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

36:1 يس

36:1 ys
Transcription (English)
36:1 Ya-seen
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:1 Y10S601

Note 1

Y10S60. The combination of these letters/numbers plays an important role in the mathematical system of the Quran based on code 19. For the meaning of these letters, see 1:1; 2:1; 40:1; 13:38; 46:10; 74:1.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:1 YS.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:1 O THOU human being!1

Note 1
Whereas some of the classical commentators incline to the view that the letters y-s (pronounced ya sin) with which this surah opens belong to the category of the mysterious letter-symbols (al-muqatta'at) introducing a number of Quranic chapters (see Appendix II), Abd Allah ibn Abbas states that they actually represent two distinct words, namely the exclamatory particle ya ("O") and sin, which in the dialect of the tribe of Tayy is synonymous with insan ("human being" or "man"): hence, similar to the two syllables ta ha in surah 20, ya sin denotes "O thou human being!" This interpretation has been accepted by Ikrimah, Ad-Dahhak, Al-Hasan al-Basri, Sa'id ibn Jubayr, and other early Qur'an-commentators (see Tabari, Baghawi, Zamakhshari, Baydawi, Ibn Kathir. etc.). According to Zamakhshari, it would seem that the syllable sin is an abbreviation of unaysin, the diminutive form of insan used by the Tayy in exclamations. (It is to be borne in mind that in classical Arabic a diminutive is often expressive of no more than endearment: e.g., ya bunayya, which does not necessarily signify "O my little son" but, rather, "my dear son" irrespective of the son's age.) On the whole, we may safely assume that the words ya sin apostrophize the Prophet Muhammad, who is explicitly addressed in the sequence, and are meant to stress - as the Qur'an so often does - the fact of his and all other apostles' humanness.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:1 Y. S. (Yaa Seen)1 ,

Note 1
See Appendix 1for the detailed explanation of these initials.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:1 Y.S. Ya-Seen! (O Human being to whom this Divine Writ is revealed!)1

Note 1


This is the 36th Surah of the Qur’an. Among the Arabian Tribes Seen was in use as the abbreviation of Insaan = Human being, therefore, Ya-Seen = O Human being! And since it is addressing the Prophet, one of his honored titles is Yaseen. This Surah has 83 verses. Along with its conceptual diversity, it sheds light on the relationship between God and His creation and the ongoing changes that take place in nature.



This Surah makes use of a beautiful parable from verse 13 to 30. We will see it unfold as we go long. The verses probably do not relate an account of history.



Unfortunately, it has been a common practice among the ignorant to open the Qur’an only to recite this Surah beside a dying person hoping that this would ease the process of dying! Some fabricated Ahadith lead them into this error. But the Qur’an is a Guide for the living to journey through life in its light. And it is not a book of mantras or magic.



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



36:2 والقرءان الحكيم

Transcription (English)
36:2 Waalqur-ani alhakeemi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:2 By the wise Quran.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:2 And the Qur'an of wisdom.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:2 Consider this Qur'an full of wisdom:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:2 And the Quran that is full of wisdom.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:2 The Wise Qur’an is a witness in itself that:

36:3 انك لمن المرسلين

Transcription (English)
36:3 Innaka lamina almursaleena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:3 You are one of the messengers.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:3 You are one of the messengers.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:3 verily, thou art indeed one of God's message-bearers,2

Note 2
This statement explains the adjurative particle wa (rendered by me as "Consider") at the beginning of the preceding verse - namely: "Let the wisdom apparent in the Qur'an serve as an evidence of the fact that thou art an apostle of God". As regards my rendering of al-Qur'an al-Hakim as "this Qur'an full of wisdom", see note 2 on 10:1.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:3 Most assuredly, you (Rashad) are one of the messengers.2 ,

Note 2
See Appendices 2 &26 for the irrefutablephysical evidence.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:3 Surely, you are one of the Messengers.

36:4 على صرط مستقيم

Transcription (English)
36:4 AAala siratin mustaqeemin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:4 Upon a straight path.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:4 Upon a straight path.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:4 pursuing a straight way
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:4 On a straight path.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:4 On a straight path.

36:5 تنزيل العزيز الرحيم

Transcription (English)
36:5 Tanzeela alAAazeezi alrraheemi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:5 The revelation of the Honorable, the Compassionate.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:5 The revelation of the Most Honorable, the Merciful.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:5 by [virtue of] what is being bestowed from on high by the Almighty, the Dispenser of Grace,3

Note 3
Cf. 34:50 - "if I am on the right path, it is but by virtue of what my Sustainer reveals unto me".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:5 This revelation is from the Almighty, Most Merciful.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:5 It is a revelation of the Almighty, the Merciful.

36:6 لتنذر قوما ما انذر ءاباؤهم فهم غفلون

Transcription (English)
36:6 Litunthira qawman ma onthiraabaohum fahum ghafiloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:6 To warn a people whose fathers were not warned, for they are unaware.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:6 To warn a people whose fathers were not warned, for they are unaware.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:6 [bestowed upon thee] so that thou mayest warn people whose forefathers had not been warned, and who therefore are unaware [of the meaning of right and wrong].4

Note 4
Cf. 6:131. In the wider sense of this expression, the "forefathers" may be a metonym for a community's cultural past: hence, the reference to those "forefathers" not having been "warned" (i.e., against evil) evidently alludes to the defectiveness of the ethical heritage of people who have become estranged from true moral values.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:6 To warn people whose parents were never warned, and therefore, they are unaware.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:6 That you may warn a people whose ancestors were not warned, and are, therefore, unaware of what is right and what is wrong. [2:125, 7:158, 28:46, 32:3]

36:7 لقد حق القول على اكثرهم فهم لا يؤمنون

Transcription (English)
36:7 Laqad haqqa alqawlu AAalaaktharihim fahum la yu/minoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:7 The retribution has been deserved by most of them, for they do not acknowledge.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:7 The retribution has been deserved by most of them, for they do not believe.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:7 Indeed, the word [of God's condemnation] is bound to come true5 against most of them: for they will not believe.

Note 5
Lit., "has come true", the past tense indicating the inevitability of its "coming true" - i.e., taking effect.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:7 It has been predetermined that most of them do not believe.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:7 Already the word has come true for most of them, that they do not believe.

36:8 انا جعلنا فى اعنقهم اغللا فهى الى الاذقان فهم مقمحون

Transcription (English)
36:8 Inna jaAAalna fee aAAnaqihimaghlalan fahiya ila al-athqani fahummuqmahoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:8 We have placed shackles around their necks, up to their chins, so that they are forced in direction.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:8 We have placed shackles around their necks, up to their chins, so that they are forced in place.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:8 Behold, around their necks We have put shack­les,6 reaching up to their chins, so that their heads are forced up;7

Note 6
Zamakhshari: "[This is] an allegory of their deliberate denial of the truth." See note 13 on 13:5 and note 44 on 34:33.

Note 7
Sc., "and they cannot see the right way" (Razi); their "forced-up heads" symbolize also their arrogance. On the other hand, God's "placing shackles" around the sinners' necks is a metaphor similar to His "sealing their hearts and their hearing", spoken of in 2:7 and explained in the corresponding note 7. The same applies to the metaphor of the "barriers" and the "veiling" mentioned in the next verse.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:8 For we place around their necks shackles, up to their chins. Consequently, they become locked in their disbelief.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:8 Around their necks We (Our laws) have put shackles, reaching their chins so that they cannot bend their heads. Their heads are forced up in arrogance (like the agitated camel who keeps his head high refusing to drink the life-giving water).

36:9 وجعلنا من بين ايديهم سدا ومن خلفهم سدا فاغشينهم فهم لا يبصرون

Transcription (English)
36:9 WajaAAalna min bayni aydeehim saddanwamin khalfihim saddan faaghshaynahum fahum la yubsiroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:9 We have placed a barrier in front of them, and a barrier behind them, thus We shielded them so they cannot see.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:9 And We have placed a barrier in front of them, and a barrier behind them, thus We shielded them so they cannot see.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:9 and We have set a barrier before them and a barrier behind them, and We have enshrouded them in veils so that they cannot see:8

Note 8
Sc., "so that they can neither advance nor go back": a metaphor of utter spiritual stagnation.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:9 And we place a barrier in front of them, and a barrier behind them, and thus, we veil them; they cannot see.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:9 And We have set a bar before them and a bar behind them, and thus have covered them so that they cannot see.2

Note 2
They neither look to the future nor derive any lesson from history

36:10 وسواء عليهم ءانذرتهم ام لم تنذرهم لا يؤمنون

Transcription (English)
36:10 Wasawaon AAalayhim aanthartahumam lam tunthirhum la yu/minoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:10 Whether you warn them or do not warn them, they will not acknowledge.2

Note 2

See 57:22.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:10 And whether you warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:10 thus, it is all one to them whether thou warnest them or dost not warn them: they will not believe.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:10 It is the same whether you warn them or not, they cannot believe.3 ,

Note 3
Everyone is already stamped as a believer or a disbeliever. See Appendix14.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:10 Whether you warn them or warn them not, it is the same for them.3

Note 3
Their attitude bars them from attaining faith

36:11 انما تنذر من اتبع الذكر وخشى الرحمن بالغيب فبشره بمغفرة واجر كريم

Transcription (English)
36:11 Innama tunthiru mani ittabaAAaalththikra wakhashiya alrrahmanabialghaybi fabashshirhu bimaghfiratin waajrin kareemin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:11 You can only warn him who follows the reminder, and reveres the Gracious while unseen. Give him good news of forgiveness and a generous reward.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:11 You can only warn him who follows the Reminder, and is concerned towards the Almighty while unseen. Give him good news of forgiveness and a generous reward.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:11 Thou canst [truly] warn only him who is willing to take the reminder to heart,9 and who stands in awe of the Most Gracious although He is beyond the reach of human perception: unto such, then, give the glad tiding of [God's] forgiveness and of a most excellent reward!

