26al-Shu‘arā’The Poetsسُورَةُ الشعراء

Ṭa-Sīn-Mīm [Ṭ-S-M].

Such [accessible alphabetical letters] constitute the [miraculous] illustrations of an obvious scripture.

Why do you [O Muhammad] exhaust [debilitate] yourself because they [your people] are not committing themselves [to Our power and authority]?

Had We so willed, We could have brought about a demonstration [of Our power and authority] from the skies that would have made their necks bend in humility.

And whatever you [O Muhammad] bring them of [progressively] unfolding God-consciousness from the Mercy-Giver, they [people in objection to God] will always turn the other way:

They indeed have naysaid [negated Our affirmations]; therefore, news will come to them about what they were ridiculing.

Have they not taken a [close] look at the earth — how We bring to blossom every fabulous two of a kind [pair]?

Without a doubt there is an illustration [of Our power and authority] in that; but, still, most remain uninterested [in affirming Our power and authority] —

Though, indeed, your Sustainer is the Grand, the Very Gracious.

And bear in mind when your Sustainer called upon Mūsā [telling him to] approach that iniquitous nation,

The citizenry of Pharaoh [and say to them], “Will you not avoid [Allah — His just punishment]?”

He [Mūsā] said, “My Sustainer! I surely fear that they will accuse me of lying,

“And [because of that] I will feel a tightness of breast [downhearted] and my tongue will not be its expressive self: therefore, send for Hārūn [to shoulder this responsibility with me].

“Besides that, they [Pharaoh’s society] have a [legal] summons against me, and so I am afraid they will put me to death.”

Said [Allah], “Absolutely not [they will not kill you]. Therefore, both of you [Mūsā and Hārūn] go [to Pharaoh] with Our [accompanying] demonstrations [of power]: verily We are listening with you.

“Then approach Pharaoh and say both of you [to him], ‘We are [as one] messenger from the Sustainer of all life domains:

“‘Release the Children of Israel to go with us [out of your domination].’”

[To which, Pharaoh] contended, “Did we not raise and nurture you when you were young? And you spent many years of your life with us;

“And [besides that, may I remind you that] you committed a heinous crime [by killing a citizen of ours] demonstrating that you are in denial [of our courtesies and favors to you].”

Replied [Mūsā], “I committed such an act at a time when I was not guided [by divine revelation];

“So I fled from you when I feared you. But then my Sustainer granted me judiciousness and engaged me as one of [His] messengers.

“Is your [expression of] favors to me supposed to offset the fact that you enslave the Children of Israel?”

Pharaoh said, “And who is [this] the Sustainer of all domains of life?”

Answered [Mūsā], “He is the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and everything in between — if you [all] could but grasp the certainty [of that].”

Said [Pharaoh] to those around him, “Are you not listening?”

Continued [Mūsā], “[He is] your Sustainer and the Sustainer of your ancient ancestors.”

[Pharaoh] scoffed, “Of course and indeed, ‘your messenger’ who has been ‘sent’ to you is crazy.”

[But Mūsā] persisted, “[He is] the Sustainer of the east [the Orient] and the west [the Occident] and everything in between — if only you could use your reason.”

Said [Pharaoh], “If you are to assume another god besides me, I shall surely rope you in with prisoners.”

Replied [Mūsā], “[Would you do that] even if I were to present you with something clearly [explicit]?”

Said [Pharaoh], “Then bring it on if you are a man of truth.”

Thereupon he [Mūsā] threw down his staff — which then turned into an obvious snake;

And he extended his hand — and it turned white [and glittering] for the onlookers.

Said [Pharaoh] to the elite around him, “Obviously, this is a prodigious wizard,

“He wants you to flee your country on account of his paranormal performance. And so, what do you think is in order now [what should be done about it]?”

They said, “Defer him and his brother for a while, [adjourn this gathering] and send couriers [agents] to all cities,

“Who shall fetch for you all brilliant wizards.”

Thereafter the wizards were assembled on a particular day, at a particular time,

And a public announcement was made, “Will each and all come together,

“In the hope that all will go along with the [Pharaoh’s] wizards should they be the ones to win.”

