight in a just cause, i.e., in defense of the Faith or of freedom (see note 167 on 2:190).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:32 Those who disbelieve and repel from the path of GOD, and oppose the messenger after the guidance has been manifested for them, will never hurt GOD in the least. Instead, He nullifies their works.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:32 Those who oppose the truth and hinder (people) from the way of God, and oppose the Messenger after the guidance has been made clear to them, cannot harm God in the least. And He will make all their works come to naught.

47:33 يايها الذين ءامنوا اطيعوا الله واطيعوا الرسول ولا تبطلوا اعملكم

Transcription (English)
47:33 Ya ayyuha allatheena amanooateeAAoo Allaha waateeAAoo alrrasoolawala tubtiloo aAAmalakum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:33 O you who acknowledge, obey God, and obey the messenger. Do not render your work in vain.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:33 O you who believe, obey God, and obey the messenger. And do not render your works in vain.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:33 O you who have attained to faith! Pay heed unto God, and pay heed unto the Apostle, and let not your [good] deeds come to nought!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:33 O you who believe, you shall obey GOD, and obey the messenger. Otherwise, all your works will be in vain.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:33 O You who have chosen to be graced with belief! Obey God, and obey the Messenger, and render not your actions vain.

47:34 ان الذين كفروا وصدوا عن سبيل الله ثم ماتوا وهم كفار فلن يغفر الله لهم

Transcription (English)
47:34 Inna allatheena kafaroo wasaddooAAan sabeeli Allahi thumma matoo wahum kuffarunfalan yaghfira Allahu lahum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:34 Surely, those who rejected and repelled from the path of God, then they died while still rejecting, God will never forgive them.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:34 Surely, those who rejected and repelled from the path of God, then they died while still rejecting, God will never forgive them.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:34 Verily, as for those who are bent on denying the truth and on barring [others] from the path of God, and then die as deniers of the truth - indeed, God will not grant them forgiveness!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
The Great Disaster47:34 Those who disbelieve and repel from the path of GOD, then die as disbelievers, GOD will never forgive them.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:34 Those who oppose the truth and hinder (people) from the path of God, and then die as disbelievers, God will not pardon them.

47:35 فلا تهنوا وتدعوا الى السلم وانتم الاعلون والله معكم ولن يتركم اعملكم

Transcription (English)
47:35 Fala tahinoo watadAAoo ila alssalmiwaantumu al-aAAlawna waAllahu maAAakum walanyatirakum aAAmalakum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:35 Therefore, do not be weak in calling for peace. You are on a higher moral ground, and God is with you. He will not waste your efforts.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:35 Therefore, do not be weak and ask for peace, for you are on a higher moral ground, and God is with you. And He will not waste your efforts.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:35 AND SO, [when you fight in a just cause,] do not lose heart and [never] beg for peace: for, seeing that God is with you, you are bound to rise high [in the end];40 and never will He let your [good] deeds go to waste.

Note 40
I.e., even if the fortunes of war go against them, the consciousness of having fought in the cause of truth and justice is bound to enhance the inner strength of the believers and, thus, to become a source of their future greatness: cf. 3:139.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:35 Therefore, you shall not waver and surrender in pursuit of peace, for you are guaranteed victory, and GOD is with you. He will never waste your efforts.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:35 So, do not falter crying for peace, for you are bound to prevail. God is with you and He will never waste your efforts. [3:139]

47:36 انما الحيوة الدنيا لعب ولهو وان تؤمنوا وتتقوا يؤتكم اجوركم ولا يسلكم امولكم

Transcription (English)
47:36 Innama alhayatu alddunyalaAAibun walahwun wa-in tu/minoo watattaqoo yu/tikum ojoorakumwala yas-alkum amwalakum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:36 This worldly life is no more than play and vanity. But if you acknowledge and lead a righteous life, He will reward you, and He will not ask you for your wealth.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:36 The worldly life is no more than play and distraction. But if you believe and lead a righteous life, He will reward you, and He will not ask you for your wealth.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:36 The life of this world is but a play and a passing delight: but if you believe [in God] and are conscious of Him, He will grant you your deserts. And withal, He does not demand of you [to sacrifice in His cause all of] your possessions:41