Note 9
Lit., "who is following the reminder".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:11 You will be heeded only by those who uphold this message, and reverence the Most Gracious - even when alone in their privacy. Give them good news of forgiveness and a generous recompense.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:11 You can only warn him who reflects, and fears (violating the universal laws of) the Beneficent even in privacy. Unto such give the good news of forgiveness and a most honorable reward.

36:12 انا نحن نحى الموتى ونكتب ما قدموا وءاثرهم وكل شىء احصينه فى امام مبين

Transcription (English)
36:12 Inna nahnu nuhyeealmawta wanaktubu ma qaddamoo waatharahumwakulla shay-in ahsaynahu fee imamin mubeenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:12 It is indeed Us who resurrect the dead, and We record what they have done and left behind. Everything We have counted in a clear ledger.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:12 It is indeed Us who resurrect the dead, and We record what they have done and left behind. And everything We have counted in a clear ledger.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:12 Verily, We shall indeed bring the dead back to life; and We shall record whatever [deeds] they have sent ahead, and the traces [of good and evil] which they have left behind: for of all things do We take account in a record clear.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:12 We will certainly revive the dead, and we have recorded everything they have done in this life, as well as the consequences that continue after their death. Everything we have counted in a profound record.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:12 Surely, We give life to the dead, and We record all they send before them and their legacies. And all things and events are recorded in a clear Record.4

Note 4
Whatever the humans do, their actions leave permanent imprints on their own ‘self’

36:13 واضرب لهم مثلا اصحب القرية اذ جاءها المرسلون

Transcription (English)
36:13 Waidrib lahum mathalan as-habaalqaryati ith jaaha almursaloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Messengers were Rejected by their People36:13 Cite for them the example of the people of the town, when the messengers came to it.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:13 And put forth for them the example of the people of the town, when the messengers came to it.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:13 AND SET FORTH unto them a parable - [the story of how] the people of a township [behaved] when [Our] message-bearers came unto them.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Rejecting The Messengers: A Tragic Human Trait36:13 Cite for them the example of people in a community that received the messengers.4 ,

Note 4
God's messengers have proof, advocate God alone, and do not ask for money.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:13 Give them an example, the example of the people of the township when Messengers came to them.

36:14 اذ ارسلنا اليهم اثنين فكذبوهما فعززنا بثالث فقالوا انا اليكم مرسلون

Transcription (English)
36:14 Ith arsalna ilayhimu ithnaynifakaththaboohuma faAAazzazna bithalithinfaqaloo inna ilaykum mursaloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:14 Where We sent two to them, but they rejected them, so We supported them with a third one, thus they said, "We are messengers to you."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:14 Where We sent two to them, but they disbelieved in them, so We supported them with a third one, thus they said: "We are messengers to you."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:14 Lo! We sent unto them two [apostles], and. they gave the lie to both; and so We strengthened [the two] with a third; and thereupon they said: “Behold, we have been sent unto you [by God]!"10

Note 10
As is usual with such passages, the commentators advance various speculations as to the "identity" of the town and the apostles. Since, however, the story is clearly described as a parable, it must be understood as such and not as an historical narrative. It seems to me that we have here an allegory of the three great monotheistic religions, successively propounded by Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, and embodying, essentially, the same spiritual truths. The "township" (qaryah) mentioned in the parable represents, I think, the common cultural environment within which these three religions appeared. The apostles of the first two are said to have been sent "together", implying that the teachings of both were - and are - anchored in one and the same scripture, the Old Testament of the Bible. When, in the course of time, their impact proved insufficient to mould the ethical attitude of the people or peoples concerned, God "strengthened" them by means of His final message, conveyed to the world by the third and last of the apostles, Muhammad.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:14 When we sent to them two (messengers), they disbelieved them. We then supported them by a third. They said, "We are (God's) messengers to you.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:14 When We sent to them two Messengers, they denied them. We then strengthened them with a third and they said, "Surely, We have been sent to you."

36:15 قالوا ما انتم الا بشر مثلنا وما انزل الرحمن من شىء ان انتم الا تكذبون

Transcription (English)
36:15 Qaloo ma antum illabasharun mithluna wama anzala alrrahmanumin shay-in in antum illa takthiboona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:15 They replied: "You are but human beings like us, and the Gracious did not send down anything, you are only telling lies."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:15 They said: "You are but human beings like us, and the Almighty did not send down anything, you are only telling lies."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:15 [The others] answered: “You are nothing but mortal men like ourselves; moreover, the Most Gracious has never bestowed aught [of revelation] from on high. You do nothing but lie!"11

Note 11
Cf. 6:91 - "no true understanding of God have they when they say, 'Never has God revealed anything unto man."' See also 34:31 and the corresponding note 38. Both these passages, as well as the one above, allude to people who like to think of themselves as "believing" in God without, however, allowing their "belief" to interfere in the practical concerns of their lives: and this they justify by conceding to religion no more than a vaguely emotional role, and by refusing to admit the fact of objective revelation - for the concept of revelation invariably implies a promulgation, by God, of absolute moral values and, thus, a demand for one's self-surrender to them.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:15 They said, "You are no more than human beings like us. The Most Gracious did not send down anything. You are liars.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:15 But the people said, "You are nothing but human beings like us. The Beneficent has never revealed anything. You are but lying.” [6:91, 34:31]

36:16 قالوا ربنا يعلم انا اليكم لمرسلون

Transcription (English)
36:16 Qaloo rabbuna yaAAlamu innailaykum lamursaloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:16 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:16 They said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:16 Said [the apostles]: “Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you;
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:16 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:16 Said the Messengers, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you.

36:17 وما علينا الا البلغ المبين

Transcription (English)
36:17 Wama AAalayna illaalbalaghu almubeenu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:17 "We are only required to give a clear delivery."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:17 "And we are only required to give a clear delivery."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:17 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the mes­sage [entrusted to us]."
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:17 "Our sole mission is to deliver the message.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:17 And our duty is only to convey the message clearly."

36:18 قالوا انا تطيرنا بكم لئن لم تنتهوا لنرجمنكم وليمسنكم منا عذاب اليم

Transcription (English)
36:18 Qaloo inna tatayyarnabikum la-in lam tantahoo lanarjumannakum walayamassannakum minnaAAathabun aleemun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:18 They replied: "We have welcomed you better than you deserve. If you do not cease, we will stone/excommunicate you, and you will receive a painful retribution from us!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:18 They said: "We have welcomed you better than you deserve. If you do not cease, we will stone you, and you will receive a painful retribution from us!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:18 Said [the others]: “Truly, we augur evil from you!12 Indeed, if you desist not, we will surely stone you, and grievous suffering is bound to befall you at our hands!"

Note 12
For an explanation of the phrase tatayyarna bikum, see surah 7 note 95.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:18 They said, "We consider you bad omens. Unless you refrain, we will surely stone you, or afflict you with painful retribution.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:18 The people said, "We consider you bad omens. If you do not desist, we will stone you, and grievous punishment will befall you at our hands."

36:19 قالوا طئركم معكم ائن ذكرتم بل انتم قوم مسرفون

Transcription (English)
36:19 Qaloo ta-irukum maAAakum a-in thukkirtumbal antum qawmun musrifoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:19 They said, "Keep your welcome with you, for you have been reminded. Indeed, you are transgressing people."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:19 They said: "Keep your welcome with you, for you have been reminded. Indeed, you are transgressing people."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:19 [The apostles] replied: “Your destiny, good or evil, is [bound up] with yourselves!13 [Does it seem evil to you] if you are told to take [the truth] to heart? Nay, but you are people who have wasted their own selves!"14

Note 13
Cf. 17:13 - "every human being's destiny (ta'ir) have We tied to his neck" - and the corresponding note 17.

Note 14
For this rendering of musrifun (sing. musrif), see note 21 on the last sentence of 10:12.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:19 They said, "Your omen depends on your response, now that you have been reminded. Indeed, you are transgressing people.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:19 The Messengers replied, "Your destiny rests with yourselves, now that you have been reminded. (17:13.) Nay, but you are a people who are wasting away your potentials.” (10:12)5

Note 5
The Symbolism used here is most aptly applicable to Moses, Jesus and Muhammad salutations to them all. All three were commissioned in a similar cultural environment, therefore, the Town. All three upheld strict Monotheism, were denied, threatened and persecuted or migrated. And the first two were strengthened by the Final Messenger of God to carry the Divine message to people of all times and places

36:20 وجاء من اقصا المدينة رجل يسعى قال يقوم اتبعوا المرسلين

Transcription (English)
36:20 Wajaa min aqsa almadeenatirajulun yasAAa qala ya qawmi ittabiAAooalmursaleena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:20 A man came running from the farthest part of the city, saying: "O my people, follow the messengers."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:20 And a man came running from the farthest part of the city, saying: "O my people, follow the messengers."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:20 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: “O my people! Follow these message-bearers!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:20 A man came from the other end of the city, saying, "O my people, follow the messengers.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:20 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the Town and said, "O My people! Follow these Messengers.6

Note 6
This man from the farthest end represents the believers who journeyed a long way from the falsehood to the truth

36:21 اتبعوا من لا يسلكم اجرا وهم مهتدون

Transcription (English)
36:21 IttabiAAoo man la yas-alukum ajranwahum muhtadoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:21 "Follow those who do not ask you for any wage, and are guided."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:21 "Follow those who do not ask you for any wage, and are guided."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:21 Follow those who ask no reward of you, and themselves are rightly guided!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:21 "Follow those who do not ask you for any wage, and are guided.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:21 Follow those who ask you no reward, and who are rightly guided."