When the wizards arrived, they said to Pharaoh, “Will you assure us a [handsome] compensation if it is we who become victorious?”

Said [Pharaoh], “Yes. And, when that happens, you will be of my inner circle.”

[Undeterred], Mūsā said to them, “Throw down whatever it is you are to throw down.”

So they threw down their [magic] ropes and their [enchanted] sticks, saying, “By Pharaoh’s pride, we are indeed triumphant.”

Then Mūsā threw down his staff — and, behold, it began swallowing up their deceptive [and manipulative] performance.

[At that point] the wizards genuflected [humbling themselves],

Saying, “We affirm our belief/commitment in the Sustainer of all domains of life,

“The Sustainer of Mūsā and Hārūn.”

Said [Pharaoh], “You mean to tell me you have gone along with his [Mūsā’s] convictions before I granted you permission [to do so]? He [Mūsā] must have been your most senior who has taught you how to perform your sorcery, for now you will certainly know [who is in charge]. I will unquestionably sever your limbs in a cruel manner, and I will crucify you all savagely.”

They [the mastermind wizards of Pharaoh] said, “No harm done [by you to us]; we are now sure we are returning to our Sustainer.

“We are aspiring for our Sustainer to forgive us our faults [and flaws] for our hastening to be the first to commit [to Allah’s power and authority].”

And [eventually] We inspired Mūsā [saying to him] that, “You should proceed with my subjects at night: for you certainly will be tracked [pursued by those in power].”

Pharaoh sent couriers to the cities [to conscript troops for the pursuit of Mūsā and his people].

[Rallying around the banner of Pharaoh, their refrain was], “Clearly, these [Children of Israel] are an insignificant bunch —

“But they are sure getting on our nerves;

“But of course, nonetheless we are on alert [and ready to take them on].

“So we [Pharaoh and his administration] have [lawfully] forced them out of [their idyllic] orchards and springs,

“And [out of] fortunes and positions of propriety!”

In such a manner [of trials and tribulations], We bequeathed it [the final say in this whole affair] to the Children of Israel.

Subsequently they [Pharaoh and his military] caught up with them early in the day;

And when the two groups came within each other’s sight, the companions of Mūsā exclaimed, “Behold, they [Pharaoh and his for- ces] have caught up with us [and now we stand no chance]!”

Said [Mūsā], “Not at all; assuredly my Sustainer is with me and He will guide me [out of this danger zone].”

At that moment We divulged to Mūsā [instructing him], “Strike the sea with your staff” — whereupon the sea was cleaved, with each flank like a towering mount —

And We drew them [Pharaoh and his legion] closer [to the action zone of Mūsā as he parted the sea];

And We rescued Mūsā and those who were with him — all of them;

And subsequently We drowned the others [Pharaoh and company].

Indeed, in this there is a demonstration [of Allah’s power and ability]; and yet most of them [Pharaoh’s people] still did not pledge themselves [to Allah]:

And, certainly, your Sustainer is the Grand, the Very Gracious.

And recount to them [the people in Arabia in particular and the world in general] the account of Ibrāhīm,

As he said to his father [or respected uncle] and people, “What is it that you are devoted to [as deity and authority]?”

They replied, “We devote ourselves to [mortal] deified entities to whom we dedicate ourselves relentlessly.”

Said [Ibrāhīm], “Do they hear you when you call upon them?

“Or can they help you or do harm [to you]?”

They replied, “But this is what we found our ancestors doing [devotion to mortal idols: and so we follow them].”

Said [Ibrāhīm], “Have you considered [and reflected on] what you have been devoted to —

“You and your historical ancestors?

“[But in regard to me] they, indeed — all of them — are my nemesis [and none can come to my assistance] except for the Sustainer of all domains of life,

“Who has created me, and so He guides me,

“And Who feeds me and hydrates me [gives me water],

“And when I am sick, He cures me,

“And He causes me to die, and thereafter He brings me back to life,

“And He is the one I yearn to forgive me my faults on the Day of Dīn [Day of Judgement].”