Note 41
Although the life of this world is "but a play and a passing delight", God does not want to deprive the believers of its rightful enjoyment: and so He expects them to sacrifice only a small part of their possessions in His cause. This passage evidently foreshadows the imposition of the obligatory annual tax called zakah ("the purifying dues"), amounting to about 2.5 percent of a Muslims's income and property, as pointed out by most of the classical commentators in connection with the above verse (hence my interpolation). The proceeds of this tax are to be utilized in what the Qur'an describes as "the cause [lit., "way"] of God", i.e., for the defense and propagation of the Faith and the welfare of the community; and its spiritual purpose is the "purification" of a Muslim's possessions from the blemish of greed and selfishness. (It is to be noted that the payment of zakah was made obligatory at the very beginning of the Medina period, that is, at approximately the same time as the revelation of the present surah.)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:36 This worldly life is no more than play and vanity. But if you believe and lead a righteous life, He will reward you, without asking you for any money.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:36 The life of this world is but a sport and amusement. But if you believe and live upright, He will give you your rewards, and will not ask you to give up your wealth.

47:37 ان يسلكموها فيحفكم تبخلوا ويخرج اضغنكم

Transcription (English)
47:37 In yas-alkumooha fayuhfikumtabkhaloo wayukhrij adghanakum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:37 If He were to ask you for it, to the extent of creating a hardship for you, you would become stingy, and your hidden evil might be exposed.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:37 If He were to ask you for it, to the extent of creating a hardship for you, you would become stingy, and your hidden evil will be exposed.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:37 [for,] if He were to demand of you all of them, and urge you,42 you would niggardly cling [to them], and so He would [but] bring out your moral failings.43

Note 42
Sc., "to divest yourselves of all your possessions".

Note 43
For my rendering of adghan as "moral failings", see note 37 on verse 29 above. In the present context this term has more or less the same meaning as the term fujur in 91:8. The implication is that since man has been created weak" ( 4:28 ), the imposition of too great a burden on the believers would be self-defeating inasmuch as it might result not in an increase of faith but, rather, in its diminution. This passage illustrates the supreme realism of the Qur'an, which takes into account human nature as it is, with all its God-willed complexity and its inner contradictions, and does not, therefore, postulate a priori an impossible ideal as a norm of human behaviour. (Cf. 91:8, which speaks of man's personality as "imbued with moral failings as well as consciousness of God" - a phrase which is explained in the corresponding note 6.)
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:37 If He asked you for money, to the extent of creating a hardship for you, you might have become stingy, and your hidden evil might be exposed.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:37 If He were to demand and compel you for it, you would cling to it in stinginess, and He would thus reveal your shortcomings.

47:38 هانتم هؤلاء تدعون لتنفقوا فى سبيل الله فمنكم من يبخل ومن يبخل فانما يبخل عن نفسه والله الغنى وانتم الفقراء وان تتولوا يستبدل قوما غيركم ثم لا يكونوا امثلكم

Transcription (English)
47:38 Ha antum haola-itudAAawna litunfiqoo fee sabeeli Allahi faminkum manyabkhalu waman yabkhal fa-innama yabkhalu AAan nafsihi waAllahualghaniyyu waantumu alfuqarao wa-in tatawallaw yastabdilqawman ghayrakum thumma la yakoonoo amthalakum
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
47:38 Here you are being invited to spend in the cause of God, but some among you turn stingy. Whoever is stingy is only being stingy on himself. God is the Rich, while you are the poor. If you turn away, He will substitute another people instead of you, then they will not be like you.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
47:38 Here you are being invited to spend in the cause of God, but some among you turn stingy. And whoever is stingy is only being stingy on himself. And God is the Rich, while you are the poor. And if you turn away, He will substitute another people instead of you, then they will not be like you.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
47:38 Behold, [O believers,] it is you who are called upon to spend freely in God's cause: but [even] among you are such as turn out to be niggardly! And yet, he who acts niggardly [in God's cause] is but niggardly towards his own self: for God is indeed self-sufficient, whereas you stand in need [of Him]; and if you turn away [from Him], He will cause other people to take your place, and they will not be the likes of you!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
47:38 You are invited to spend in the cause of GOD, but some of you turn stingy. The stingy are stingy towards their own souls. GOD is Rich, while you are poor.,3

Note 3
The Quran was given to the Arabs, in their language, for 1400 years, but they clearly rejected it and refused to believe that it is complete;they fabricated Hadith and Sunna.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
47:38 You are those who are called upon to spend (your wealth and persons) in the cause of God. Yet, among you there are such who turn stingy. Anyone who is miser is miser against his own ‘self’. God is the Rich, and you are the poor. And if you turn away, He will replace you with another people, and they will not be like you.