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Popular and/or Featured Works
Muhammad Asad   
Behold, God does not disdain to propound a parable of a gnat, or of something [even] less than that. Now, as for those who have attained to faith, they know that it is the truth from their Sustainer - whereas those who are bent on denying the truth say, "What could God mean by this parable?" In this way does He cause many a one to go astray, just as He guides many a one aright: but none does He cause thereby to go astray save the iniquitous
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
Surely Allah does not shy away from using the parable of a mosquito or what is even smaller. As for the believers, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. And as for the disbelievers, they argue, “What does Allah mean by such a parable?” Through this ˹test˺, He leaves many to stray, and guides many. And He leaves none to stray except the rebellious—
Safi Kaskas   
God is not reluctant to present a proverb about a mosquito or something bigger. Believers know that it is truth from their Lord, but the unbelievers say, "What does God mean by this?" It is a proverb that misguides many and guides many. It misguides only the defiantly disobedient.

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Source Arabic and Literal tools
Arabic   
إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَسْتَحْيِي أَن يَضْرِبَ مَثَلًا مَّا بَعُوضَةً فَمَا فَوْقَهَا فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا فَيَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَيَقُولُونَ مَاذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِهَٰذَا مَثَلًا يُضِلُّ بِهِ كَثِيرًا وَيَهْدِي بِهِ كَثِيرًا وَمَا يُضِلُّ بِهِ إِلَّا الْفَاسِقِين
Transliteration (2021)   
inna l-laha lā yastaḥyī an yaḍriba mathalan mā baʿūḍatan famā fawqahā fa-ammā alladhīna āmanū fayaʿlamūna annahu l-ḥaqu min rabbihim wa-ammā alladhīna kafarū fayaqūlūna mādhā arāda l-lahu bihādhā mathalan yuḍillu bihi kathīran wayahdī bihi kathīran wamā yuḍillu bihi illā l-fāsiqīn
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
Indeed, Allah (is) not ashamed to set forth an example (like) even (of) a mosquito and (even) something above it. Then as for those who believed, [thus] they will know that it (is) the truth from their Lord. And as for those who disbelieved [thus] they will say what (did) intend Allah by this example? He lets go astray by it many and He guides by it many. And not He lets go astray by it except the defiantly disobedient.

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
Behold, God does not disdain to propound a parable of a gnat, or of something [even] less than that. Now, as for those who have attained to faith, they know that it is the truth from their Sustainer - whereas those who are bent on denying the truth say, "What could God mean by this parable?" In this way does He cause many a one to go astray, just as He guides many a one aright: but none does He cause thereby to go astray save the iniquitous
M. M. Pickthall   
Lo! Allah disdaineth not to coin the similitude even of a gnat. Those who believe know that it is the truth from their Lord; but those who disbelieve say: What doth Allah wish (to teach) by such a similitude? He misleadeth many thereby, and He guideth many thereby; and He misleadeth thereby only miscreants
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
Allah disdains not to use the similitude of things, lowest as well as highest. Those who believe know that it is truth from their Lord; but those who reject Faith say: "What means Allah by this similitude?" By it He causes many to stray, and many He leads into the right path; but He causes not to stray, except those who forsake (the path),
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
Surely Allah does not shy away from using the parable of a mosquito or what is even smaller. As for the believers, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. And as for the disbelievers, they argue, “What does Allah mean by such a parable?” Through this ˹test˺, He leaves many to stray, and guides many. And He leaves none to stray except the rebellious—
Safi Kaskas   
God is not reluctant to present a proverb about a mosquito or something bigger. Believers know that it is truth from their Lord, but the unbelievers say, "What does God mean by this?" It is a proverb that misguides many and guides many. It misguides only the defiantly disobedient.
Wahiduddin Khan   
God does not disdain to give a parable about a gnat or a smaller creature. The faithful know that it is the truth from their Lord, but those who deny the truth ask, What could God mean by this parable? He lets many go astray through it, and guides many by it. But He makes only the disobedient go astray
Shakir   
Surely Allah is not ashamed to set forth any parable-- (that of) a gnat or any thing above that; then as for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord, and as for those who disbelieve, they say: What is it that Allah means by this parable: He causes many to err by it and many He leads aright by it! but He does not cause to err by it (any) except the transgressors
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
Truly, God is not ashamed that He propound a parable, even of a gnat or whatever is above it. So as for those who believed, then, they know that it is The Truth from their Lord, but those who were ungrateful, then they will say: What did God mean by this parable? He causes many to go astray by it and He guides many by it. And He causes none to go astray by it, but the ones who disobey—
T.B.Irving   
God does not hesitate to compare things to a mosquito nor to anything bigger than it. Those who believe realize that it is the Truth from their Lord, while those who disbelieve say: "What does God want in such a comparison?" He lets so many go astray through it, and guides many by means of it. Yet only immoral persons are led astray by it!
