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

68:1 ن والقلم وما يسطرون

Transcription (English)
68:1 Noon waalqalami wama yasturoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:1 N50, the pen, and what they write.1

Note 1

N50. 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 74:1; 1:1; 2:1; 13:38; 27:82; 38:1; 40:28; 46:10; 72:28.

Ibn Kathir is a popular commentary of the Quran, which is respected because of its reliance on hadith to "explain" verses of the Quran. Ibn Kathir (d. 1372), in the classic commentary carrying his name, makes the following remarks on verses 2:29 and 68:1. For this commentary, he relies mainly on a hadith from Abu Dawud (d. 888), one of the so-called authentic Sunni holy hadith books:

Ibn Abbas told all of you by Wasil b. Abd al-Ala al-Asadi- Muhammed b. Fudayl- al-Amash- abu Zabyan- ibn Abbas: the first thing God created is the pen. God then said to it: write!, Whereupon the pen asked: what shall I write, my lord! God replied: write what is predestined! He continued: and the pen proceeded to (write) whatever is predestined and going to be to the coming of the hour. God then lifted up the water vapor and split the heavens off from it. Then God created the fish (nun), and the earth was spread out upon its back. The fish became agitated, with the result that the earth was shaken up. It was steadied by means of the mountains, for they indeed proudly (tower) over the earth.

After learning the intellectual level of the “believers,” collectors, narrators, and commentators of the above hadith, such as Abu Dawud (d. 888), al-Tabari (d. 1516), and Ibn al-Baz (1995), it becomes clear why Muhammed would utter the words in 25:30. See 21:33; 27:88; 36:40; 39:5; 79:30.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:1 N, the pen, and what they write.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:1 Nun.1 CONSIDER the pen, and all that they write [therewith]!2

Note 1
Chronologically, this is the first appearance of any of the "disjointed" [i.e., single] letters (al-muqatta'at) which precede a number of the surahs of the Qur'an: for the various theories relating to these letters, see Appendix II. The supposition of some of the early commentators (extensively quoted by Tabari) that the letter n, pronounced nun, represents here an abbreviation of the identically-pronounced noun which signifies both "great fish" and "inkwell" has been convincingly rejected by some of the most outstanding authorities (e.g., Zamakhshari and Razi) on grammatical grounds.

Note 2
For the meaning of the adjurative particle wa at the beginning of this sentence, see first half of note 23 on 74:32. The mention of "the pen" is meant to recall the earliest Qur'anic revelation, namely, the first five verses of surah 96 ("The Germ-Cell"), and thus to stress the fact of Muhammad's prophethood. As regards the symbolic significance of the concept of "the pen", see 96:3 and the corresponding note 3.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:1 NuN1 , the pen, and what they (the people) write.,

Note 1
``NuN'' is unique among the Quran's miraculous initials. See Appendix 1.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:1 N. Noon. The Inkpot and the Pen, and all that they write, stand witness. (The high domain of knowledge will bear out that),1

Note 1


This is the 68th Surah of the Qur’an. It has 52 brief verses.



No Messenger ever asked of his people any wages.



God in His Infinite mercy, grants the individuals and nations a period of respite to mend their behavior before they meet chastisement.



Verses 68:10 are traditionally made to refer to a particular enemy of the exalted Prophet. But the Qur’anic verses are timeless and must not be tied, and thus limited, to the conjecture of Shaan-e-Nuzool (Circumstances of the revelation of a particular verse). This practice not only limits the message but, furthermore, becomes an issue of futile argumentation among the exponents.



This Qur’an is a Reminder that can give eminence to any nation that, consciously or unconsciously, follows its laws.



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



68:2 ما انت بنعمة ربك بمجنون

Transcription (English)
68:2 Ma anta biniAAmati rabbika bimajnoonin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:2 You are not, by the blessing of your Lord, crazy.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:2 You are not, by the blessing of your Lord, crazy.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:2 Thou art not, by thy Sustainer's grace, a madman!3

Note 3
This is an allusion to the taunt with which most of Muhammad's contemporaries greeted the beginning of his preaching, and with which they continued to deride him for many years. In its wider sense, the above passage relates - as is so often the case in the Qur'an - not merely to the Prophet but also to all who followed or will follow him: in this particular instance, to all who base their moral valuations on their belief in God and in life after death.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:2 You have attained a great blessing from your Lord; you are not crazy.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:2 You (O Messenger), by the grace of your Lord, are not a madman.

68:3 وان لك لاجرا غير ممنون

Transcription (English)
68:3 Wa-inna laka laajran ghayra mamnoonin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:3 You will have a reward that is well deserved.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:3 And you will have a reward that will not end.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:3 And, verily, thine shall be a reward neverending –
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:3 You have attained a recompense that is well deserved.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:3 And yours will be an everlasting reward.

