11:1  Alif. Lam. Ra. [This is] a Book whose verses are perfectly constructed, then detailed directly from the Wise, the Most Expert,

11:2  so that you may worship no one but God. I am sent to you from Him to warn you and to give you good news.

11:3  Ask your Lord to forgive your sins and turn towards Him in repentance. He will let you enjoy a good life until a specified time and will bestow His abundant grace on all who have virtues. But, if you turn away, I dread the suffering for you on that Mighty Day.

11:4  You must all return to God, as He has power over everything.

11:5  See how they turn away, trying to hide from Him. Even when they cover themselves with their clothes, He knows all that they conceal and what they reveal. He has full knowledge of what is in men’s hearts.

11:6  Every living creature on Earth depends on God for sustenance, and He knows where it lives and where it dies. It is all in a clear record.

11:7  He created the heavens and the Earth in six days, and the throne of His majesty extended over the water. [He created this] to test which of you is best in deeds. And If you [Prophet] say, “You will be resurrected after death,” the unbelievers will answer, “This is nothing but sorcery.”

11:8  If We defer their suffering for a specified time, they are sure to say, “What is preventing it [from coming now]?” On the Day when it befalls them, there will be nothing to divert it from them, and they will be overwhelmed by the very thing they mocked.

11:9  If We let man taste some of Our mercy and then take it away from him, he will abandon all hope, forgetting all gratitude.

11:10  If We let him taste ease and plenty after hardship has touched him, he is sure to say, “Misfortune has gone away from me.” He becomes overjoyed and boastful.

11:11  Except for those who are patient in hard times and do righteous deeds: forgiveness of sins awaits them and a great reward.

11:12  Perhaps you are thinking about omitting part of what is being revealed to you, and you feel a tightness in your chest about it because they say, “If only a treasure were sent down to him, or an angel came with him [then we would believe].” [Prophet,] you are only a warner; it is God who is in charge of everything.

11:13  Or, they [may] say, “He invented it.” Say, “Produce ten invented chapters of similar merit, and call in whoever you can besides God to help you, if what you say is true.

11:14  But if they [whom you called] do not respond to you, then know that [this Qur’an) has been revealed with God’s knowledge and that there is no God but Him. Then will you submit to Him?”

11:15  As for those who care only for the life of this world and its bounties, We will repay [them] fully for everything they did, and they will be given nothing less.

11:16  But, for life to come, they will have nothing but the fire; their works will be fruitless, and their deeds futile.

11:17  Can they be compared to those who have clear evidence from their Lord, conveyed through [this] testimony from Him—as was the book previously revealed to Moses—to be a guide and mercy [to humanity]? Those [who understand] believe in it, whereas those parties that deny its truth are promised the fire. Do not be in any doubt about it; it is the Truth from your Lord, though most people do not believe so.

11:18  Who could be more unjust than he who attributes his lie to God? [Such people] will be arraigned before their Lord, and the witnesses will say, “They uttered lies about their Lord.” God’s rejection is what the unjust deserve

11:19  [those] who turn others away from the path of God—trying to make it crooked—and refuse to acknowledge the truth of the life to come.

11:20  They can never escape [their final reckoning, even if they remain unharmed] on Earth; they will never find anyone who can protect them from God. Double suffering will be imposed on them for having lost the ability to hear [the truth] and failed to see [it].

11:21  They have allowed themselves to be lost. All their invented gods will have deserted them.

11:22  Assuredly, in the life to come, they will lose the most.

11:23  [Only] those who believe and do righteous deeds and humble themselves before their Lord are destined for Heaven, where they will remain for eternity.

11:24  These two groups are like the blind and deaf in comparison to those who see and hear. Can they be alike? How can you not pay attention?

11:25  [In like manner], We sent Noah to his people, [saying], “I come to you with the clear warning

11:26  that you may worship no one but God. I fear that you may suffer on a painful Day.”

11:27  The notables among his people who denied the truth said, “We do not see anything in you but a mortal man like ourselves, and it is clear to see that only the worst among us follow you. We do not see that you could be superior to us in any way. On the contrary, we think you are a liar.”

11:28  [Noah] said, “My people, have you considered that I might have a clear sign from my Lord and that He has given me mercy from himself, but you fail to see? Should we then compel you to accept it against your will?

11:29  My people, I ask you no reward for it. My reward rests with none but God. I will not chase away the faithful. They know they are destined to meet their Lord, and I can see that you are foolish.

11:30  People, who could protect me from God if I chased [the faithful] away? Will you not take heed?

11:31  I do not say to you, ‘God’s treasures are with me,’ nor [do I say] ‘I know what is hidden,’ nor do I say, ‘I am an angel,’ nor do I say of those you hold in contempt, ‘God will not grant them any good.’ God is fully aware of what is in their hearts. If I did this, I would be among the unjust.”