Abdul Hye   
Surely, Allah is not reluctant to set forth an example even of a mosquito or even something more (insignificant) than it. As for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord; but as for those who disbelieve, they say: “What does Allah mean by this example?” By it He misleads many and guides many. He misleads only the disobedient ones
The Study Quran   
Truly God is not ashamed to set forth a parable of a gnat or something smaller. As for those who believe, they know it is the truth from their Lord, and as for those who disbelieve, they say, “What did God mean by this parable?” He misleads many by it, and He guides many by it, and He misleads none but the iniquitous
Dr. Kamal Omar   
Certainly Allah does not hesitate to put up a point whether it is of least importance or even beyond it. Then those who have Believed, soon shall they know that it is a reality from their Nourisher-Sustainer; and those who have disbelieved soon shall they say: “What did Allah intend by this point?” By it, He misleads many, and many He guides thereby. And He misleads thereby only those who are Al-Fasiqun
Farook Malik   
Allah does not mind using the similitude of a gnat or an even more insignificant creature to teach a lesson. Those who believe, know that it is the truth from their Lord; but the unbelievers say: "What does Allah mean by such a similitude?" By such a similitude Allah confounds many and enlightens many. He confounds none except the transgressors
Talal A. Itani (new translation)   
God does not shy away from making an example of a gnat, or something above it. As for those who believe, they know that it is the Truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, 'What did God intend by this example?' He leads astray many thereby, and He guides many thereby; but He misleads thereby only the evildoers
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
Surely Allah does not shy from striking a likeness even of a gnat, or anything above it. So for the ones who have believed, (then) they know that it is the Truth from their Lord, and as for the ones who have disbelieved, then they say, "What is it that Allah would (teach) by this for a similitude?"Thereby He leads many into error, and thereby He guides many; and thereby in no way does He lead into error anyone except the immoral. (The ungodly, the depraved
Muhammad Sarwar   
God does not hesitate to set forth parables of anything even a gnat. The believers know that it is the truth from their Lord, but those who deny the truth say, "What does God mean by such parables?" In fact, by such parables God misleads and guides many. However, He only misleads the evil doer
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
Indeed, Allah does not feel shy in citing any parable, be it that of a gnat or of something above it (in meanness). Now, as for those who believe, they know it is the truth from their Lord; while those who disbelieve say, .What could Allah have meant by this parable?. By this He lets many go astray, and by this He makes many find guidance. But He does not let anyone go astray thereby except those who are sinfu
Shabbir Ahmed   
Behold, Allah does not shy away from citing any kind of allegory, even of an insect. (Men and women of intellect know that abstract phenomena are frequently well defined and understood in that manner). Since the believers exercise reason, (they appreciate this beauty of the Divine Wisdom and) they know that it is the Truth from their Lord. On the other hand, those who have chosen to disbelieve, try to ridicule by saying, "What could Allah mean to teach by this similitude?" Thus His Law of guidance lets go astray many and shows the Way to many. (But note) He never lets go astray except those who drift away from Reason
Dr. Munir Munshey   
Of course, Allah is not ashamed to quote and narrate the parable of a gnat, or anything smaller. Those who believe know that it certainly is the truth from their Lord. But those who disbelieve, say, "What does Allah mean by this parable?" Thereby, He causes many to stray, and leads many others to the right path! By that, He misleads only the sinful rebellious ones
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
Indeed, Allah is not ashamed to use the similitude of things, even as low as the mosquito as well as the highest. Those who believe know that it is truth from their Lord; But those who reject Faith will say: "What does Allah mean by this similitude?" But He does not cause (people) to lose (their path) except those who give (themselves) up
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
Indeed, Allah is not timid to present an example - that of a mosquito or what is smaller than it. And those who have believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did Allah intend by this as an example?" He misleads many thereby and guides many thereby. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