68:4 وانك لعلى خلق عظيم

Transcription (English)
68:4 Wa-innaka laAAala khuluqin AAatheemin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:4 You are on a high moral standard.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:4 And you are of a high moral character.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:4 for, behold, thou keepest indeed to a sublime way of life;4

Note 4
The term khuluq, rendered by me as "way of life", describes a person's "character", "innate disposition" or "nature" in the widest sense of these concepts, as well as "habitual behaviour" which becomes, as it were, one's "second nature" (Taj al-'Arus). My identification of khuluq with "way of life" is based on the explanation of the above verse by Abd Allah ibn Abbas (as quoted by Tabari), stating that this term is here synonymous with din: and we must remember that one of the primary significances of the latter term is "a way [or "manner"] of behaviour" or "of acting" (Qamus). More over, we have several well-authenticated Traditions according to which Muhammad's widow A'ishah, speaking of the Prophet many years after his death, repeatedly stressed that "his way of life (khuluq) was the Qur'an." (Muslim, Tabari and Hakim, on the authority of Sa'id Ibn Hisham; Ibn Hanbal, Abu Da'ud and Nasa'i, on the authority of Al-Hasan al-Basri; Tabari, on the authority of Qatadah and Jubayr ibn Nufayl; and several other compilations).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:4 You are blessed with a great moral character.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:4 For, you have sublime morals.

68:5 فستبصر ويبصرون

Transcription (English)
68:5 Fasatubsiru wayubsiroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:5 So you will see, and they will see.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:5 So you will see, and they will see.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:5 and [one day] thou shalt see, and they [who now deride thee] shall see,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:5 You will see, and they will see.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:5 And soon you will see and they will see.

68:6 باييكم المفتون

Transcription (English)
68:6 Bi-ayyikumu almaftoonu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:6 Which of you are tormented.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:6 Which of you are condemned.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:6 which of you was bereft of reason.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:6 Which of you are condemned.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:6 Which of you is the demented.2

Note 2
Superb knowledge and sublime character can only indicate a great man

68:7 ان ربك هو اعلم بمن ضل عن سبيله وهو اعلم بالمهتدين

Transcription (English)
68:7 Inna rabbaka huwa aAAlamu biman dallaAAan sabeelihi wahuwa aAAlamu bialmuhtadeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:7 Your Lord is fully aware of those who strayed off His path, and He is fully aware of those who are guided.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:7 Your Lord is fully aware of those who strayed off His path, and He is fully aware of those who are guided.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:7 Verily, thy Sustainer alone is fully aware as to who has strayed from His path, Just as He alone is fully aware of those who have found the right way.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:7 Your Lord is fully aware of those who strayed off His path, and He is fully aware of those who are guided.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:7 Your Lord knows best him who strays from His way, and He knows best those who are rightly guided.

68:8 فلا تطع المكذبين

Transcription (English)
68:8 Fala tutiAAi almukaththibeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:8 So do not obey those who deny.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:8 So do not obey those who deny.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:8 Hence, defer not to [the likes and dislikes of] those who give the lie to the truth:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:8 Do not obey the rejectors.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:8 So, pay no heed to the rejecters.

68:9 ودوا لو تدهن فيدهنون

Transcription (English)
68:9 Waddoo law tudhinu fayudhinoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:9 They wish that you compromise, so they too can compromise.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:9 They wish that you compromise, so they too can compromise.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:9 they would like thee to be soft [with them], so that they might be soft [with thee].5

Note 5
I.e., "they would like thee to be conciliatory in the matter of ethical principles and moral valuations, whereupon they would reciprocate and desist from actively opposing thee"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:9 They wish that you compromise, so they too can compromise.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:9 They wish that you strike a deal with them so that they can strike a deal.3

Note 3
and compromise on a middle grounds between truth and falsehood. 10:15, 11:113, 17:74

68:10 ولا تطع كل حلاف مهين

68:10 wla tTA kl Hlaf mhyn
Transcription (English)
68:10 Wala tutiAA kulla hallafinmaheenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Bad Character68:10 Do not obey every lowly swearer.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:10 And do not obey every lowly swearer.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:10 Furthermore,6 defer not to the contemptible swearer of oaths,

Note 6
Lit., "And". The subsequently enumerated types of moral deficiency are, of course, mentioned only as examples of the type of man to whose likes or dislikes no consideration whatever should be shown.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:10 Do not obey every lowly swearer.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:10 Do not yield to any feeble oath-monger.4

Note 4
Repeated swearing hurts the credibility of a person

68:11 هماز مشاء بنميم

68:11 hmaz mşaa bnmym
Transcription (English)
68:11 Hammazin mashsha-in binameemin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:11 A slanderer, a backbiter.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:11 A slanderer, a backbiter.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:11 [or to] the slanderer that goes about with defaming tales,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:11 A slanderer, a backbiter.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:11 Or to a defamer that goes about spreading slander.