[Prayed Ibrāhīm], “O my Sustainer! Grant me acumen and add me to those who are well-meaning and well-doing,

“And favor me with the expression of truth [to convey] to those who will follow [until the Day of Judgement],

“And enable me to be one of the heirs of a paradise of bliss,

“And forgive my father [or respected uncle] — he, indeed, was one of those who deviated [away from You] —

“And do not shame me on the Day when all will be resurrected —

“A Day when money and [dynastic] manpower will be of no worthiness,

“Except [the worth of] the one who approaches Allah with a sound heart.”

And [in the end] Paradise will be brought to the fore for those who are [and were] alert to Allah’s power presence,

While the inferno will be made apparent to those adrift in sin.

And they [those lost in sin] are going to be asked, “Where are those divine dignitaries that you [in your worldly life] venerated,

“To the exclusion of Allah? Will they fend for you now or can they prevail [over Allah]?”

Thereupon they will be thrown into it [the inferno] face first along with those drifting in sin,

Along with the legions of Iblīs — all together.

They will blurt out as they are quarreling [with each other] in it [the inferno],

“By Allah! We definitely were [in our worldly life] in manifest [obvious] deviance,

“As we equated you [the worldly figures of power] with the Sustainer of the domains of life;

“And no one other than criminals led us astray.

“Now we have no one to mediate for us —

“Not even a cordial friend.

“If only we had another chance [to return to worldly life] so that we could become committed muslims.”

In this [event pertaining to Ibrāhīm’s peoples’ standing on the Day of Judgement] there is an illustration of Allah’s power but most of them were [still] not devoted to Allah.

And incontestably your Sustainer is the Grand, the Very Benevolent.

The people of Nūḥ [too] contradicted the [message of Allah’s] apostles.

Once one of their own — Nūḥ — said to them, “Will you not obligate yourselves [to Allah’s power presence]?

“I am indeed an honest messenger [sent by Allah] to you;

“Therefore, take avoiding action [to protect yourselves from the consequences of disobeying Allah], and do as I tell you.

“And I do not ask you for any payment [for the advice I present]: my compensation comes from no one except the Sustainer of worldly domains.

“Therefore, take preventive action [by safeguarding yourselves against Allah’s ‘power for justice’], and act upon what I am telling you.”

They replied, “Are we to pledge ourselves to you seeing that those who are following you are ‘the scum of the earth’?”

Said [Nūḥ], “It is not up to me to evaluate their past performances [that is, who am I to say that they are bad just because they are members of the underclass];

“Their reckoning rests with my Sustainer — if only you could perceive [this detail].

“And I am not one to eject committed muslims [from my company],

“I am but an obvious [apparent] warner.”

They said, “If you, O Nūḥ, will not discontinue [your preaching] you will most certainly be an object for stoning [as our punishment].”

Said [Nūḥ], “O my Sustainer! My people are accusing me of lies;

“[Please] initiate a headway between me and them, and rescue me and the committed muslims who are with me.”

So We rescued him [Nūḥ] and those who were with him in a teeming ark;

Then We drowned the rest [of that society as a consequence].

Indeed, in that there is a demonstration of Allah’s power and authority — yet most of them [Nūḥ’s society] did not dedicate themselves to Allah.

And most assuredly, it is your Sustainer who is certainly the Grand, the Most Gracious.

[Similarly] the society of ‘Ād contradicted the [message of Allah’s] apostles,

When one of their own — Hūd — said to them, “Will you not guard [against Allah’s ‘power for justice’]?

“Truly, I am an honest messenger [for your sake] sent to you,

“So, avert Allah’s power [as justice is due] and defer to me.

“And I do not ask you for any recompense [for the necessary information I offer you]: my compensation comes from no one except the Sustainer of the worlds.

“Do you construct [architectural] wonders on every altitude [that you think will indulge] your [superpower] folly?

“And [do] you hope that your [advanced] societal infrastructure will give you eternal life?

“And when [you choose] to come to blows [with your enemy] you [choose to] do so with brute force [instead of civilized conduct].

“So brace yourselves by the deterrent fear of Allah [that will prevent you from your arrogant worldly power position] and act upon what I tell you,

“And guard yourselves against Allah’s just power who has given you the knowledge you have,

“[Who also] gave you farm animals and [burgeoning] generations,

“And [cultivated] gardens and [flowing] springs:

“For, indeed, I fear for you the torment of an Extensive Day.”