11:32  [The notables] said, “Noah, you have argued with us for too long. Bring down on us the punishment with which you threaten us if you are a man of truth.”

11:33  He answered, “Only God will bring it upon you if He so wills, and you will not escape it.

11:34  My advice will be no use to you if God wills that you remain lost in your delusions. He is your Lord, and to Him, you must return.”

11:35  Or do they [the idolaters] say he has invented this [story]?” Say [Muhammad] “If I have invented it, I am responsible for my crime, but I am innocent of the crime of which you are guilty.”

11:36  It was revealed to Noah, “None of your people will believe other than those who have already done so. Do not be distressed by anything that they may do.

11:37  Build the Ark under Our observation and Our inspiration, and do not appeal to Me on behalf of the transgressors. They are destined to be drowned.”

11:38  [Noah] began to build the Ark, and every time the notables of his people passed by him, they mocked him. He said, “If you are mocking us now, we will come to mock you [and your ignorance] just as you are mocking us.

11:39  In time you will know who will receive a humiliating punishment and on whom lasting suffering will descend.”

11:40  When Our judgment came, and waters gushed up, We said, “Place onboard this [Ark] a pair of each species, as well as your family—except those against whom the sentence has already been passed—and the Believers,” though only a few [of Noah’s people] shared his faith.

11:41  He said [to his followers], “Board this Ark. In the name of God, it will sail and anchor. My Lord is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace.”

11:42  It sailed with them on waves that were like mountains. Noah cried out to his son, who stayed behind, “Come aboard with us, my son, and do not stay with the unbelievers.”

11:43  [The son] answered, “I will take myself to a mountain that will protect me from the waters.” [Noah] said, “Today there is no protection [for anyone] from God’s judgment, except [for) those who have earned [His] mercy.” A wave rose between them, and [the son] was among those who drowned.

11:44  Then it was said [by God], “Earth, swallow up your water, and sky, stop [your rain].” The waters sank into the Earth, God’s will was done, and the ark came to rest on Mount Judi. It was said [by God], “Away with those evildoing folk.”

11:45  Noah called out to his Lord and said, “My Lord, my son was my family; Your promise always comes true, and You are the most just of all judges.”

11:46  [God] answered, “Noah, he was not your family, because he was unrighteous in his conduct. Do not ask me for things about which you know nothing. I am warning you not to be foolish.”

11:47  [Noah] said, “My Lord, I seek refuge with You from ever [again] asking You anything about which I know nothing. Unless You forgive me and have mercy on me, I will be among the lost.”

11:48  [God said] “Noah, descend in peace from Us and blessings on you as well as on some of the nations who are with you. [But as for] others, We will allow them to enjoy life [for a little while], and then a painful punishment from Us will afflict them.”

11:49  These accounts are part of what was beyond your knowledge [Muhammad]. We revealed them to you. Neither you nor your people knew them, so be patient [like Noah] in hard times. The future belongs to those who are mindful of God.

11:50  To ‘Ad, We sent their brother, Hud. He said, “My people worship God [alone]. You have no God other than Him. You are making up lies.

11:51  I ask no reward from you. My reward rests only with Him, who created me. Why don’t you use your common sense?

11:52  My people, ask your Lord to forgive your sins, and then turn towards Him in repentance. He will shower you with abundant heavenly grace and will add strength to your strength. Do not turn away and be lost in sin.”

11:53  They replied, “Hud, you have brought us no clear evidence [that you are a prophet], and we are not going to forsake our gods on the strength of your word alone, nor do we believe in you.

11:54  All we can say is that one of our gods has inflicted some harm to you.” [Hud] answered, “I call God to witness, and you too are my witnesses, that I disown those to whom you ascribe divinity,

11:55  except for God. Plot [anything that you may wish] against me, and give me no respite.

11:56  I have placed my trust in God, [who is] my Lord and your Lord. There is no living creature that He does not control. My Lord’s way is a straight path.”

11:57  But if they turn away, then say, “I have delivered to you the messages with which I have been sent. My Lord will bring along other people to take your place, whereas you will in no way harm Him. My lord watches over all things.”

11:58  When Our judgment came, We saved Hud and those who believed with him through a Mercy from Us; and We saved them from a grave punishment.

11:59  That was [the end of ‘Ad, [who] rejected their Lord’s messages, and disobeyed His Messengers, and followed the command of every arrogant enemy of the truth.

11:60  A curse will follow them in this world, and so will they be cursed on the Day of Resurrection. ‘Ad denied their Lord. So away with ‘Ad, the people of Hud.