68:12 مناع للخير معتد اثيم

Transcription (English)
68:12 MannaAAin lilkhayri muAAtadin atheemin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:12 Forbidder of charity, a transgressor, a sinner.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:12 Forbidder of charity, a transgressor, a sinner.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:12 [or] the withholder of good, [or] the sinful aggressor,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:12 Forbidder of charity, a transgressor, a sinner.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:12 Hinderer of the good, transgressing beyond limits, harming the community.

68:13 عتل بعد ذلك زنيم

68:13 Atl bAd źalk znym
Transcription (English)
68:13 AAutullin baAAda thalika zaneemin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:13 Ignoble, and additionally, mischievous.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:13 Unappreciative, and greedy.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:13 [or] one who is cruel, by greed possessed,7 and, in addition to all this, utterly useless [to his fellow-men].8

Note 7
The term utul - derived from the verb atala, "he dragged [someone or something] in a rough and cruel manner" - is used to describe a person combining within himself the attributes of cruelty and greed; hence the composite rendering adopted by me.

Note 8
The commentators give the most divergent interpretations to the term zanim, which is evidently derived from the noun zanamah, denoting either of the two wattles, or fleshy skin protuberances, hanging below the ears of a goat. Since these wattles do not seem to have any physiological function, the term zanim has come to signify "someone [or "something"] not needed" (Taj al-'Arus): in other words, redundant or useless. It is, therefore, logical to assume that in the above context this term describes a person who is entirely useless in the social sense.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:13 Unappreciative, and greedy.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:13 Or to one greedy to the extent of insensitivity, and who has also made himself worthless to the society.5

Note 5
Zanama= Folds of skin beneath the ears of a goat that serve no known practical purpose. Zaneem = A man who makes himself worthless to the society

68:14 ان كان ذا مال وبنين

68:14 an kan źa mal wbnyn
Transcription (English)
68:14 An kana tha malinwabaneena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:14 Because he possessed money and children.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:14 Because he possessed money and sons.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:14 Is it because he is possessed of worldly goods and children
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:14 Even though he possessed enough money and children.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:14 Or he who, because of his riches and party,

68:15 اذا تتلى عليه ءايتنا قال اسطير الاولين

Transcription (English)
68:15 Itha tutla AAalayhi ayatunaqala asateeru al-awwaleena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:15 When Our signs are recited to him, he says: "Tales from the past!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:15 When Our revelations are recited to him, he says: "Fictional tales of old!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:15 that, whenever Our messages are conveyed to him, such a one says, "Fables of ancient times"?9

Note 9
The term banun (lit., "children" or "sons") is often used in the Qur'an metonymically, denoting "popular support" or "many adherents"; in conjunction with the term mal ("worldly goods") it is meant to illustrate a certain mentality which attributes a pseudo-religious significance to wealth and influence, and regards these visible signs of worldly success as a post-factum evidence of the "righteousness" of the person concerned and, hence, of his not being in need of further guidance.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:15 When our revelations are recited to him, he says, "Tales from the past!",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:15 Says, “Fables of ancient times”, whenever Our messages are conveyed to him.

68:16 سنسمه على الخرطوم

68:16 snsmh Aly alKrTwm
Transcription (English)
68:16 Sanasimuhu AAala alkhurtoomi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:16 We will mark him on the path.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:16 We will mark him on the path.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:16 [For this] We shall brand him with indelible disgrace!10

Note 10
Lit., "We shall brand him on the snout" (khurtum). All commentators point out that this, idiomatic phrase has a strictly metaphorical meaning, namely, "We shall stigmatize him with indelible disgrace" (cf. Lane II, 724, quoting both Raghib and Taj al-'Arus).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:16 We will mark his face.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:16 We shall brand such a person with manifest disgrace!6

Note 6
'Branding the snout' = Bringing to clear disgrace one who chooses to live at the subhuman level

68:17 انا بلونهم كما بلونا اصحب الجنة اذ اقسموا ليصرمنها مصبحين

Transcription (English)
68:17 Inna balawnahum kamabalawna as-haba aljannati ith aqsamoolayasrimunnaha musbiheena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:17 We have tested them like We tested those who owned the farms, when they swore that they will harvest it in the morning.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:17 We have tested them like We tested those who owned the farm, when they swore that they will harvest it in the morning.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:17 [As for such sinners,] behold, We [but] try them11 as We tried the owners of a certain garden who vowed that they would surely harvest its fruit on the morrow,

Note 11
I.e., by bestowing on them affluence out of all proportion to their moral deserts.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:17 We have tested them like we tested the owners of the garden who swore that they will harvest it in the morning.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:17 We have tried such people as We tried the owners of the garden who swore that they would pluck its fruit in the morning. [18:32-44]

68:18 ولا يستثنون

68:18 wla ystśnwn
Transcription (English)
68:18 Wala yastathnoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:18 They were without doubt.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:18 They were without doubt.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:18 and made no allowance [for the will of God]:12

Note 12
I.e., they resolved upon their objective without the reservation, "if God so wills"; which points to the first lesson to be derived from this parable, as well as to its connection with the rhetorical question in verses 14-15 above.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:18 They were so absolutely sure.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:18 And made no exception (for the needy poor).