God does not shy away from citing the example of a mosquito, or anything above it. As for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. As for the rejecters, they Say: "What does God want with this example" He lets many stray by it, and He guides many, but He only lets stray the evildoers
Abdel Haleem   
God does not shy from drawing comparisons even with something as small as a gnat, or larger: the believers know it is the truth from their Lord, but the disbelievers say, ‘What does God mean by such a comparison?’ Through it He makes many go astray and leads many to the right path. But it is only the rebels He makes go astray
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
Verily Allah is not ashamed to propound a similitude, be it of a gnat or of aught above it. Then as to those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. And to those who disbelieve, they say what intendeth God by similitude? He sendeth many astray thereby, and He guideth many thereby, and He sendeth not astray thereby any except the transgressors
Ahmed Ali   
God is not loath to advance the similitude of a gnat or a being more contemptible; and those who believe know whatever is from the Lord is true. But those who disbelieve say: "What does God mean by this parable?" He causes some to err this way, and some He guides; yet He turns away none but those who transgress
Aisha Bewley   
Allah is not ashamed to make an example of a gnat or of an even smaller thing. As for those who have iman, they know it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who are kafir, they say, ´What does Allah mean by this example?´ He misguides many by it and guides many by it. But He only misguides the deviators.
Ali Ünal   
God does not disdain to strike any parable – (that of) something like a gnat or something greater or lower than it. Those who have already believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. As to those whose unbelief has long been established in their hearts, they say, "What does God mean by such a parable?" Thereby He leads many astray, and thereby He guides many. He thereby leads none astray save the transgressors
Ali Quli Qara'i   
Indeed Allah is not ashamed to draw a parable whether it is that of a gnat or something above it. As for those who have faith, they know it is the truth from their Lord; and as for the faithless, they say, ‘What did Allah mean by this parable?’ Thereby He leads many astray, and thereby He guides many; and He leads no one astray thereby except the transgressor
Hamid S. Aziz   
Behold! Allah does not disdain to set forth a similitude even of a gnat, or anything lower or higher; and as for those who believe, they know that it is truth from the Lord; but as for those who disbelieve, they say, "What is it that Allah means by
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
God does not shy away from giving example of a mosquito or something beyond it (bigger or smaller). And as for those who believed, they know that it is the truth and from their Master. And as for those who disbelieved, they say: what did God mean by this example? He misguides many by it, and guides many by it, while He only misguides the disobedient ones with it
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
God does not hesitate to use examples of the lowest of things as well as the highest. Those who believe know that this is the truth from their Lord, but those who do not believe say, “What does God mean by this parable?” By it He allows many to stray, and many He leads to the straight path, but He allows none to stray except those who leave the path
Musharraf Hussain   
Allah is not embarrassed to give the example of a mosquito or something even smaller. Those who believe know that this is the truth from their Lord, but those who disbelieve say: “What does Allah mean by this example?” He allows many to be misguided by it and others to be guided; yetonly the disobedient are misguided by it,
Maududi   
Well, Allah is not ashamed to cite the similitude of a gnat or of something even more insignificant than this. As for those who believe, they come to know from the same similitude that it is the Revelation from their Lord; but those who disbelieve, say, "What does Allah mean by such similitudes?" Allah leads astray many and guides many to the right way by the same thing. And He leads astray only those who disobey Allah
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
God does not shy away from putting forth the example of a mosquito, or anything above it. As for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. As for the rejecters, they say: "What does God intend with this example?" He strays many by it, and He guides many by it; but He only strays by it the wicked.