36:22 وما لى لا اعبد الذى فطرنى واليه ترجعون

Transcription (English)
36:22 Wama liya la aAAbudu allatheefataranee wa-ilayhi turjaAAoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:22 "Why should I not serve the One who initiated me, and to Him is your ultimate return?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:22 "And why should I not serve the One who initiated me, and to Him is your ultimate return?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:22 “[As for me,] why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you all will be brought back?
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:22 "Why should I not worship the One who initiated me, and to Him is your ultimate return?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:22 He continued, “Why should I not serve Him Who has originated me, and to Whom you all will be returned.

36:23 ءاتخذ من دونه ءالهة ان يردن الرحمن بضر لا تغن عنى شفعتهم شيا ولا ينقذون

Transcription (English)
36:23 Aattakhithu min doonihi alihatanin yuridni alrrahmanu bidurrin la tughniAAannee shafaAAatuhum shay-an wala yunqithooni
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:23 "Shall I take gods besides Him? If the Gracious intends any harm for me, their intercession cannot help me in the least, nor can they save me."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:23 "Shall I take gods besides Him? If the Almighty intends any harm for me, their intercession cannot help me in the least, nor can they save me."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:23 Should I take to worship­ping [other] deities beside Him? [But then,] if the Most Gracious should will that harm befall me, their intercession could not in the least avail me, nor could they save me:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:23 "Shall I set up beside Him gods? If the Most Gracious willed any harm for me, their intercession cannot help me one bit, nor can they rescue me.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:23 Should I take gods instead of Him? But, then, if the Beneficent intends to harm me, their intercession cannot help me at all, nor can they save me.

36:24 انى اذا لفى ضلل مبين

36:24 any aźa lfy Dlal mbyn
Transcription (English)
36:24 Innee ithan lafee dalalinmubeenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:24 "Then I would be clearly astray."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:24 "Then I would be clearly astray."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:24 and so, behold, I would have indeed, most obviously, lost myself in error!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:24 "In that case, I would be totally astray.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:24 Then, I would be lost in manifest error.

36:25 انى ءامنت بربكم فاسمعون

Transcription (English)
36:25 Innee amantu birabbikum faismaAAooni
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:25 "I have acknowledged your Lord, so listen to me!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:25 "I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:25 “Verily, [O my people,] in the Sustainer of you all have I come to believe: listen, then, to me!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:25 "I have believed in your Lord; please listen to me.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:25 Surely, I have come to believe in your Lord. Listen, then, to me!”

36:26 قيل ادخل الجنة قال يليت قومى يعلمون

Transcription (English)
36:26 Qeela odkhuli aljannata qala yalayta qawmee yaAAlamoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:26 It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said "Oh, how I wish my people only knew!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:26 It was said: "Enter the Paradise." He said "Oh, how I wish if only my people knew!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:26 [And] he was told,15 “[Thou shalt] enter paradise!" - [whereupon] he exclaimed: “Would that my people knew

Note 15
I.e., by the apostles or, more probably (in view of the allegorical character of this story), by his own insight. The intervention of the man who "came running from the farthest end of the city" is evidently a parable of the truly believing minority in every religion, and of their desperate, mostly unavailing endeavours to convince their erring fellow-men that God-consciousness alone can save human life from futility.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
The Righteous Go Straight to Paradise36:26 (At the time of his death) he was told, "Enter Paradise." He said, "Oh, I wish my people knew.5 ,

Note 5
The righteous do not really die; they simply move on to the same Paradise where Adam and Eve lived. Theyjoin the prophets, saints and martyrs in an active and utopian life(seeAppendix 17).
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:26 It was said, “You shall enter the Garden.” He said, “Ah, I wish my people knew,

36:27 بما غفر لى ربى وجعلنى من المكرمين

Transcription (English)
36:27 Bima ghafara lee rabbee wajaAAalaneemina almukrameena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:27 "Of what my Lord has forgiven me, and made me of the honored ones."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:27 "Of what my Lord has forgiven me, and made me of the honored ones."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:27 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past], and has placed me among the honoured ones!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:27 "That my Lord has forgiven me, and made me honorable.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:27 (How benevolently) my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honored ones.”

36:28 وما انزلنا على قومه من بعده من جند من السماء وما كنا منزلين

Transcription (English)
36:28 Wama anzalna AAalaqawmihi min baAAdihi min jundin mina alssama-i wamakunna munzileena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:28 We did not send down upon his people after him soldiers from the sky; for there was no need to send them down.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:28 And We did not send down upon his people after him soldiers from the heaven; for there was no need to send them down.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:28 And after that, no host out of heaven did We send down against his people, nor did We need to send down any:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:28 We did not send down upon his people, after him, soldiers from the sky; we did not need to send them down.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:28 Then, after him, We did not send down any army from the heavens against his people, nor do We ever send.

36:29 ان كانت الا صيحة وحدة فاذا هم خمدون

Transcription (English)
36:29 In kanat illa sayhatanwahidatan fa-itha hum khamidoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:29 For all it took was one scream, whereupon they were stilled.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:29 For all it took was one scream, whereupon they were stilled.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:29 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:29 All it took was one blow, whereupon they were stilled.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:29 It was no more than a single mighty blast, and they were ashes, still and silent.

36:30 يحسرة على العباد ما ياتيهم من رسول الا كانوا به يستهزءون

Transcription (English)
36:30 Ya hasratan AAalaalAAibadi ma ya/teehim min rasoolin illa kanoobihi yastahzi-oona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:30 Alas for the servants. For every time a messenger went to them, they would ridicule him.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:30 What sorrow for the servants. For every time a messenger went to them, they would mock him.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:30 OH, THE REGRETS that [most] human beings will have to bear!16 Never has an apostle come to them without their deriding him!

Note 16
Lit., "Oh, the regrets upon the bondmen" (al-ibad) - since all human beings, good or bad, are God's "bondmen". This phrase alludes to the Day of Judgment - which is described in 19:39 as "the Day of Regrets" - as well as to the fact, repeatedly stressed in the Qur'an, that most human beings choose to remain deaf to the voice of truth, and thus condemn themselves to spiritual death.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Ridiculing The Messengers: A Tragic Human Trait36:30 How sorry is the people's condition! Every time a messenger went to them, they always ridiculed him.6 ,

Note 6
If the messenger presents solid proof of messengership, advocates the worship of God alone, and does not ask us for money, why should we notbelieve? ( SeeAppendix 2.)
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:30 Ah, the anguish for the servants, they have to bear! Never has a Messenger come to them, but they did mock him!

36:31 الم يروا كم اهلكنا قبلهم من القرون انهم اليهم لا يرجعون

Transcription (English)
36:31 Alam yaraw kam ahlakna qablahum minaalqurooni annahum ilayhim la yarjiAAoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:31 Did they not see how many generations We destroyed before them; do they not go back to them?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:31 Did they not see how many generations We destroyed before them, do they not go back to them?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:31 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them,17

Note 17
I.e., to the people now living. As in many other Quranic passages, the term qarn, which literally signifies a "generation" or "people living at the same period", has in this context the wider meaning of "society" or "civilization" in the historical connotation of these terms. Thus, the downfall and utter disappearance of past societies and civilizations is here linked to their spiritual frivolity and consequent moral failure. A further lesson to be drawn from this parable is the implied conclusion that the majority of people in every society, at all times (our own included), refuse to be guided by moral considerations, regarding them as opposed to their conventional mode of life and their pursuit of materialistic values - with the result that "never has an apostle come to them without their deriding him".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:31 Did they not see how many generations we annihilated before them, and how they never return to them?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:31 Have they not reflected how many a generation We (Our Law of Requital) annihilated before them. They did not turn to their Messengers and, therefore, never returned to their lost glory.

36:32 وان كل لما جميع لدينا محضرون

Transcription (English)
36:32 Wa-in kullun lamma jameeAAun ladaynamuhdaroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:32 How every one of them will be summoned before Us.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:32 And how every one of them will be summoned before Us.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:32 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned?
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:32 Every one of them will be summoned before us.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:32 All of them, all together, will be presented before Us.