68:19 فطاف عليها طائف من ربك وهم نائمون

Transcription (English)
68:19 Fatafa AAalayha ta-ifunmin rabbika wahum na-imoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:19 So a passing sent from your Lord came to it while they all were asleep.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:19 So a passing sent from your Lord came to it while they all were asleep.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:19 whereupon a visitation for thy Sustainer came upon that [garden] while they were asleep,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:19 A passing (storm) from your Lord passed by it while they were asleep.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:19 Then a tornado from your Lord struck it while they slept.

68:20 فاصبحت كالصريم

68:20 faSbHt kalSrym
Transcription (English)
68:20 Faasbahat kaalssareemi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:20 Thus, it became barren.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:20 Thus, it became barren.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:20 so that by the morrow it became barren and bleak.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:20 By morning, it was barren.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:20 So that by the morning it was barren, bleak.

68:21 فتنادوا مصبحين

68:21 ftnadwa mSbHyn
Transcription (English)
68:21 Fatanadaw musbiheena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:21 They called on one another when they awoke.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:21 They called on one another when they awoke.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:21 Now when they rose at early morn, they called unto one another,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:21 They called on each other in the morning.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:21 In the morning, they called out one another.

68:22 ان اغدوا على حرثكم ان كنتم صرمين

Transcription (English)
68:22 Ani ighdoo AAala harthikum inkuntum sarimeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:22 "Let us go this morning to harvest the crop."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:22 "Let us go this morning to harvest the crop."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:22 "Go early to your tilth if you want to harvest the fruit!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:22 "Let us harvest the crop.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:22 "Go early to your field if you want to pick the fruit."

68:23 فانطلقوا وهم يتخفتون

Transcription (English)
68:23 Faintalaqoo wahum yatakhafatoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:23 So they went, while conversing.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:23 So they went, while conversing.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:23 Thus they launched forth, whispering unto one another,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:23 On their way, they confided to each other.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:23 So they went off whispering to one another.

68:24 ان لا يدخلنها اليوم عليكم مسكين

Transcription (English)
68:24 An la yadkhulannaha alyawmaAAalaykum miskeenun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:24 "Let not a poor person come to your presence today."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:24 That from today, none of them would ever be poor.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:24 "Indeed, no needy person shall enter it today [and come] upon you [unawares],"13

Note 13
Ever since Biblical times it has been understood that the poor have a right to a share in the harvest of the fields and gardens owned by their more fortunate fellow-men (cf. 6:141 - "give [unto the poor] their due on harvest-day"). The determination of the "owners of the garden" to deprive the poor of this right is the second type of sin to which the above parable points: and inasmuch as it is a social sin, it connects with verses 10-13.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:24 That from then on, none of them would be poor.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:24 "Let not a single poor come near you today."

68:25 وغدوا على حرد قدرين

Transcription (English)
68:25 Waghadaw AAala hardin qadireena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:25 They went, ready to harvest.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:25 And they went, ready to harvest.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:25 – and early they went, strongly bent upon their purpose.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:25 They were so absolutely sure of their harvest.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:25 And early they went strong in their resolve (to keep the poor away).

68:26 فلما راوها قالوا انا لضالون

Transcription (English)
68:26 Falamma raawha qalooinna ladalloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:26 But when they saw it, they said, "We have gone astray!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:26 But when they saw it, they said: "We have gone astray!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:26 But as soon as they beheld [the garden and could not recognize] it, they exclaimed, "Surely we have lost our way!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:26 But when they saw it, they said, "We were so wrong!,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:26 But when they saw it, they said, "Oh, we have lost our way.”

68:27 بل نحن محرومون

68:27 bl nHn mHrwmwn
Transcription (English)
68:27 Bal nahnu mahroomoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:27 "Now, we have nothing!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:27 "Now, we have nothing!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:27 - [and then,] "Nay, but we have been rendered destitute!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:27 "Now, we have nothing!",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:27 (Then they realized), "Ah! Now we are destitute."