Mohammad Shafi   
Indeed, Allah blushes not at quoting an example of even a fly or of anything tinier. Those, then, who believe, know this to be nothing but the Truth from their Lord. And those who suppress the Truth, question, "What is Allah's intention in giving such an example?" By it, He sends many astray; and, by it, He guides many to the Right Path. And He send astray none by it, but the wicked

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
Surely, Allah not ashamed of describing any thing for illustration, be it a gnat or above it, hence those who accepted faith, they know that it is the truth from their Lord, and those who are disbeliveers they say, "What does Allah mean by such a similitude". Allah sends astray many by it and guides many and Bends astray those by it who are disobedient
Rashad Khalifa   
GOD does not shy away from citing any kind of allegory, from the tiny mosquito and greater. As for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. As for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did GOD mean by such an allegory?" He misleads many thereby, and guides many thereby. But He never misleads thereby except the wicked,
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
Allah is not shy to strike a parable whatsoever a gnat or larger. Those who believe know that it is the truth from their Lord. As for those who disbelieve they ask: 'What could Allah mean by this parable? By it, Allah misleads many and guides many. ' But He misleads none except the evildoers
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
Surely Allah disdains not to set forth any parable -- a gnat or anything above that. Then as for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord; and as for those who disbelieve, they say: What is it that Allah means by this parable? Many he leaves in error by it and many He leads aright by it. And He leaves in error by it only the transgressors
Muhammad Ahmed - Samira   
That God does not (feel) shame that (He) gives/strikes an example , (of) any a mosquito (and) so what (is) above it, so but those who believed, so they know that it (is) the truth from their Lord, and but those who disbelieved, so they say: "What did God want/intend with that (as) an example/proverb?" He misguides with it many, and He guides with it many, and He does not misguide with it except the debauchers
Bijan Moeinian   
God is definitely not ashamed to refer to a tiny mosquito—or a bigger creature of his own—as an example to make a point. The believers get the message from the example; the unbelievers (on the other hand) will say: “What does God mean by these stupid examples?” Many are misled and many are lead by these examples to the right path; only the wicked ones are misled [as they do not get the message in account of their attitude.]
Faridul Haque   
Indeed Allah does not, for the sake of explanation, shy to illustrate an example of anything, whether it is of a gnat or something further (inferior) than it; so the believers know it is the Truth from their Lord; as for the disbelievers, they say, "What does Allah intend by such an example?" He misleads many thereby, and He guides many thereby; and with it He misleads only those who are rebellious
Sher Ali   
ALLAH disdains not to give an illustration - as small as a gnat or even smaller. Those who believe know that it is the truth from their Lord, while those who disbelieve say, `What does ALLAH mean by such an illustration?' Many does HE adjudge by it to be in error and many by it does HE guide, and none does HE adjudge thereby to be in error except the disobedient
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
Indeed, Allah is not reluctant to narrate some example (for better comprehension), whether of a mosquito or something even more (disgusting) than that. The believers know well that this example is (a pointer to the truth) from their Lord. But those who have adopted disbelief ask (on hearing): ‘What could Allah mean by this example?’ (In this way) Allah holds many astray, and guides many aright with the same example. And by this He leaves in error only those who are (already) disobedient
Amatul Rahman Omar   
Indeed, Allah does not disdain to cite a parable of (a thing) even (as small as) a gnat or (of something) smaller than that. (Be it as it may) those who have believed know that this is a true (parable) from their Lord. As for those who disbelieve say, `What could Allah mean by (citing) such a parable?' Many does He adjudge to be erring because of these (parables) and many does He guide through them. Yet it is only the transgressors whom He adjudges to be erring because of them
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
Verily, Allah is not ashamed to set forth a parable even of a mosquito or so much more when it is bigger (or less when it is smaller) than it. And as for those who believe, they know that it is the Truth from their Lord, but as for those who disbelieve, they say: "What did Allah intend by this parable?" By it He misleads many, and many He guides thereby. And He misleads thereby only those who are Al-Fasiqoon (the rebellious, disobedient to Allah)

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
God is not ashamed to strike a similitude even of a gnat, or aught above it. As for the believers, they know it is the truth from their Lord; but as for unbelievers, they say, 'What did God desire by this for a similitude?' Thereby He leads many astray, and thereby He guides many; and thereby He leads none astray save the ungodl
George Sale   
Moreover God will not be ashamed to propound in a parable a gnat, or even a more despicable thing; for they who believe will know it to be the truth from their Lord; but the unbelievers will say, What meaneth God by this parable? He will thereby mislead many, and will direct many thereby: but He will not mislead any thereby, except the transgressors
Edward Henry Palmer   
Why, God is not ashamed to set forth a parable of a gnat, or anything beyond; and as for those who believe, they know that it is truth from the Lord; but as for those who disbelieve, they say, 'What is it that God means by this as a parable? He leads astray many and He guides many;' - but He leads astray only the evildoers
John Medows Rodwell   
Verily God is not ashamed to set forth as well the instance of a gnat as of any nobler object: for as to those who have believed, they know it to be the truth from their Lord; but as to the unbelievers, they will say, "What meaneth God by this comparison?" Many will He mislead by such parables and many guide: but none will He mislead thereby except the wicked
N J Dawood (2014)   
Surely God does not disdain to make comparison with a gnat or with a larger creature. The faithful know that it is the Truth from their Lord, but the unbelievers ask: ‘What could God mean by this comparison?‘ By such comparison God confounds many and enlightens many. But He confounds none except the ungodly,

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
Truly, Allah does not mind using parables about anything. It doesn’t matter if the parable is about a gnat or something bigger. Believers know that it is the truth from their Lord. Unbelievers say, “What does Allah mean by this story?” By it, He causes many to stray, and He guides many. He does not cause anyone to stray except those who are mean.