36:33 وءاية لهم الارض الميتة احيينها واخرجنا منها حبا فمنه ياكلون

Transcription (English)
36:33 Waayatun lahumu al-ardualmaytatu ahyaynaha waakhrajna minhahabban faminhu ya/kuloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Signs in Nature36:33 A sign for them is the dead land, We revive it and produce from it seeds from which they eat.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:33 And a sign for them is the dead land, We revive it and produce from it seeds from which they eat.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:33 And [yet,] they have a sign [of Our power to create and to resurrect] in the lifeless earth which We make alive, and out of which We bring forth grain, whereof they may eat;
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Signs of God36:33 One sign for them is the dead land: we revive it and produce from it grains for their food.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:33 And yet, there is a sign for them in the lifeless earth which We revive and We bring forth from it grain so that they eat thereof.7

Note 7
Divine revelation can, likewise, revive dead communities and make them blessings for all humanity

36:34 وجعلنا فيها جنت من نخيل واعنب وفجرنا فيها من العيون

Transcription (English)
36:34 WajaAAalna feeha jannatinmin nakheelin waaAAnabin wafajjarna feehamina alAAuyooni
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:34 We made in it gardens of date palms, and grapes, and We cause springs to gush forth therein.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:34 And We made in it gardens of date palms, and grapes, and We cause springs to gush forth therein.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:34 and [how] We make gardens of date-palms and vines [grow] thereon, and cause springs to gush [forth] within it,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:34 We grow in it gardens of date palms, and grapes, and we cause springs to gush out therein.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:34 And We produce therein gardens of date palm and grapevines, and We cause springs to gush forth therein,

36:35 لياكلوا من ثمره وما عملته ايديهم افلا يشكرون

Transcription (English)
36:35 Liya/kuloo min thamarihi wamaAAamilat-hu aydeehim afala yashkuroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:35 So that they may eat from its fruits, and what they manufacture with their own hands. Would they be thankful?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:35 So that they may eat from its fruits, and what they manufacture with their own hands. Would they be thankful?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:35 so that they may eat of the fruit thereof, though it was not their hands that made it. Will they not, then, be grateful?
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:35 This is to provide them with fruits, and to let them manufacture with their own hands whatever they need. Would they be thankful?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:35 That they may enjoy the fruit thereof, although their hands did not make it. Will they not then be grateful?

36:36 سبحن الذى خلق الازوج كلها مما تنبت الارض ومن انفسهم ومما لا يعلمون

Transcription (English)
36:36 Subhana allathee khalaqaal-azwaja kullaha mimma tunbitu al-arduwamin anfusihim wamimma la yaAAlamoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:36 Praise be to the One who created all pairs from what the earth sprouts out and from themselves, and from what they do not know.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:36 Praise be to the One who has created all pairs from what the earth sprouts out and from themselves, and from what they do not know.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:36 Limitless in His glory is He who has created opposites in whatever the earth produces, and in men's own selves, and in that of which [as yet] they have no knowledge.18

Note 18
Lit., "who has created all the pairs out of whatever the earth produces, and out of themselves, and out of that of which they have no knowledge": a reference to the polarity evident in all creation, both animate and inanimate, which expresses itself in the existence of antithetic and yet complementary forces, like the sexuality in human beings, animals and plants, light and darkness, heat and cold, positive and negative magnetism and electricity, the positive and negative charges (protons and electrons) in the structure of the atom, and so forth. (It is to be borne in mind that the noun zawj denotes both "a pair" and "one of a pair", as explained in note 7 on 13:3.) The mention of "that of which they have no knowledge" evidently relates to things or phenomena not yet understood by man but potentially within the range of his comprehension: hence my interpolation, between brackets, of the words "as yet".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:36 Glory be to the One who created all kinds of plants from the earth, as well as themselves, and other creations that they do not even know.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:36 Glory to Him Who has created pairs of everything that the earth grows, and of themselves, and of things they have no knowledge yet.8

Note 8
This discovery of all things existing in pairs earned the British physicist Paul Dirac the Nobel Prize in 1933

36:37 وءاية لهم اليل نسلخ منه النهار فاذا هم مظلمون

Transcription (English)
36:37 Waayatun lahumu allaylu naslakhuminhu alnnahara fa-itha hum muthlimoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:37 A sign for them is the night, We remove the daylight from it, whereupon they are in darkness.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:37 And a sign for them is the night, We strip the daylight from it, whereupon they are in darkness.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:37 And [of Our sway over all that exists] they have a sign in the night: We withdraw from it the [light of] day - and lo! they are in darkness.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:37 Another sign for them is the night: we remove the daylight therefrom, whereupon they are in darkness.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:37 And a sign for them is the night. We withdraw from it the day, and they are in darkness.

36:38 والشمس تجرى لمستقر لها ذلك تقدير العزيز العليم

Transcription (English)
36:38 Waalshshamsu tajree limustaqarrin lahathalika taqdeeru alAAazeezi alAAaleemi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:38 The sun runs to a specific destination, such is the design of the Noble, the Knowledgeable.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:38 And the sun runs to a specific destination, such is the design of the Noble, the Knowledgeable.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:38 And [they have a sign in] the sun: it runs in an orbit of its own19 [and] that is laid down by the will of the Almighty, the All-Knowing;

Note 19
In the generally-accepted reading, this phrase is spelled li-mustaqarrin laha, which may be rendered as above or, more conventionally, as "to its point of rest", i.e., the time (or point) of the daily sunset (Razi). However, Abd Allah ibn Mas'ud is reliably reported to have read these words as la mustaqarra laha (Zamakhshari), which gives us the meaning of "it runs [on its course] without having any rest", i.e., unceasingly.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:38 The sun sets into a specific location, according to the design of the Almighty, the Omniscient.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:38 And the sun: it is running to its appointed destination. That is the measure of the Almighty, the Knower.

36:39 والقمر قدرنه منازل حتى عاد كالعرجون القديم

Transcription (English)
36:39 Waalqamara qaddarnahu manazilahatta AAada kaalAAurjooni alqadeemi
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:39 The moon: We have measured it to appear in stages, until it returns to being like an old curved sheath.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:39 And the moon We have measured it to appear in stages, until it returns like an old palm sheath.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:39 and [in] the moon, for which We have determined phases [which it must traverse] till it becomes like an old date-stalk, dried-up and curved:20

Note 20
This is, in a condensed form, the meaning of the noun urjun - the raceme of the date-palm, which, when old and dry, becomes slender and curves like a crescent (cf. Lane V, 1997).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:39 The moon we designed to appear in stages, until it becomes like an old curved sheath.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:39 And the moon: We have measured for it phases until it becomes (a crescent) like an old curved date-stalk.

36:40 لا الشمس ينبغى لها ان تدرك القمر ولا اليل سابق النهار وكل فى فلك يسبحون

Transcription (English)
36:40 La alshshamsu yanbaghee lahaan tudrika alqamara wala allaylu sabiqu alnnahariwakullun fee falakin yasbahoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:40 The sun is not required to overtake the moon, nor will the night precede the day; each of them is swimming in its own orbit.3

Note 3

The expression KuLlun FiY FaLaK (each in an orbit) describing the motion of the sun, moon, and earth is palindromic. The letters of the expression (K, L, F, Y, F, L, K), with its cyclic nature, symbolizes the circular/ellipsoid orbits. Similar expression is found at 21:33. The Quran is an interesting book (72:1). Note that the Arabic word kul (all) refers to more than two bodies and it should include the sun, the moon, and the reference planet from the expression "night and day." It is also noteworthy that the Quran frequently uses the expression, "alternation of night and day" rather than "rotation of the Sun," pulling our attention to the rotation of the planet around itself. See 21:33; 27:88; 39:5; 68:1; 79:30.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:40 The sun is not required to overtake the moon, nor will the night precede the day; each of them is swimming in its own orbit.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:40 [and] neither may the sun overtake the moon, nor can the night usurp the time of day,21 since all of them float through space [in accordance with Our laws].

Note 21
Lit., "nor does the night outrun [or "outstrip"] the day".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:40 The sun is never to catch up with the moon - the night and the day never deviate - each of them is floating in its own orbit.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:40 It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor can the night outrun the day. All of them swim along in their orbits.9

Note 9
The sun cannot pull the moon to itself and the night and the day cannot lengthen or shorten other than the appointed measure. 21:33, 22:61, 25:62, 31:29, 41:37, 57:6

36:41 وءاية لهم انا حملنا ذريتهم فى الفلك المشحون

Transcription (English)
36:41 Waayatun lahum anna hamalnathurriyyatahum fee alfulki almashhooni
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:41 A sign for them is that We carried their ancestors on the charged Ship.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:41 And a sign for them is that We carried their ancestors on the charged ship.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:41 And [it ought to be] a sign for them that We bear their offspring [over the seas] in laden ships,22

Note 22
Lit., "in the laden ship": a generic singular with a plural significance. The term "offspring" denotes here the human race as a whole (cf. the recurring expression "children of Adam").
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Invention of the First Ship36:41 Another sign for them is that we carried their ancestors on the loaded ark.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:41 Another sign for them is that We carry the Children of Adam on the loaded ship.10

Note 10
Zurriatahum = Their generations = Their seed = Children of Adam = May refer to Prophet Noah’s people, and parents letting their children sail in confidence

36:42 وخلقنا لهم من مثله ما يركبون

Transcription (English)
36:42 Wakhalaqna lahum min mithlihi mayarkaboona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:42 We created for them of its similarity, to ride in.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:42 And We created for them of its similarity, to ride in.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:42 and [that] We create for them things of a similar kind, on which they may embark [in their travels];23