68:28 قال اوسطهم الم اقل لكم لولا تسبحون

Transcription (English)
68:28 Qala awsatuhum alam aqul lakumlawla tusabbihoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:28 The best among them said, "If only you had glorified!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:28 The best among them said: "If only you had glorified!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:28 Said the most right-minded among them: "Did I not tell you, 'Will you not extol God's limitless glory?'"14

Note 14
This is obviously a reference to their failure to realize that nothing can come about unless the Almighty so wills (verse 18).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
They Should Have Said: "God Willing."68:28 The righteous among them said, "If only you had glorified (God)!",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:28 The most balanced among them said, "Did I not tell you? Why did you not strive (to help the poor)?"7

Note 7
Sabh = Swim in strides = Work hard = Labor for a noble cause

68:29 قالوا سبحن ربنا انا كنا ظلمين

Transcription (English)
68:29 Qaloo subhana rabbinainna kunna thalimeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:29 They said, "Glory be to our Lord. We have transgressed."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:29 They said: "Glory be to our Lord. We have transgressed."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:29 They answered: "Limitless in His glory is our Sustainer! Verily, we were doing wrong!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:29 They said, "Glory be to our Lord. We have transgressed.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:29 They said, "Glorified is our Lord! It is we who have been offenders.”8

Note 8
Refusing the Divinely ordained right of the needy

68:30 فاقبل بعضهم على بعض يتلومون

Transcription (English)
68:30 Faaqbala baAAduhum AAala baAAdinyatalawamoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:30 Then they started to blame each other.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:30 Then they started to blame each other.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:30 - and then they turned upon one another with mutual reproaches.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:30 They started to blame each other.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:30 And then they confronted one another, blaming.

68:31 قالوا يويلنا انا كنا طغين

Transcription (English)
68:31 Qaloo ya waylana innakunna tagheena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:31 They said, "Woe to us. We sinned."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:31 They said: "Woe to us. We sinned."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:31 [In the end] they said: "Oh, woe unto us! Verily, we did behave outrageously!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:31 They said, "Woe to us. We sinned.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:31 They said, "Sorry for us! We have rebelled (against our own ‘self’)."

68:32 عسى ربنا ان يبدلنا خيرا منها انا الى ربنا رغبون

Transcription (English)
68:32 AAasa rabbuna an yubdilanakhayran minha inna ila rabbina raghiboona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:32 "Perhaps our Lord will grant us better than it. We repent to our Lord."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:32 "Perhaps our Lord will grant us better than it. We repent to our Lord."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:32 [But] it may be that our Sustainer will grant us something better instead:15 for, verily, unto our Sustainer do we turn with hope!"

Note 15
Namely, His forgiveness.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:32 "May our Lord grant us a better one. We repent to our Lord.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:32 It may be that our Lord grants us something better than this. We turn to our Lord with hope.9

Note 9
This was an example that only the System of Life based on collective good shall endure. God does not punish people out of rage, and reward and punishment are built-in our own actions

68:33 كذلك العذاب ولعذاب الءاخرة اكبر لو كانوا يعلمون

Transcription (English)
68:33 Kathalika alAAathabu walaAAathabual-akhirati akbaru law kanoo yaAAlamoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:33 Such was the punishment. But the retribution of the Hereafter is far worse, if they only knew.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:33 Such was the punishment. But the retribution of the Hereafter is far worse, if only they knew.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:33 SUCH is the suffering [with which We try some people in this world];16 but greater by far will be the suffering [which sinners shall have to bear] in the life to come - if they but knew it!

Note 16
This connects with the first clause of verse 17 above, which, in its turn, contains an allusion to the mentality spoken of in verses 14-15.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:33 Such was the requital. But the retribution of the Hereafter is far worse, if they only knew.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:33 Such is the suffering! But far greater is the suffering of the Hereafter - if they knew it.

68:34 ان للمتقين عند ربهم جنت النعيم

Transcription (English)
68:34 Inna lilmuttaqeena AAinda rabbihim jannatialnnaAAeemi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:34 The righteous have deserved, at their Lord, paradises of bliss.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:34 The righteous have deserved, at their Lord, gardens of bliss.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:34 For, behold, it is the God-conscious [alone] whom gardens of bliss await with their Sustainer:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:34 The righteous have deserved, at their Lord, gardens of bliss.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:34 For the righteous are Gardens of bliss with their Lord.

68:35 افنجعل المسلمين كالمجرمين

Transcription (English)
68:35 AfanajAAalu almuslimeena kaalmujrimeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
A Prophetic Description of the Followers of Hadith68:35 Should We treat the ones who peacefully surrendered the same as those who are criminals?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:35 Should We treat those who submitted the same as those who are criminals?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:35 or should We, perchance, treat those who surrender themselves unto Us17 as [We would treat] those who remain lost in sin?

Note 17
This is the earliest occurrence of the term muslimun (sing. muslim) in the history of Qur'anic revelation. Throughout this work, I have translated the terms muslim and islam in accordance with their original connotations, namely, "one who surrenders [or "has surrendered"] himself to God", and "man's self-surrender to God"; the same holds good of all forms of the verb aslama occurring in the Qur'an. It should be borne in mind that the "institutionalized" use of these terms - that is, their exclusive application to the followers of the Prophet Muhammad - represents a definitely post-Qur'anic development and, hence, must be avoided in a translation of the Qur'an.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:35 Shall we treat the Submitters like the criminals?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:35 Shall We then treat the Muslims like the criminals?