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
Allah (God) does not hesitate to compare things to a mosquito nor to anything bigger than it. Those who believe realize that it is the Truth from their Lord, while those who disbelieve say: "What does Allah (God) want in such a comparison?" He lets so many go astray through it, and guides many by means of it. Yet only immoral persons are led astray by it!
Sayyid Qutb   
God does not disdain to give a parable of a gnat, or a higher creature. Those who believe know that it is the truth from their Lord, while the unbelievers ask, 'What could God mean by such a parable?' In this way, God lets many go astray and gives guidance to many others, but none does He leave to go astray except the evildoers.
Ahmed Hulusi   
Indeed, Allah will not hesitate to use the example of a mosquito wing, or even a smaller item. And those who fulfill the requisites of their faith know that this is the Truth originating from their Rabb. But as for those who deny this truth, (without contemplating upon the examples that are provided) they say, “What did Allah mean with this example?” This parable leads many astray (due to the incapacity of their creational program – natural disposition [fitrah]) and some, it directs to the truth (to the realization of their essence). (With this parable) Allah misleads no other than those who have lost their purity (who have become veiled from the truth)!
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli   
Allah does not disdain to set forth the parable even of a gnat, or anything greater than that. As for those who have Faith, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. And for those who reject Faith, they ask : ' What does Allah mean by this parable? ' Thereby He leads many astray and guides many, and He leads none astray save the transgressors
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur'an al-Karim   
Allah is by no means reluctant from fear of shame to give an allegory applying creatures as small as a gnat or a larger creature to describe subjects under the guise of some other subject of aptly suggestive resemblance intended to convey a useful lesson by which moral and spiritual relations are typically set forth. As to those whose hearts have been impressed with the image of religious and spiritual virtues, they know well that the simile narrated by Allah, their Creator, is the truth personified as it illustrates and ennobles the subject. But those who deny Allah wonder to hear Allah talk after this manner and they say: "What does Allah mean by such a parable?" In effect, such parables as Allah discourses are intended to stray the many who counsel deaf to the truth and to guide the many who have clean hearts to the path of righteousness and He misguides only the wicked who confirm themselves in the evil purpose and the ill intention
Mir Aneesuddin   
Allah is certainly not ashamed to set forth the similitude of a fly or something above that, then as for those who believe they know that it is the truth from their Fosterer and as for those who do not believe, they say, "What is it that Allah intends by this similitude?" He misleads many with it and He guides many with it, but He does not mislead anyone with it except the transgressors *, * Those who exceed the limits ( fasiqeen ).
The Ascendant Qur‘an, Muhammad H. al-‘Asi   
Behold, Allah does not disdain to propound a parable of a gnat, or of something [even] less than that. Now, as for those who are committed [to Allah], they know that it is the truth from their Sustainer — whereas those who are bent on denying the truth say, “What could Allah mean by this parable?” In this way does He cause many a one to go astray, just as He guides many a one aright: but none does He cause thereby to go astray save the degenerates

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
God disdains not to use the similitude of things, lowest as well as highest. Those who believe know that it is truth from their Lord; but those who reject Faith say: "What means God by this similitude?" By it He causes many to stray, and many He leads into the right path; but He causes not to stray, except those who forsake (the path),
OLD Literal Word for Word   
Indeed, Allah (is) not ashamed to set forth an example (like) even (of) a mosquito and (even) something above it. Then as for those who believed, [thus] they will know that it (is) the truth from their Lord. And as for those who disbelieved [thus] they will say what (did) intend Allah by this example? He lets go astray by it many and He guides by it many. And not He lets go astray by it except the defiantly disobedient