11:61  To the people of Thamud, We sent their brother Salih. He said, “My people, worship God [alone]. You have no God other than Him. He created you out of the Earth and made you inhabit it. Ask Him to forgive your sins, and turn towards Him in repentance. My Lord is near and ready to answer [whoever calls to Him].”

11:62  They answered, “Salih, We used to have such great hopes in you. Would you forbid us to worship what our forefathers worshipped? We are in grave doubt, amounting to suspicion, about what you are asking us to do.”

11:63  He retorted, “My people, just think, if I am taking my stand based on clear evidence from my Lord and if He had given me mercy from Himself, who could protect me from God if I disobeyed Him? You would only make my loss greater.

11:64  My people, this camel belongs to God; it will be a sign for you. Leave it to pasture on God’s land and do her no harm, or you will soon be punished.”

11:65  However, they cruelly slaughtered her. [Salih] said, “You will enjoy living in your homes for only three [more] days; this is a judgment which will not prove false.”

11:66  When Our command came, We saved Salih and those who believed with him as a mercy from Us, and [We saved them] from the disgrace of that Day. Your Lord alone is the All-powerful, Revered.

11:67  The blast [of God’s punishment] overtook the evildoers, and they lay lifeless in their homes and on the ground

11:68  as though they had never lived there. Thamud denied their Lord, so away with Thamud.

11:69  To Abraham, Our [heavenly] Messengers brought good news. They said, “Peace,” and he answered, “[And upon you be] peace.” Without delay, he placed a roasted calf before them.

11:70  When he saw that their hands did not reach out towards it, he found this strange and became apprehensive of them. They said, “Do not fear. We are sent against the people of Lot.”

11:71  His wife, standing [nearby], laughed [with happiness]. We gave her the good news of [the birth of] Isaac, and, after Isaac, of [Isaac’s son] Jacob.

11:72  She said, “Alas for me. How am I to bear a child when I am an old woman, and this husband of mine is an older man? That would be an astonishing thing.”

11:73  [The Messengers] said, “Are you astonished at God’s command? May the mercy of God and His blessing be upon you, people of this house. He is worthy of all praise and Glory.”

11:74  When the fear left Abraham, and the good news had been conveyed to him, he began to plead with Us for Lot’s people.

11:75  Abraham was forbearing, tender-hearted, and devout.

11:76  [God’s Messengers replied,] “Abraham, stop this [pleading]. Your Lord’s judgment has already passed. Punishment is coming to them, which cannot be turned back.”

11:77  When Our Messengers came to Lot, he was sad for [his people], seeing that it was beyond his power to protect them, and he said, “This is a truly terrible day.”

11:78  His people came running to him; they were accustomed to committing foul deeds. [Lot] said, “My people, take my daughters instead. They are purer for you [than men]. Fear God, and do not disgrace me with my guests. Is there not a single right-minded man among you?

11:79  ” They answered, “You have always known that we have no right to your daughters. You know very well what we want.”

11:80  [Lot] exclaimed, “If only I had the strength to defeat you or could rely on mightier support.”

11:81  [The angels] said, “Lot, we are Messengers from your Lord. [Your enemies] will never reach you. Leave with your household in the dead of night, and do not look back. [Take all of your family with you] except for your wife. The fate which will befall [the people of Sodom] will befall her [as well]. Their appointed time is the morning. Is not the morning near?”

11:82  When Our judgment came about, We turned those [sinful towns] upside down and rained down on them stones of hard clay, layer after layer, [which were]

11:83  designated by your Lord [to punish sinners]. [Such punishment] is never far from the unjust.

11:84  To [the people of] Midian [We sent] their brother Shu’ayb. He said, “My people, worship God [alone]. You have no God other than Him. Do not give [false] measure or weight [in your dealings with people]. I see that you are prospering, but I fear for your suffering on a day that will encompass you [with doom].

11:85  Hence, my people, [always] give full measure and weight, with equity, and do not deprive people of what is rightfully theirs, and do not act wickedly on Earth by spreading corruption.

11:86  What rests with God is best for you if you are believers. I am not your keeper.”

11:87  They said, “Shu’ayb, does your prayer command you that we give up what our forefathers worshipped or to refrain from doing with our wealth whatever we please? You certainly sound like the perfect tolerant and right-minded man!”

11:88  He answered, “My people, what if I am acting on clear evidence from my Lord, and He has given me good provision? I have no desire to differ from you concerning what I have forbidden you. I want no more than to set things right as much as I can. I cannot succeed without God’s help. I have placed my trust in Him, and I always turn to Him.

11:89  My people, do not let [your] disagreement with me drive you into sin and bring upon you a fate similar to that of the people of Noah or Hud or Salih, and [remember that] the people of Lot did not live very far from you.