But they said [like the others before them], “For us it is all the same: whether you preach to us or whether you stop being a preacher,

“Our conduct [which you assail] is but the manner of [our] earlier predecessors,

“And we shall not be subject to any torment [for our doing what we did].”

And so, when they alleged he [Hūd] was lying, We exhausted them [into extinction]. Verily, in that [episode] is a demonstration of Allah’s power and authority, even though most of them did not commit themselves to Allah.

And most assuredly, it is certainly your Sustainer who is the Grand, the Very Merciful.

[Likewise] Thamūd took issue with the [message of Allah’s] apostles,

At a time when one of their own — Ṣāliḥ — said to them, “Will you not be on guard [against Allah’s just power]?

“I, indeed, am an honest messenger [from Allah] to you,

“So avoid Allah’s just power and comply with what I instruct [you to do].

“And I do not ask you for any compensation [for my guidance to you]: my compensation does not come from anyone except the Sustainer of the worlds.

“Do you think that you will be left [without any divine accountability] in this, [your] state of security [forever],

“[While you are enjoying] gardens [galore] and springs [of streaming water],

“And a variety of agricultural produce and palm trees with palatable baby-dates;

“And that you will [always be able to] carve out of mountains extravagant homes?

“So [with that being the case, you should] be on guard [when it comes to Allah’s just power], and follow what I say,

“And do not follow the orders of the profligate squanderers —

“Those who are responsible for corruption on earth and are not concerned with doing what is right and correct [according to Allah’s guidance].”

They retorted, “You must be under a spell [of magic],

“You are no one but a mortal just like us; so [if you want to prove yourself] produce a miracle if you are a man of truth.”

Said [Ṣāliḥ], “This is [the miracle you are asking for — ] a she-camel: she shall have access to water [at a particular time] and you shall have access to water [on a particular day],

“And do not harm her [in any way], for [if you do so], you will be overtaken by an infliction of a tremendous day.”

Consequently, they viciously slaughtered her and then they lived to regret it:

For the suffering [that Ṣāliḥ had advised them of] overtook them. Verily, in that incident is a demonstration of Allah’s just power, for most of them did not abide by Allah.

And most assuredly, it is certainly your Sustainer who is the Grand, the Very Merciful.

[Like those others] the people of Lūṭ contradicted [the message of] the apostles,

When one of their own — Lūṭ — said to them, “Will you not take measures to protect yourselves against Allah’s just power?

“I am to you an honest messenger [from Allah],

“So guard against [the inevitable consequences of] Allah’s just power and comply with what I instruct [you to do].

“And I do not ask you for any reimbursement for [my advice] to you: my only reimbursement comes from the Sustainer of the worlds.

“[Why] do you, of all people, court [have sexual relations with] males,

“And avoid what your Sustainer has created for you of [opposite sex] mates? Rather you are people who transgress [Allah’s norms].”

They said, “O Lūṭ! If you do not stop it, you will become [unwanted and] expelled [from our society].”

Responded [Lūṭ], “I certainly am repulsed by your doings.

“O my Sustainer! Rescue me and my folks from what they are doing.”

So We rescued him and his folks — all of them —

Except for an old woman who refused to leave [with Lūṭ];

Thereupon We destroyed the others,

Sending down upon them a torrent of [violent] rain — and what a dreadful cloudburst it was for those who had been warned [but did not pay heed]:

Truly in that there was a demonstration of Allah’s just power, but [again] most [of that society] were not devoted to Allah.

And most assuredly, it is certainly your Sustainer who is the Grand, the Very Merciful.

[In similar fashion] the people of Aykah [the sister society of Madyan] contradicted [the message] of the apostles,

As Shu‘ayb said to them, “Will you not avoid [the consequences of disputing Allah’s just power presence]?

“I am to you an honest messenger [from Allah],

“So be vigilant [concerning Allah’s power presence] and obey me.

“And I do not ask you for any payment for [the guidance] I offer you; my only payment is due from the Sustainer of the worlds.