68:36 ما لكم كيف تحكمون

68:36 ma lkm kyf tHkmwn
Transcription (English)
68:36 Ma lakum kayfa tahkumoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:36 What is wrong with you, how do you judge?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:36 What is wrong with you, how do you judge?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:36 What is amiss with you?18 On what do you base your judgment [of right and wrong]?

Note 18
Sc., "O you sinners".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:36 What is wrong with your logic?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:36 What is the matter with you? How do you judge (the right and wrong and their logical consequences)?

68:37 ام لكم كتب فيه تدرسون

68:37 am lkm ktab fyh tdrswn
Transcription (English)
68:37 Am lakum kitabun feehi tadrusoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:37 Or do you have another book which you study?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:37 Or do you have a book which you study?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:37 Or have you, perchance, a [special] divine writ which you study,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:37 Do you have another book to uphold?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:37 Or do you have a scripture wherein you learn -

68:38 ان لكم فيه لما تخيرون

68:38 an lkm fyh lma tKyrwn
Transcription (English)
68:38 Inna lakum feehi lama takhayyaroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:38 In it, you can find what you wish?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:38 In it, you can find what you wish?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:38 and in which you find all that you may wish to find?19

Note 19
Lit., "so that in it you [may] have all that you choose [to have]" - i.e., a moral justification of the claim that whatever is considered "expedient" is eo ipso right.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:38 In it, do you find anything you want?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:38 That you shall have through it whatever you choose?

68:39 ام لكم ايمن علينا بلغة الى يوم القيمة ان لكم لما تحكمون

Transcription (English)
68:39 Am lakum aymanun AAalayna balighatunila yawmi alqiyamati inna lakum lama tahkumoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:39 Or do you have an oath from Us, extending until the day of resurrection, that you can judge as you please?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:39 Or do you have an oath from Us, extending until the Day of Resurrection, that you can judge as you please?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:39 Or have you received a solemn promise, binding on Us till Resurrection Day, that yours will assuredly be whatever you judge [to be your rightful due]?
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:39 Or, have you received solemn assurances from us that grant you whatever you wish on the Day of Resurrection?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:39 Or do you have a solemn oath, binding on Us until the Resurrection Day, that you shall have all that you demand?

68:40 سلهم ايهم بذلك زعيم

Transcription (English)
68:40 Salhum ayyuhum bithalika zaAAeemun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:40 Ask them: "Who of them will make such a claim?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:40 Ask them: "Who of them will make such a claim?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:40 Ask them which of them is able to vouch for this!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:40 Ask them, "Who guarantees this for you?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:40 Ask them which of them guarantees it.

68:41 ام لهم شركاء فلياتوا بشركائهم ان كانوا صدقين

Transcription (English)
68:41 Am lahum shurakao falya/too bishuraka-ihimin kanoo sadiqeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:41 Or do they have partners? Then let them bring their partners, if they are truthful.2

Note 2

See 42:21; 9:31; 6:112.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:41 Or do they have partners? Then let them bring their partners, if they are truthful.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:41 Or have they, perchance, anys ages to support their views?20 Well, then, if they are sincere in this their claim, let them produce those supporters of theirs

Note 20
Lit., "Or have they any associates?" - i.e., wise people ('uqala) who would share their views and their way of life (Zamakhshari and Razi). Accordingly, the expression shuraka'uhum in the next sentence has been rendered as "those supporters of theirs".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:41 Do they have idols? Let their idols help them, if they are truthful.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:41 Do they have 'partners'? Then let them bring their 'partners' if they are truthful.

68:42 يوم يكشف عن ساق ويدعون الى السجود فلا يستطيعون

Transcription (English)
68:42 Yawma yukshafu AAan saqin wayudAAawnaila alssujoodi fala yastateeAAoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:42 The day will come when they will be exposed, and they will be required to prostrate, but they will be unable to.3

Note 3

Commentaries relying heavily on hadith have distorted the meaning of this verse. According to a hadith reported by Bukhari thrice, in order to prove His identity, God will uncover his leg showing it to the prophets!

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:42 The Day will come when they will be exposed, and they will be required to prostrate, but they will be unable to.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:42 on the Day when man's very being shall be bared to the bone,21 and when they [who now deny the truth] shall be called upon to prostrate themselves [before God],22 and shall be unable to do so:

Note 21
Lit., "when the shin[-bone] shall be bared": i.e., when man's innermost thoughts, feelings and motivations will be laid bare. The implication is that their erstwhile claim that whatever is "expedient" is morally justifiable (see note 19 above), shall be revealed in all its nakedness - namely, as something indefensible and spiritually destructive.