11:90  Ask your Lord to forgive your sins, and then turn towards Him in repentance. My Lord is the Mercy-Giver and Most-Loving.”

11:91  [His people] said, “Shu’ayb, We cannot understand much of what you say. We find you weak [and poorly connected] among us, and, were it not for your clan, we would have stoned you to death, considering that you have no status among us.”

11:92  He said, “My people, do you hold my clan in greater esteem than God, that you turned your backs on Him? My Lord is fully aware of all that you do.

11:93  Hence, do what you think is best, and I will do what I think is best. In time you will certainly know who will receive a punishment to disgrace him and who is a liar. Watch [for what is coming]. I will watch it with you.”

11:94  When Our judgment came, We saved Shu’ayb and those who believed with him, by Our mercy, while the blast [of Our punishment] overtook those who had done wrong, and they lay lifeless in their homes

11:95  as though they had never lived there. Away with [the people of] Midian, as was done away with [the people of] Thamud.

11:96  We sent Moses with Our messages and clear authority

11:97  to Pharaoh and his inner circle, but they followed Pharaoh’s orders, and Pharaoh’s orders were misguided.

11:98  On the Day of Resurrection, he will go before his people, having led them towards the fire. Miserable is the destination to which they are led.

11:99  They were pursued by [God’s] rejection in this [world] and [will be overtaken by it] on the Day of Resurrection. What a rotten gift to be given.

11:100  These are parts of the accounts of those [ancient] communities that We are relating to you; some remain, and some are [extinct, like] a field mown down.

11:101  We did not wrong them; they wronged themselves. When your Lord’s judgment was ordained, those deities of theirs, which they called on instead of God, proved to be of no use to them and only increased their ruin.

11:102  Such is the punishment of your Lord when He decides to punish a community for their transgression. His punishment is painful and severe.

11:103  In that is a sign for anyone who fears the suffering [which may befall them] in the Hereafter. That is The Day on which people will be gathered together—that is a Day to be witnessed

11:104  [and] We will not delay beyond a specified period.

11:105  When that Day comes, not a soul will speak except by His permission. Some will be miserable, and some will be blessed.

11:106  As for those who will have brought misery upon themselves, [they will live] in the fire, moaning and groaning,

11:107  where they will remain as long as the heavens and the Earth endure unless your Lord wills otherwise. Your Lord is the doer of what He wills.

11:108  As for those who will be blessed, [they will live] in Heaven, to stay as long as the heavens and the Earth endure, unless your Lord wills otherwise—an uninterrupted blessing.

11:109  [Prophet], do not doubt what these [misguided people] worship. They worship as their forefathers worshipped before them, and We will certainly give them their full share [for whatever good or evil they have earned], with no reduction.

11:110  We gave Moses the Book before you, but they were in dispute about it. Were it not for a prior decree from your Lord; it would have been settled between them. Still, they had suspicious doubts about it [the Torah].

11:111  Your Lord will give everyone their full due for whatever [good or evil] they may have done. He is aware of everything they do.

11:112  Remain steadfast, as you have been commanded [by God], together with those with you who have turned to Him. Do not let anyone overstep the limits because He sees all that you do.

11:113  Do not incline towards those who do evil, lest the fire touches you. You will [then] have no one to protect you from God, nor will you be helped.

11:114  Establish prayer at the beginning and end of the day, as well as during parts of the night. Good deeds drive away evil deeds. This is a reminder to the mindful.

11:115  Be patient in hard times. God does not fail to repay those who do good.

11:116  If only–among the generations before your time—there had been people with a good sense to speak out against corruption on Earth, [as did] the few of them whom We saved. [Instead,] the unjust only pursued pleasures that corrupted their entire beings, and that led them to sin

11:117  Your Lord would never destroy towns unjustly so long as their people behaved righteously [towards one another].

11:118  Had your Lord willed, He could have made all of the human beings one single community, but [He willed it otherwise, and so] they continue to have divergent views,

11:119  except those shown mercy by your Lord- To this end, He created them. The word of your Lord will be fulfilled: “I will fill Hell with both jinn and humans.”

11:120  So, [Prophet], We have relayed the accounts of the [earlier] messengers to you to make your heart firm. The Truth comes to you through these accounts, as well as lessons and reminders for the believers.

11:121  Say to those who will not believe, “Do anything that is within your power, while we labor [in God’s way]

11:122  and wait [for what is coming]. We are waiting too.”

11:123  God alone comprehends the hidden reality of the heavens and the Earth. Everything that exists goes back to Him, so worship Him and place your trust in Him alone. Your Lord is never unaware of what you [people] are doing.