“Be fair [and accurate] in [measuring and calculating your] commercial transactions and do not cheat [in your market activities];

“And in your businesses, deal [with people] precisely, forthrightly, and steadily;

“And do not shortchange people what is due to them and do not travel throughout the territories inducing corruption;

“And be vigilant concerning Allah’s just power — Who has created you and human nature from time immemorial.”

They countered, “You are certainly under the spell of some kind of sorcery,

“You are no one except a mortal human being just like us; furthermore, we think you are definitely a liar [of many liars];

“So if what you say is true, have the sky fall on us in [annihilating] pieces [as you claim will happen].”

Said [Shu‘ayb], “My Sustainer knows what you are doing more than anyone else.”

At that point in time, they accused him of lies, whereupon they were overtaken by an affliction of a day of gloom and doom — in reality, a Day of horrendous suffering.

In that affair there is a demonstration of Allah’s just power, but many in that society were not faithfully devoted to Allah.

And most assuredly, it is certainly your Sustainer who is the Grand, the Very Merciful.

And [after pondering the preceding narratives, know that] it [the Qur’an] is, no doubt, a descending revelation from the Sustainer of the worlds.

Bringing it down [from heaven to earth] was the trustworthy spirit [angel Jibrīl],

[Who came down with it] upon your heart for you [Muhammad] to become one among [the prophets] who forewarn [their societies],

[Who came down with it] in the distinct Arabic language [familiar to your people];

And this [the Qur’an’s message] is what was indeed found in the divine scriptures of past generations.

Is it [the Qur’an] not enough of an illustration [of Allah’s power and authority for the people of Makkah and Arabia] that the scholars of the Children of Israel were mindful of it [the Qur’an]?

And had We revealed it [the Qur’an] to some other non-Arab society,

With it [the Qur’an] being recited to them [in their own tongue], they [still] would not have dedicated themselves to it.

In such a manner We made it [the message of the Qur’an] meander through the hearts of criminals [unheeded]:

They will not devote themselves to it [the Qur’an] until [the time comes and] they see agonizing anguish [with their own eyes] —

[For that matter] it [agonizing anguish] will come to them unexpectedly while their sanities are indifferent [to its inevitability].

And at that point, they will say, “Are we going to be given a respite?”

[After all this] can they [really and truly] demand that Our punishment be expedited?

Will you [O Muhammad] not consider this: suppose We gave them [the mushriks] years of pleasure,

And then, what [punishment] they were alerted to actually came upon them,

So then, what good did [those years of pleasure] do them?

And withal, We have never destroyed a social order until after it had [exhausted] its warners [who cautioned it of the consequences of contravening Allah].

[This information comes to you as] a sentient reminder — for We under no circumstances were ever unjust.

And it [this divine Scripture] is not a disclosure coming from devils,

For they [the devils] are not suitable for this and nor are they capable of it:

Verily, they [the devils] are barred from listening [and tuning in] to it.

Therefore, do not ask anyone besides Allah [for guidance and help] — for if you do, you will be tormented.

And warn your community, beginning with your kindred,

And be kind and inclusive to those who follow you from among the committed muslims;

But then if they disobey you, say, “I am truly acquitted of your [wrong] doings” —

And place your trust in the Grand, the Very Merciful,

Who sees you as you take a stand [in public life],

And [sees you in you private moments] when you change positions in reverence [to Us]:

For indeed, He is always hearing, and constantly knowing [whatever there is].

Shall I tell you [O people of Makkah, and all others who doubt the veracity of this Qur’an] about those upon whom devils descend?

They [the devils] descend upon every despicable liar,

Who listen in [to what is put out by the devils], and [in point of fact] most of them are fraudsters.

And [when it comes to] poets, [know that] the devious ones are the ones who go along with them.

Can you [Muhammad] not see that they [the poets] are carried away [by their lyrics and rhymes] into every type of [controversial] valley [of follies],

And that they [the poets] say what they do not do?

[Most of them are this way] except for those who devote themselves to Allah, and do what is right and truthful, and ceaselessly refer to Allah, and stand up for their [God-given rights] after having been wronged. But those who are guilty of injustice shall come to realize the type of outcome becoming of their [injustice and unfairness].