Note 22
I.e., willingly, gladly humbling themselves before Him.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:42 The day will come when they will be exposed, and they will be required to fall prostrate, but they will be unable to.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:42 On the Day when they are confronted with the stark reality and are summoned to submit, they shall not be able to show sincere submission.10

Note 10
It will be too late

68:43 خشعة ابصرهم ترهقهم ذلة وقد كانوا يدعون الى السجود وهم سلمون

Transcription (English)
68:43 KhashiAAatan absaruhumtarhaquhum thillatun waqad kanoo yudAAawna ilaalssujoodi wahum salimoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:43 With their eyes subdued, humiliation will cover them. They were invited to prostrate when they were whole and able.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:43 With their eyes subdued, humiliation will cover them. They were invited to prostrate when they were whole and able.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:43 downcast will be their eyes, with ignominy overwhelming them - seeing that they had been called upon [in vain] to prostrate themselves [before Him] while they were yet sound [and alive].
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:43 With their eyes subdued, humiliation will cover them. They were invited to fall prostrate when they were whole and able.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:43 Their eyes drooping, humiliation will overwhelm them. And they had been repeatedly invited to submit when they were able.

68:44 فذرنى ومن يكذب بهذا الحديث سنستدرجهم من حيث لا يعلمون

Transcription (English)
68:44 Fatharnee waman yukaththibubihatha alhadeethi sanastadrijuhum min haythula yaAAlamoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:44 Therefore, let Me deal with those who reject this hadith; We will entice them from where they do not perceive.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:44 Therefore, let Me deal with those who reject this narrative; We will entice them from where they do not perceive.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:44 Hence, leave Me alone with such as give the lie to this tiding.23 We shall bring them low, step by step, without their perceiving how it has come about:24

Note 23
I.e., to divine revelation in general, and to the tiding of resurrection and judgment, in particular - the implication being that God alone has the right to decide whether or how to chastise them.

Note 24
Lit., "without their knowing whence [it comes]". The above sentence, as well as the next, (verse 45), are found in exactly the same formulation in 7:182
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:44 Therefore, let Me deal with those who reject this Hadith; we will lead them on whence they never perceive.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:44 So leave his affair to Me, him who denied this message. We shall lead them step by step to a reprisal from directions they had never conceived. [39:23]

68:45 واملى لهم ان كيدى متين

68:45 wamly lhm an kydy mtyn
Transcription (English)
68:45 Waomlee lahum inna kaydee mateenun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:45 I will lead them on; for My scheming is formidable.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:45 And I will lead them on; for My planning is formidable.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:45 for, behold, though I may give them rein for a while, My subtle scheme is exceedingly firm!25

Note 25
The term "subtle scheme" (kayd) evidently circumscribes here God's unfathomable plan of creation of which man can glimpse only isolated fragments and never the totality: a plan in which every thing and happening has a definite function, and nothing is accidental. (See in this connection note 11 on 10:5 - "None of this has God created without [an inner] truth".) Indirectly, the above passage alludes to the question as to the reason why God allows so many evil persons to enjoy their lives to the full, while so many of the righteous are allowed to suffer: the answer being that during his life in this world man cannot really understand where apparent happiness and unhappiness ultimately lead to, and what role they play in God's "subtle scheme" of creation.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:45 I will give them enough rope; My scheming is formidable.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:45 Though I give them respite, My Plan is unwavering.

68:46 ام تسلهم اجرا فهم من مغرم مثقلون

Transcription (English)
68:46 Am tas-aluhum ajran fahum min maghraminmuthqaloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:46 Or did you ask them for a wage, so they are burdened by the fine?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:46 Or do you ask them for a wage, so they are burdened by the fine?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:46 Or is it that [they fear lest] thou ask them for a reward, [O Prophet,] so that they would be burdened with debt [if they listened to thee]?
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:46 Are you asking them for money, so they are burdened by the fine?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:46 Or is it that you ask them any reward so that they are burdened?

68:47 ام عندهم الغيب فهم يكتبون

Transcription (English)
68:47 Am AAindahumu alghaybu fahum yaktuboona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:47 Or do they know the future? So they have it recorded?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:47 Or do they know the future? So they have it recorded?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:47 Or [do they think] that the hidden reality [of all that exists] is within their grasp, so that [in time] they can write it down?26

Note 26
Sc., "and that, therefore, they need not listen to divine revelation." For the real significance of the term al-ghayb - of which the above is undoubtedly the earliest instance in the chronology of Qur'anic revelation - see surah 2, note 3. Its use in the above context is meant to elucidate and further develop the idea already touched upon in 96:6 - "man becomes grossly overweening whenever he believes himself to be self-sufficient". More particularly, the present passage points to the fallacy of the arrogant belief that the solution of all the mysteries of the universe is "just around the corner" and that man-centred science - epitomized in the reference to its being "written down" - can and will teach its adepts how to "conquer nature" and to attain to what they regard as the good life.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:47 Do they know the future? Do they have it recorded?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:47 Or is it that theirs is the future that they have written down?