Note 23
Cf. 16:8 and the corresponding note 6. In both of these passages man's ingenuity is shown to be a direct manifestation of God's creativeness.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:42 Then we created the same for them to ride in.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:42 And We have created for them similar things to ride on.11

Note 11
And We will create things of which you have no knowledge yet. 16:8

36:43 وان نشا نغرقهم فلا صريخ لهم ولا هم ينقذون

Transcription (English)
36:43 Wa-in nasha/ nughriqhum fala sareekhalahum wala hum yunqathoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:43 If We wished, We could drown them, so that their screaming would not be heard, nor could they be saved.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:43 And if We wished, We could drown them, so that their screaming would not be heard, nor could they be saved.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:43 and [that,] if such be Our will, We may cause them to drown, with none to respond to their cry for help: and [then] they cannot be saved,
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:43 If we willed, we could have drowned them, so that their screaming would not be heard, nor could they be saved.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:43 And if We will We could drown them, with none to respond to their cry of help, nor could they be saved.12

Note 12
Nashaa = As We will = According to Our laws

36:44 الا رحمة منا ومتعا الى حين

Transcription (English)
36:44 Illa rahmatan minnawamataAAan ila heenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:44 Except through a mercy from Us, and as an enjoyment for awhile.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:44 Except through a mercy from Us, and as an enjoyment for awhile.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:44 unless it be by an act of mercy from Us and a grant of life for a [further span of] time.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:44 Instead, we shower them with mercy, and let them enjoy for awhile.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:44 But as a mercy from Us, We let them enjoy life for a while.

36:45 واذا قيل لهم اتقوا ما بين ايديكم وما خلفكم لعلكم ترحمون

Transcription (English)
36:45 Wa-itha qeela lahumu ittaqoo mabayna aydeekum wama khalfakum laAAallakum turhamoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:45 When they are told: "Be aware of your present and your past, that you may attain mercy."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:45 And when they are told: "Be aware of your present and your past, that you may attain mercy."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:45 And [yet,] when they are told, “Beware of [God's insight into] all that lies open before you and all that is hidden from you,24 so that you might be graced with His mercy," [most men choose to remain deaf;]

Note 24
For an explanation of this rendering of the above phrase, see surah 2 note 247. In the present instance it apparently denotes men's conscious doings as well as their unconscious or half-conscious motivations.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:45 Yet, when they are told, "Learn from your past, to work righteousness for your future, that you may attain mercy,",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:45 And yet, when it is said to them, “Be careful about what lies open before you now and what remains hidden to you, so that you may attain mercy” (they turn back).13

Note 13
Live a life upright learning from every day, so that you may build a future worthy of grace

36:46 وما تاتيهم من ءاية من ءايت ربهم الا كانوا عنها معرضين

Transcription (English)
36:46 Wama ta/teehim min ayatin min ayatirabbihim illa kanoo AAanha muAArideena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:46 No matter what sign comes to them from the signs of their Lord, they turn away from it.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:46 And no matter what sign comes to them from the signs of their Lord, they turn away from it.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:46 and no message of their Sustainer s messages ever reaches them without their turning away from it.25

Note 25
Or: "no sign of their Sustainer's signs" - since the noun ayah, repeated several times in the preceding passage, denotes "a message" as well as "a sign".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:46 No matter what kind of proof is given to them from their Lord, they consistently disregard it.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:46 No message of the messages of their Lord comes to them without them turning away from it.

36:47 واذا قيل لهم انفقوا مما رزقكم الله قال الذين كفروا للذين ءامنوا انطعم من لو يشاء الله اطعمه ان انتم الا فى ضلل مبين

Transcription (English)
36:47 Wa-itha qeela lahum anfiqoo mimmarazaqakumu Allahu qala allatheena kafaroolillatheena amanoo anutAAimu man law yashaoAllahu atAAamahu in antum illa fee dalalinmubeenin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:47 When they are told: "Spend from what God has provisioned you." Those who reject say to those who acknowledge: "Shall we feed those whom God could feed, if He so willed? You are clearly misguided!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:47 And when they are told: "Spend from what God has provisioned you." Those who reject say to those who believe: "Shall we feed those whom God could feed, if He so willed? You are clearly misguided!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:47 Thus, when they are told, “Spend on others out of what God has provided for you as sus­tenance,"26 those who are bent on denying the truth say unto those who believe, “Shall we feed anyone whom, if [your] God had so willed, He could have fed [Himself]? Clearly, you are but lost in error!"

Note 26
In Quranic usage, the verb anfaqa (lit., "he spent") invariably signifies one's spending on others, or for the good of others, whatever the motive. The ethical importance of this "spending on others" is frequently stressed in the Quran, and is embodied in the concept of zakah, which denotes "purifying dues" or, in its broader sense, "charity" (see note 34 on 2:43).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:47 When they are told, "Give from GOD's provisions to you," those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Why should we give to those whom GOD could feed, if He so willed? You are really far astray.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:47 And when it is said to them, “Spend on others of the provision that God has provided you”, the deniers say to the believers, “Shall we feed and fulfill the needs of anyone whom God could have fed if He so willed? You (believers) are obviously lost in error.”14

Note 14
6:149, 16:35, 43:20. ‘Ta’mah’= Feed = Fulfill the needs

36:48 ويقولون متى هذا الوعد ان كنتم صدقين

Transcription (English)
36:48 Wayaqooloona mata hathaalwaAAdu in kuntum sadiqeena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:48 They say, "When is this promise to come, if you are truthful?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:48 And they say: "When is this promise to come, if you are truthful?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:48 And they add, “When is this promise [of resurrection] to be fulfilled? [Answer this] if you are men of truth!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:48 They also challenge, "When will that promise come to pass, if you are truthful?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:48 Further, they (change the subject and) ask, “When will this warning be fulfilled, if you are truthful?”

36:49 ما ينظرون الا صيحة وحدة تاخذهم وهم يخصمون

Transcription (English)
36:49 Ma yanthuroona illasayhatan wahidatan ta/khuthuhum wahumyakhissimoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:49 They will not realize it when one scream overwhelms them, while they dispute.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:49 They will not realize it when one scream overwhelms them, while they dispute.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:49 [And they are unaware that] nothing awaits them beyond a single blast [of God's punishment],27 which will overtake them while they are still arguing - [against resurrection]:

Note 27
Lit., "they wait for nothing but a single blast…", etc.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:49 All they see will be one blow that overwhelms them, while they dispute.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:49 Well, nothing awaits them but a single blast that will overtake them while they keep disputing.

36:50 فلا يستطيعون توصية ولا الى اهلهم يرجعون

Transcription (English)
36:50 Fala yastateeAAoona tawsiyatanwala ila ahlihim yarjiAAoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:50 They will not even be able to leave a will, nor will they be able to return to their people.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:50 They will not even be able to leave a will, nor will they be able to return to their people.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:50 and so [sudden will be their end that] no testament will they be able to make, - nor to their own people will they return!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:50 They will not even have time to make a will, nor will they be able to return to their people.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:50 And they shall not even have time to utter their last wish, nor will they be able to return to their families and their people.15

Note 15
Ahl = Family = Own people

36:51 ونفخ فى الصور فاذا هم من الاجداث الى ربهم ينسلون

Transcription (English)
36:51 Wanufikha fee alssoori fa-ithahum mina al-ajdathi ila rabbihim yansiloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:51 The horn will be blown, whereupon they will rise from the graves rushing towards their Lord.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:51 And the horn will be blown, whereupon they will rise from the graves massing towards their Lord.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:51 And [then] the trumpet [of resurrection] will be blown - and lo! out of their graves towards their Sustainer will they all rush forth!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:51 The horn will be blown, whereupon they will rise from the grave and go to their Lord.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:51 And when the Trumpet is blown, out of their disintegrated states to their Lord they will run.16

Note 16
Ajdaath= Bodily remains = Physical remains in the graves or scattered anywhere = Disintegrated states

36:52 قالوا يويلنا من بعثنا من مرقدنا هذا ما وعد الرحمن وصدق المرسلون

Transcription (English)
36:52 Qaloo ya waylana manbaAAathana min marqadina hatha mawaAAada alrrahmanu wasadaqaalmursaloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:52 They will say, "Woe to us. Who has resurrected us from our resting place? This is what the Gracious had promised. The messengers were truthful!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:52 They will say: "Woe to us! Who has resurrected us from our resting place? This is what the Almighty had promised; and the messengers were truthful!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:52 They will say: “Oh, woe unto us! Who has roused us from our sleep [of death]?" [Whereupon they will be told:] “This is what the Most Gracious has promised! And His message-bearers spoke the truth!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:52 They will say, "Woe to us. Who resurrected us from our death? This is what the Most Gracious has promised. The messengers were right.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:52 They will say, “Oh, woe to us! Who has awakened us from our beds of sleep? This is what the Beneficent promised, and the Messengers spoke the truth.”17

Note 17
Marqad = Bed of sleep = Resting place. These two verses strongly dismiss the clergy-peddled false concept of punishment in the grave. And how would God punish people after death before the Day of Judgment. Moreover, many kinds of suffering ‘Azaab are named in the Qur’an, but not once is mentioned ‘Azaabil Qabr.In fact, God never punishes people. We only face His Law of Just Recompense, "As you sow, so shall you reap.”

