And as for the sacrifice of cattle, We have ordained it for you as one of the symbols set up by God,* in which there is [much] good for you. Hence, extol the name of God over them when they are lined up [for sacrifice]; and after they have fallen lifeless to the ground, eat of their flesh,* and feed the poor who is contented with his lot (and does not beg), as well as him who is forced to beg. It is to this end* that We have made them* subservient to your needs, so that you might have cause to be grateful.

and, verily, we too are ranged [before Him in worship];

reclining on couches [of happiness] ranged in rows!"* And [in that paradise] We shall mate them with companions pure, most beautiful of eye.*

and cushions ranged,

ART THOU NOT aware that it is God whose limit­less glory all [creatures] that are in the heavens and on earth extol, even the birds as they spread out their wings?* Each [of them] knows indeed how to pray unto Him and to glorify Him; and God has full knowledge of all that they do:

CONSIDER these [messages] ranged in serried ranks,*

Have they, then, never beheld the birds above them, spreading their wings and drawing them in? None but the Most Gracious upholds them: for, verily, He keeps all things in His sight.

And they will be lined up before thy Sustainer, [and He will say:* ] "Now, indeed, you have come unto Us [in a lonely state], even as We created you in the first instances* - although you were wont to assert that We would never 'appoint for you a meeting [with Us]!"

Hence, [O sorcerers of Egypt,] decide upon the scheme which you will pursue, and then come forward in one single body:* for, indeed, he who prevails today shall prosper indeed!"*

CONSIDER these [messages] ranged in serried ranks,*

Verily, God loves [only] those who fight in His cause in [solid] ranks,* as though they were a building firm and compact.

on the Day when all [human] souls* and all the angels will stand up in ranks: none will speak but he to whom the Most Gracious will have given leave; and [everyone] will say [only] what is right.*

and [the majesty of] thy Sustainer stands revealed,* as well as [the true nature of] the angels; rank upon rank?