68:48 فاصبر لحكم ربك ولا تكن كصاحب الحوت اذ نادى وهو مكظوم

Transcription (English)
68:48 Faisbir lihukmi rabbikawala takun kasahibi alhooti ith nadawahuwa makthoomun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
The Companion of the Fish68:48 You shall be patient for the judgment of your Lord. Do not be like the companion of the fish who called out while he was in sorrow.4

Note 4

Instead of using the proper name of the prophet, Jonah (Yunus), this verse uses sahib ul-hut, that is, the Companion of the Fish. Thus, our attention is pulled to the letter N. For other examples, see 21:87; 50::13; 3:96; 7:69.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:48 You shall be patient for the judgment of your Lord. And do not be like the companion of the whale who called out while he was in sorrow.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:48 BEAR THEN with patience thy Sustainer's will and be not like him of the great fish, who cried out [in distress] after having given in to anger.27

Note 27
This is a reference to the Prophet Jonah - see 21:87 and the corresponding notes 82 and 83. As mentioned in 37:140, "he fled like a runaway slave" from the task with which he had been entrusted by God, because his people did not all at once accept his preaching as valid: and so Muhammad is exhorted not to give in to despair or anger at the opposition shown to him by most of his contemporaries in Mecca, but to persevere in his prophetic mission.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:48 You shall steadfastly persevere in carrying out the commands of your Lord. Do not be like (Jonah) who called from inside the fish.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:48 (O Prophet) go ahead steadfastly in establishing your Lord’s command. And be not like him (Jonah) of the fish who cried out in distress. [21:87, 37:139]

68:49 لولا ان تدركه نعمة من ربه لنبذ بالعراء وهو مذموم

Transcription (English)
68:49 Lawla an tadarakahu niAAmatunmin rabbihi lanubitha bialAAara-i wahuwa mathmoomun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:49 Had it not been for his Lord's grace, he would be ejected to the shore, in disgrace.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:49 Had it not been for the grace of his Lord, he would have remained trapped, while he was to be blamed.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:49 [And remember:] had not grace from his Sustainer reached him,28 he would indeed have been cast forth upon that barren shore in a state of disgrace:29

Note 28
Cf. 37:143 - "had he not been of those who [even in the deep darkness of their distress are able to] extol God's limitless glory": i.e., who always remember God and pray for His forgiveness.

Note 29
Lit., "while he was still blameworthy", i.e., burdened with sin and unredeemed by repentance: implying that but for God's grace he would have died as a sinner.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:49 If it were not for his Lord's grace, he would have been ejected into the desert as a sinner.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:49 If it were not for the bliss of his Lord, he would have been cast into the wilderness and in the wilderness of thought. [37:146]

68:50 فاجتبه ربه فجعله من الصلحين

Transcription (English)
68:50 Faijtabahu rabbuhu fajaAAalahumina alssaliheena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:50 But his Lord blessed him, and made him righteous.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:50 But his Lord blessed him, and made him righteous.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:50 but [as it was,] his Sustainer had elected him and placed him among the righteous.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:50 But his Lord blessed him, and made him righteous.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:50 But his Lord elected him and included him among those who worked for reform, and thus, actualized their own ‘self’.

68:51 وان يكاد الذين كفروا ليزلقونك بابصرهم لما سمعوا الذكر ويقولون انه لمجنون

Transcription (English)
68:51 Wa-in yakadu allatheenakafaroo layuzliqoonaka bi-absarihim lamma samiAAooalththikra wayaqooloona innahu lamajnoonun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:51 Those who have rejected almost attack you with their eyes when they hear the reminder, and they say, "He is crazy!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:51 And those who have rejected almost attack you with their eyes when they hear the Reminder, and they say: "He is crazy!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:51 Hence, [be patient,] even though they who are bent on denying the truth would all but kill thee with their eyes whenever they hear this reminder, and [though] they say, "[As for Mubammad,] behold, most surely he is a madman!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:51 Those who disbelieved show their ridicule in their eyes when they hear the message and say, "He is crazy!",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:51 Those who deny the truth, attack you (O Prophet) with their eyes when they hear the Reminder. And they say, "He is a madman."

68:52 وما هو الا ذكر للعلمين

Transcription (English)
68:52 Wama huwa illa thikrunlilAAalameena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
68:52 It is but a reminder for the worlds.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
68:52 And it is but a reminder for the worlds.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
68:52 [Be patient:] for this is nought else but a reminder [from God] to all mankind.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
68:52 It is in fact a message to the world.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
68:52 Nay, this is no less than a Reminder for all people (and a giver of eminence to them).11

Note 11
Zikr = Remembrance = Reminder = Giver of eminence. 21:10