36:53 ان كانت الا صيحة وحدة فاذا هم جميع لدينا محضرون

Transcription (English)
36:53 In kanat illa sayhatanwahidatan fa-itha hum jameeAAun ladayna muhdaroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:53 It only took one scream, whereupon they are summoned before Us.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:53 It only took one scream, whereupon they are summoned before Us.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:53 Nothing will there have been but one single blast - and lo! before Us will all of them be arraigned [and be told]:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:53 All it will take is one blow, whereupon they are summoned before us.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:53 Nothing but a single blast, no more, and before Us all of them will be presented.

36:54 فاليوم لا تظلم نفس شيا ولا تجزون الا ما كنتم تعملون

Transcription (English)
36:54 Faalyawma la tuthlamunafsun shay-an wala tujzawna illa ma kuntumtaAAmaloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:54 On this day, no person will be wronged in the least. You will be recompensed precisely for whatever you did.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:54 On this Day, no soul will be wronged in the least. You will be recompensed precisely for whatever you did.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:54 “Today, then, no human being shall be wronged in the least, nor shalt you be requited for aught but what you were doing [on earth].
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:54 On that day, no soul will be wronged in the least. You will be paid precisely for whatever you did.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:54 “This Day no person will face the least injustice, nor will you be rewarded for other than what you had been doing."

36:55 ان اصحب الجنة اليوم فى شغل فكهون

Transcription (English)
36:55 Inna as-haba aljannati alyawmafee shughulin fakihoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
The Dwellers of Paradise and Hell36:55 The dwellers of Paradise will be, on that day, joyfully busy.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:55 The dwellers of the Paradise will be, on that Day, joyfully busy.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:55 “Behold, those who are destined for paradise shall today have joy in whatever they do:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:55 The dwellers of Paradise will be, on that day, happily busy.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:55 "Those who merit Paradise, this Day are enjoying the new life.”

36:56 هم وازوجهم فى ظلل على الارائك متكون

Transcription (English)
36:56 Hum waazwajuhum fee thilalinAAala al-ara-iki muttaki-oona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:56 They and their spouses, both will be shaded, reclining on high furnishings.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:56 Both them and their spouses, they will be shaded, reclining on raised couches.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:56 in happiness will they and their spouses on couches recline;28

Note 28
In the Quranic descriptions of paradise, the term zill ("shade") and its plural zilal is often used as a metaphor for "happiness" - thus, for instance, in 4:57, where zill zilil signifies "happiness abounding" (see surah 4 note 74) - while the "couches" on which the blessed are to recline are obviously a symbol of inner fulfillment and peace of mind, as pointed out by Razi in his comments on 18:31 and 55:54.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:56 They abide with their spouses in beautiful shade, enjoying comfortable furnishings.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:56 They and their spouses in pleasant shades, on thrones of honor reclining.

36:57 لهم فيها فكهة ولهم ما يدعون

Transcription (English)
36:57 Lahum feeha fakihatun walahumma yaddaAAoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:57 They will have fruits therein; they will have in it whatever they ask for.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:57 They will have fruits therein; they will have in it whatever they ask for.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:57 [only] delight will there be for them, and theirs shall be all that they could ask for:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:57 They will have fruits therein; they will have anything they wish.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:57 Theirs are the fruits of their good deeds, and all that they ask.

36:58 سلم قولا من رب رحيم

36:58 slam qwla mn rb rHym
Transcription (English)
36:58 Salamun qawlan min rabbin raheemin
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:58 "Peace," a word from a Compassionate Lord.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:58 Saying of: "Peace" from a Merciful Lord.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:58 peace and fulfillment through the word of a Sustainer who dispenses all grace.29

Note 29
This composite expression is, I believe, the nearest approach in English to the concept of salam in the above context. For a further explanation of this term, see note 29 on 5:16, where salam is rendered as "salvation".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:58 Greetings of peace from a Most Merciful Lord.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:58 Greetings from a Lord Merciful, “Peace!”

36:59 وامتزوا اليوم ايها المجرمون

Transcription (English)
36:59 Waimtazoo alyawma ayyuhaalmujrimoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:59 "As for you, O criminals, you are singled out."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:59 "As for you, O criminals, you are singled out."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:59 “But stand aside today, O you who were lost in sin!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:59 As for you, O guilty ones, you will be set aside.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:59 “But stand aside Today, you violators of human rights who thrived on others’ toil!”

36:60 الم اعهد اليكم يبنى ءادم ان لا تعبدوا الشيطن انه لكم عدو مبين

Transcription (English)
36:60 Alam aAAhad ilaykum ya banee adamaan la taAAbudoo alshshaytana innahu lakumAAaduwwun mubeenun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:60 "Did I not pledge to you, O Children of Adam, that you should not serve the devil for he is your most ardent enemy?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:60 "Did I not pledge to you, O Children of Adam, that you should not serve the devil for he is your most ardent enemy?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:60 Did I not enjoin on you, O you children of Adam, that you should not worship Satan – since, verily, he is your open foe30

Note 30
For the meaning of what the Qur'an describes as "worship of Satan", see note 33 on 19:44.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
The Devil is the Other Alternative36:60 Did I not covenant with you, O Children of Adam, that you shall not worship the devil? That he is your most ardent enemy?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:60 Did I not warn you O Children of Adam! That you shall not worship Satan since it is an open enemy to you.

36:61 وان اعبدونى هذا صرط مستقيم

Transcription (English)
36:61 Waani oAAbudoonee hatha siratunmustaqeemun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:61 "That you should serve Me? That is a straight path."4

Note 4

Compare it to the New Testament verse: ""Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, 'Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve'" (Luke 4:8 ).

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:61 "And that you should serve Me? That is a straight path."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:61 and that you should worship Me [alone]? This would have been a straight way!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:61 And that you shall worship Me alone? This is the right path.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:61 And that you serve Me alone? This is the straight path.

36:62 ولقد اضل منكم جبلا كثيرا افلم تكونوا تعقلون

Transcription (English)
36:62 Walaqad adalla minkum jibillankatheeran afalam takoonoo taAAqiloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:62 "He has misled mountain loads of you. Did you not possess any understanding?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:62 "He has misled mountain loads of you. Did you not comprehend?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:62 And [as for Satan -] he had already led astray a great many of you: could you not, then, use your reason?
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:62 He has misled multitudes of you. Did you not possess any understanding?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:62 Yet he led astray a great many of you. Did you not, then, have any sense?

36:63 هذه جهنم التى كنتم توعدون

Transcription (English)
36:63 Hathihi jahannamu allatee kuntumtooAAadoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:63 "This is hell that you have been promised!"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:63 "This is Hell that you have been promised!"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:63 “This, then, is the hell of which you were warned again and again:31

Note 31
The phrase "This, then, is the hell" points to the fact that the sinners' realization of their having gone astray despite repeated warnings by the prophets will, in itself, be a source of intense suffering (adhab) in the life to come. The element of repetition or persistence is implied in the use of the auxiliary verb kuntum both here and in the next verse.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:63 This is the Hell that was promised for you.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:63 This is the Hell you were warned about again and again.

36:64 اصلوها اليوم بما كنتم تكفرون

Transcription (English)
36:64 Islawha alyawma bimakuntum takfuroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:64 "Burn in it today, as a consequence of your rejection."
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:64 "Burn in it today, as a consequence of your rejection."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:64 endure it today as an outcome of your persistent denial of the truth!"
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:64 Today you will burn in it, as a consequence of your disbelief.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:64 Burn in it now for you adamantly rejected the truth.

36:65 اليوم نختم على افوههم وتكلمنا ايديهم وتشهد ارجلهم بما كانوا يكسبون

Transcription (English)
36:65 Alyawma nakhtimu AAala afwahihimwatukallimuna aydeehim watashhadu arjuluhum bima kanooyaksiboona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:65 Today, We shall seal their mouths, and their hands will speak to Us, and their feet will bear witness to everything they had done.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:65 Today, We shall cease their mouths, and their hands will speak to Us, and their feet will bear witness to everything they had done.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:65 On that Day We shall set a seal on their mouths32 but their hands will speak unto Us, and their feet will bear witness to whatever they have earned [in life].

Note 32
A metaphor for their being unable really to excuse or defend their past actions and attitudes.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:65 On that day we will seal their mouths; their hands and feet will bear witness to everything they had done.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:65 This Day We seal their mouths, but their hands speak to Us, and their feet bear witness to what they earned. [17:13, 75:14]

36:66 ولو نشاء لطمسنا على اعينهم فاستبقوا الصرط فانى يبصرون

Transcription (English)
36:66 Walaw nashao latamasnaAAala aAAyunihim faistabaqoo alssiratafaanna yubsiroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:66 If We wished, We can blind their eyes, and they would race towards the path, but how would they see?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:66 And if We wished, We can blind their eyes, and they would race towards the path, but how would they see?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:66 NOW HAD IT BEEN Our will [that men should not be able to discern between right and wrong], We could surely have deprived them of their sight,33 so that they would stray forever from the [right] way: for how could they have had insight [into what is true]?34

Note 33
Lit., "We could surely have effaced their eyes": a metaphor for "We could have created them morally blind" and, thus, devoid of all sense of moral responsibility - which, in its turn, would constitute a negation of all spiritual value in human life as such. (Cf. 2:20 - "if God so willed, He could indeed take away their hearing and their sight".)

Note 34
In this instance - as, e.g., in 20:96 - the verb basura ("he became seeing" or "he saw") is obviously used in its tropical sense of "perceiving [something] mentally". According to Ibn Abbas as quoted by Tabari, the phrase anna yubsirun signifies "how could they perceive the truth".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:66 If we will, we can veil their eyes and, consequently, when they seek the path, they will not see.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:66 If it had been Our will, We could have veiled their eyes, and thus, when they seek the path, they would not see it (and stumble on every step as they stumble on the way of truth).

36:67 ولو نشاء لمسخنهم على مكانتهم فما استطعوا مضيا ولا يرجعون

Transcription (English)
36:67 Walaw nashao lamasakhnahumAAala makanatihim fama istataAAoo mudiyyanwala yarjiAAoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:67 If We wished, We can freeze them in their place; thus, they can neither move forward, nor go back.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:67 And if We wished, We can freeze them in their place; thus, they can neither move forward, nor go back.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:67 And had it been Our will [that they should not be free to choose between right and wrong], We could surely have given them a different nature35 [and created them as beings rooted] in their places, so that they would not be able to move forward, and could not turn back.]36

Note 35
Lit., "transformed [or "transmuted"] them".

Note 36
I.e., if it had been God's will that men should have no freedom of will or moral choice, He would have endowed them from the very beginning with a spiritually and morally stationary nature, entirely rooted in their instincts ("in their places"), devoid of all urge to advance, and incapable either of positive development or of retreat from a wrong course.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:67 If we will, we can freeze them in place; thus, they can neither move forward, nor go back.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:67 And if it had been Our will, We could have transformed them in their places, making them powerless to go forward or turn back.

36:68 ومن نعمره ننكسه فى الخلق افلا يعقلون

Transcription (English)
36:68 Waman nuAAammirhu nunakkis-hu fee alkhalqiafala yaAAqiloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:68 For whomever We grant a long life, We weaken him in body. Do they not understand?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:68 And for whoever We grant a long life, We weaken him in body. Do they not comprehend?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:68 But [let them always remember that] if We lengthen a human being's days, We also cause him to decline in his powers [when he grows old]: will they not, then, use their reason?37

Note 37
I.e., man should never postpone his exercise of moral choice - for if human beings are superior creatures inasmuch as they have been endowed with the faculty of discernment and a wide measure of free will, let them also remember that "man has been created weak" (4:28) and liable to decline still further in old age, so that the time at his disposal is short.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:68 Whomever we permit to live for a long time, we revert him to weakness. Do they not understand?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:68 Such as, whomever We grant long life, We cause him to revert to weakness. Will they not then use their intellect?18

Note 18
Do good when fit to do so

36:69 وما علمنه الشعر وما ينبغى له ان هو الا ذكر وقرءان مبين

Transcription (English)
36:69 Wama AAallamnahu alshshiAArawama yanbaghee lahu in huwa illa thikrunwaqur-anun mubeenun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
The Quran is a Warning for the Living Beings36:69 We did not teach him poetry, nor does he need it. This is a reminder and a clear Quran.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:69 And We did not teach him poetry, nor does he need it. This is a reminder and a clear Qur'an.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:69 AND [thus it is:] We have not imparted to this [Prophet the gift of] poetry, nor would [poetry] have suited this [message]:38 it is but a reminder and a [divine] discourse, clear in itself and clearly showing the truth,39

Note 38
This passage resumes the theme enunciated in the opening verses of this surah, namely, the revelation of the Qur'an. As in 26:224, we have here an allusion to the allegation of Muhammad's opponents, in his own as well as in later times, that what he described as divine revelation was in reality an outcome of his own poetic invention. This the Qur'an refutes by alluding to the fundamental difference between poetry - especially Arabic poetry - and divine revelation as exemplified by the Qur'an: whereas in the former the meaning is often subordinated to the rhythm and the melody of language, in the Qur'an the exact opposite is the case, inasmuch as here the choice of words, their sound and their position in the sentence - and, hence, its rhythm and melody - are always subordinated to the meaning intended. (Cf. also 26:225 and the corresponding note 100.)

Note 39
For this composite rendering of the adjective mubin, see surah 12 note 2. Literally, the above phrase reads, "a reminder and a [divine] discourse…", etc., with the conjunctive particle wa ("and") being used here, as in 15:1, to point out that the Qur'an is an integral element in the process of divine revelation.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:69 What we taught him (the messenger) was not poetry, nor is he (a poet). This is but a formidable proof, and a profound Quran.,7

Note 7
The word "Zikr" refers frequently to the Quran's great mathematical code, which is certainly not literary, nor poetry. Please check out38:1,8;15:6;16:44;21:2, 24;26:5; &36:11.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:69 We have not taught him (the Prophet) poetry, nor is it befitting for him. This is no less than a Reminder and an Articulate Qur’an clear in itself and clearly showing the way,

36:70 لينذر من كان حيا ويحق القول على الكفرين

Transcription (English)
36:70 Liyunthira man kana hayyanwayahiqqa alqawlu AAala alkafireena
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:70 To warn those who are alive, and so that the retribution will be deserved by the ingrates.5

Note 5

It is an implicit and ironic prophecy of the Quran that the chapter containing the only verse stating that the Quran was revealed to remind the living people, has been dedicated to dead people. Those who follow hadith and sectarian teachings recite this chapter in funerals. In opposition to the Quran, "living" people recite these verses for the dead, who do not hear. According to the Quran, those people are no different than the dead people. A class of people getting paid for reciting a book that they do not appreciate nor understand over the dead people who also do neither, is one of the strangest affairs.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:70 To warn those who are alive, and so that the retribution will be deserved by the rejecters.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:70 to the end that it may warn everyone who is alive [of heart], and that the word [of God] may bear witness40 against all who deny the truth.

Note 40
Lit., "may come [or "be proved"] true", i.e., on the Day of Judgment (cf. verse 7 of this surah).
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:70 To preach to those who are alive, and to expose the disbelievers.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:70 That it may warn everyone who is alive and that the Word may prove true concerning the rejecters (that violation of the Divine laws brings misery in both lives).

36:71 اولم يروا انا خلقنا لهم مما عملت ايدينا انعما فهم لها ملكون

Transcription (English)
36:71 Awa lam yaraw anna khalaqnalahum mimma AAamilat aydeena anAAaman fahumlaha malikoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:71 Did they not see that We created for them with Our own hands livestock which they own?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:71 Did they not see that We created for them with Our own hands livestock which they own?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:71 Are they, then, not aware that it is for them that We have created, among all the things which Our hands have wrought,41 the domestic animals of which they are [now] masters? –

Note 41
I.e., "which We alone have or could have created" (Zamakhshari and Razi). The above metaphorical expression is based on the concept of "handiwork" in its widest sense, abstract as well as concrete.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:71 Have they not seen that we created for them, with our own hands, livestock that they own?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:71 Have they never envisioned how We have created for them of Our handiwork, the domestic animals of which they are now masters?

36:72 وذللنها لهم فمنها ركوبهم ومنها ياكلون

Transcription (English)
36:72 Wathallalnaha lahumfaminha rakoobuhum waminha ya/kuloona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:72 They were subdued by Us for them. So some they ride, and some they eat.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:72 And they were subdued by Us for them. So some they ride, and some they eat.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:72 and that We have subjected them to men's will,42 so that some of them they may use for riding and of some they may eat,

Note 42
Lit., "made them submissive (dhallalnaha) to them": implying also that man is morally responsible for the manner in which he uses or misuses them.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:72 And we subdued them for them; some they ride, and some they eat.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:72 And that We have made them submissive to humans so that some of them they use for riding and others they use for food.

36:73 ولهم فيها منفع ومشارب افلا يشكرون

Transcription (English)
36:73 Walahum feeha manafiAAu wamasharibuafala yashkuroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:73 They have in them other benefits, as well as drinks. Would they not be appreciative?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:73 And they have benefits in them, and to drink. Would they not be thankful?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:73 and may have [yet other] benefits from them, and [milk] to drink? Will they not, then, be grateful? (
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:73 They derive other benefits from them, as well as drinks. Would they not be appreciative?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:73 And may derive yet other benefits from them and milk to drink. Will they not, then, be grateful?

36:74 واتخذوا من دون الله ءالهة لعلهم ينصرون

Transcription (English)
36:74 Waittakhathoo min dooni Allahialihatan laAAallahum yunsaroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:74 They have taken besides God other gods, perhaps they will help them!
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:74 And they have taken besides God other gods, perhaps they will help them!
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:74 But [nay,] they take to worshipping deities other than God,43 [hoping] to be succoured [by them, and not knowing that]

Note 43
Or: "other deities beside God" - alluding, in either case, to objects of worship consciously conceived as such - i.e., idols, imaginary deities, deified persons, saints, etc. - as well as to abstract concepts like power, wealth or "luck", which may not be consciously "worshipped" but are nevertheless often revered in an almost idolatrous fashion. The verb ittakhadhu (lit., "they took [or "have taken"] for themselves"), used in the Qur'an in this and in similar contexts, is particularly suited for the wide range of meanings alluded to inasmuch as it bears the connotation of adopting something - whether it be concrete or abstract - for one's own use or adoration.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
Powerless Idols36:74 They set up beside GOD other gods, perhaps they can be of help to them!,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:74 But, nay, they have chosen gods other than God hoping that they might be helped.

36:75 لا يستطيعون نصرهم وهم لهم جند محضرون

Transcription (English)
36:75 La yastateeAAoona nasrahumwahum lahum jundun muhdaroona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:75 They cannot help them. They become to them as foot-soldiers.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:75 They cannot help them; while they are soldiers for them.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:75 they are unable to succour their devotees,44 even though to them they may [appear to] be hosts drawn up [for succour].

Note 44
Lit., "them".
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:75 On the contrary, they cannot help them; they end up serving them as devoted soldiers.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:75 It is beyond their power to help them, and in effect such people will end up guarding their false gods like committed hosts.

36:76 فلا يحزنك قولهم انا نعلم ما يسرون وما يعلنون

Transcription (English)
36:76 Fala yahzunka qawluhum innanaAAlamu ma yusirroona wama yuAAlinoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:76 So do not be saddened by what they say. We are fully aware of what they conceal and what they declare.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:76 So do not be saddened by what they say. We are fullyaware of what they conceal and what they declare.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:76 However, be not grieved by the sayings of those [who deny the truth]: verily, We know all that they keep secret as well as all that they bring into the open.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:76 Therefore, do not be saddened by their utterances. We are fully aware of everything they conceal and everything they declare.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:76 So let not their utterances grieve you. We know what they conceal and what they declare.

36:77 اولم ير الانسن انا خلقنه من نطفة فاذا هو خصيم مبين

Transcription (English)
36:77 Awa lam yara al-insanu annakhalaqnahu min nutfatin fa-itha huwa khaseemunmubeenun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:77 Has the human being not seen that We have created him from a seed, and yet he would become a clear enemy?
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:77 Has man not seen that We have created him from a seed, but he then becomes a clear opponent?
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:77 IS MAN, then, not aware that it is We who create him out of a [mere] drop of sperm - whereupon, lo! he shows himself endowed with the power to think and to argue?45

Note 45
See similar passage in 16:4, as well as the corresponding note 5. Completing the inter­pretation advanced in his (and Zamakhshari's) commentary on the above-mentioned verse, Razi equates here the term khasim (lit., "contender in argument") with the highest manifestation of what is described as natiq ("articulate [or "rational"] being").
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:77 Does the human being not see that we created him from a tiny drop, then he turns into an ardent enemy?,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:77 Does not man realize that We created him from male and female gametes? Yet, he stands forth as an open contender of truth!19

Note 19
Nutfah = Gamete, male or female, sperm or ovum

36:78 وضرب لنا مثلا ونسى خلقه قال من يحى العظم وهى رميم

Transcription (English)
36:78 Wadaraba lana mathalanwanasiya khalqahu qala man yuhyee alAAithamawahiya rameemun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:78 He cites an example for Us, while forgetting his own creation! He says: "Who can resurrect the bones while they are dust?"
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:78 And he puts forth an example for Us, while forgetting his own creation! He says: "Who can resurrect the bones while they are dust?"
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:78 And [now] he [argues about Us, and] thinks of Us in terms of comparison,46 and is oblivious of how he himself was created! [And so] he says, “Who could give life to bones that have crumbled to dust?"

Note 46
Lit., "he coins for Us a simile (mathal)" - an elliptic allusion to the unwillingness of "those who deny the truth" to conceive of a transcendental Being, fundamentally different from all that is graspable by man's senses or imagination, and having powers beyond all comparison with those which are available to any of the created beings. (Cf. 42:11, "there is nothing like unto Him", and 112:4, "there is nothing that could be compared with Him".) Since they are enmeshed in a materialistic outlook on life, such people deny - as the sequence shows - all possibility of resurrection, which amounts to a denial of God's creative powers and, in the final analysis, of His existence.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:78 He raises a question to us - while forgetting his initial creation - "Who can resurrect the bones after they had rotted?",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:78 And he makes comparisons for Us and forgets the process of his own creation, saying, “Who will revive these bones when they have crumbled to dust?” [37:16, 73:3]

36:79 قل يحييها الذى انشاها اول مرة وهو بكل خلق عليم

Transcription (English)
36:79 Qul yuhyeeha allatheeanshaaha awwala marratin wahuwa bikulli khalqin AAaleemun
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:79 Say, "The One who made them in the first place will resurrect them. He is fully aware of every creation."6

Note 6

After reminding us that He knows all kinds of creation, God gives us the recreation of energy stored in plants through photosynthesis as fossil fuels such as coal or petroleum. Indeed, conservation of energy and its transformation from physical into chemical form and vice versa, is a good example of resurrection. See 4:82.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:79 Say: "The One who has made them in the first place will resurrect them. He is fully aware of every creation."
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:79 Say: “He who brought them into being in the first instance will give them life [once again], seeing that He has full knowledge of every act of creation:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:79 Say, "The One who initiated them in the first place will resurrect them. He is fully aware of every creation.",
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:79 Say, “He Who brought them into being in the first instance, will revive them again. He is the Profound Knower of all creation.

36:80 الذى جعل لكم من الشجر الاخضر نارا فاذا انتم منه توقدون

Transcription (English)
36:80 Allathee jaAAala lakum mina alshshajarial-akhdari naran fa-itha antum minhutooqidoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
Burning: A Daily Example of Resurrection of Chemical Energy Stored by Photosynthesis36:80 The One who produces for you a fire from the green tree, which you burn.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:80 The One who initiated for you a forest fire, by which you learned to light.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:80 He who produces for you fire out of the green tree, so that, lo! you kindle [your fires] therewith."47

Note 47
Cf. the ancient Arabian proverb, "In every tree there is a fire" (Zamakhshari): evidently an allusion to the metamorphosis of green - i.e., water-containing - plants into fuel, be it through desiccation or man-made carbonization (charcoal), or by a millennial, subterranean process of decomposition into oil or coal. In a spiritual sense, this "fire" seems also to symbolize the God-given warmth and light of human reason spoken of in verse 77 above.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:80 He is the One who creates for you, from the green trees, fuel which you burn for light.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:80 (The same Creator) Who produces for you fire out of the green tree, so that you kindle from it.20

Note 20
The flames are ‘hidden’ within the green branches! When the branch is ignited we can see this fire with our own eyes. Can He not preserve life in a similar manner?

36:81 اوليس الذى خلق السموت والارض بقدر على ان يخلق مثلهم بلى وهو الخلق العليم

Transcription (English)
36:81 Awa laysa allathee khalaqa alssamawatiwaal-arda biqadirin AAala an yakhluqamithlahum bala wahuwa alkhallaqu alAAaleemu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:81 Is not the One who created the heavens and the earth able to create the like of them? Yes indeed; He is the Creator, the Knowledgeable.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:81 Is not the One who has created the heavens and the earth able to create the like of them? Yes indeed; He is the Creator, the Knowledgeable.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:81 Is, then, He who has created the heavens and the earth not able to create [anew] the like of those [who have died]? Yea, indeed - for He alone is the all-knowing Crea­tor:
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:81 Is not the One who created the heavens and the earth able to recreate the same? Yes indeed; He is the Creator, the Omniscient.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:81 Is not He Who created the heavens and earth Able to create the like of them? Yes indeed! For, He is the Creator, Knower of all acts of creation.

36:82 انما امره اذا اراد شيا ان يقول له كن فيكون

Transcription (English)
36:82 Innama amruhu itha aradashay-an an yaqoola lahu kun fayakoonu
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:82 His command, when He wants anything, is to say to it: "Be" and it is!7

Note 7

The creation of universe is the result of such an instant order. See 21:30.

The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:82 His command, when He wants anything, is to say to it: 'Be,' and it is.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:82 His Being alone48 is such that when He wills a thing to be, He but says unto it, “Be" — and it is.

Note 48
This is the meaning of the phrase innama amruhu - the term amr being synonymous, in this instance, with shan ("state [or "manner"] of being"). The exclusiveness of God's creative Being is stressed by the restrictive particle innama.
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:82 All He needs to do to carry out any command is to say to it, "Be," and it is.,
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:82 When He intends a thing, His only command to it is “Be” and it is.

36:83 فسبحن الذى بيده ملكوت كل شىء واليه ترجعون

Transcription (English)
36:83 Fasubhana allathee biyadihimalakootu kulli shay-in wa-ilayhi turjaAAoona
Edip-Layth (Quran: A Reformist Translation)
36:83 Therefore, praise be to the One in whose Hand is the sovereignty of all things, and to Him you will be returned.
The Monotheist Group (The Quran: A Monotheist Translation)
36:83 Therefore, praise be to the One in whose Hand is the sovereignty of all things, and to Him you will be returned.
Muhammad Asad (The Message Of Quran)
36:83 Limitless, then, in His glory is He in whose hand rests the mighty dominion over all things; and unto Him you all will be brought back!
Rashad Khalifa (The Final Testament)
36:83 Therefore, glory be to the One in whose hand is the sovereignty over all things, and to Him you will be returned.8 ,

Note 8
It is noteworthy that the gematrical value of "Rashad" (505), plus the gematrical value of "Khalifa" (725), plus the sura number (36), plusthe number of verses (83), produces a total that is a multiple of 19(505+725+36+83=1349=19x71). Also, Sura 36 is number 19 among the 29 initialedsuras.
Shabbir Ahmed (Quran As It Explains Itself)
36:83 Glorified is He in Whose Hand rests the Mighty Dominion over all things, and to Him you will be brought back. [37:16, 73:3]