Edition 11 | The Daily Hoopoe

Guarding the Gate of Sole Worship

Command to worship only Allah and introduction of the messenger as warner and bringer of good tidings

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Guarding the Gate of Sole Worship

Command to worship only Allah and introduction of the messenger as warner and bringer of good tidings

That you shall worship none but God. “I am a warner to you from Him, and a bearer of good news.”

Surah 11, Ayah 2

Allah

"That you shall worship none but God. “I am a warner to you from Him, and a bearer of good news.”"

Multi-Source Confirmation

sahih

[Through a messenger, saying], "Do not worship except Allah. Indeed, I am to you from Him a warner and a bringer of good tidings,"

arberry

'Serve you none but God' (I am to you a warner from Him and a bearer of good tidings)

maududi

that you may worship none but Allah. Verily, I have come to you as a warner and a bearer of good news from Him

yusufali

(It teacheth) that ye should worship none but Allah. (Say): "Verily I am (sent) unto you from Him to warn and to bring glad tidings:

pickthall

(Saying): Serve none but Allah. Lo! I am unto you from Him a warner and a bringer of good tidings.

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The Sovereign Return: Recognizing Allah's Absolute Competence

“To God is your return, and He is Capable of all things.”

Surah 11, Ayah 4

highest

The Veil of the Heart: Allah Sees What We Hide

They wrap their chests to hide from Him. But even as they cover themselves with their clothes, He knows what they...

Surah 11, Ayah 5

highest

The Divine Ledger of Life

There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance depends on God. And He knows where it lives and where it...

Surah 11, Ayah 6

Ibn Kathir Ibn Kathir | Senior News Correspondent

Breaking News

Divine Address

23 communiques

Guarding the Gate of Sole Worship

"That you shall worship none but God. “I am a warner to you from Him, and a bearer of good news.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 2 The verse from Hud (11:2) encapsulates the core of Islamic creed: worship is an exclusive covenant with Allah, and the Prophet’s role is twofold—he is both a warner (mubarriz) and a bringer of good ti

Guarding the Gate of Revelation: A Call to Humility

"Perhaps you wish to disregard some of what is revealed to you, and you may be stressed because of it, since they say, “If only a treasure was sent down to him, or an angel came with him.” You are only a warner, and God is Responsible for all things."

Surah 11, Ayah 12 The verse reminds us that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is not a diviner or a prophet who receives treasures or angels; he is merely a warning (mubarriz). The phrase 'your breast constraine

Defending the Divine Word with Humility

"Or do they say, “He invented it?” Say, “Then produce ten chapters like it, invented, and call upon whomever you can, besides God, if you are truthful.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 13 The verse 11:13 confronts the claim that the Qur'an was fabricated. It invites the Prophet to challenge skeptics with evidence: ten surahs of the same caliber. The Qur'an itself, with its unique lingu

Guarding the Sole Monotheistic Path

"“That you shall worship none but God. I fear for you the agony of a painful Day.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 26 The verse of Hud 11:26 is a stern reminder that the heart of Islam—tawhid—requires that all worship be directed exclusively to Allah. It warns that those who turn to other deities or allow worldly con

When Doubt Turns to Deceit

"The notables who disbelieved among his people said, “We see in you nothing but a man like us, and we see that only the worst among us have followed you, those of immature judgment. And we see that you have no advantage over us. In fact, we think you are liars.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 27 The verse illustrates the arrogance of those who dismiss the Prophet as a liar, believing they possess all merit while ignoring the divine guidance he brings. It reminds us that true faith is not a di

Guarding Against Forced Revelation: A Call to Humble Acceptance

"He said, “O my people, Have you considered? If I stand on clear evidence from my Lord, and He has given me a mercy from Himself, but you were blind to it, can we compel you to accept it, even though you dislike it?”"

Surah 11, Ayah 28 The verse from Surah Yunus (11:28) is a direct speech of Prophet Yunus (Jonah) addressing his people when they rejected his message. He reminds them that he has received clear evidence and mercy from

Guarding the Divine Shield: Lessons from Hud’s Plea

"“O my people! Who will support me against God, if I dismiss them? Will you not give a thought?”"

Surah 11, Ayah 30 In Hud 11:30, the Prophet Hud confronts his people, rhetorically asking who could shield him from Allah if he drove them away. This rhetorical question serves as a profound reminder: human actions can

The Prophet’s Humble Rejection of Self‑Exaltation

"“I do not say to you that I possess the treasures of God, nor do I know the future, nor do I say that I am an angel. Nor do I say of those who are despicable in your eyes that God will never give them any good. God is Aware of what lies in their souls. If I did, I would be one of the wrongdoers.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 31 The Prophet’s (peace be upon him) declaration in 11:31 is a profound reminder that no human can claim the divine knowledge of the unseen. Scholars such as Ibn Taymiyyah and al‑Ghazali emphasize that t

When the People Test the Prophet: A Call to Patience and Truth

"They said, “O Noah, you have argued with us, and argued a great deal. Now bring upon us what you threaten us with, if you are truthful.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 32 In 11:32, the disbelievers confront Prophet Noah, demanding proof of his truthfulness. Their accusation—‘you have disputed us’—highlights the human tendency to challenge divine messengers. Noah’s resp

Anchored in Divine Guidance: The Ship of Trust

"“And build the Ark, under Our eyes, and with Our inspiration, and do not address Me regarding those who did wrong; they are to be drowned.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 37 The verse of the ship is a profound illustration of obedience, trust, and divine providence. In the story of Hud’s people, Allah commands them to build a vessel as a means of salvation, yet they are w

The Ship of Courage: Turning Mockery into Mirror

"As he was building the ark, whenever some of his people passed by him, they ridiculed him. He said, “If you ridicule us, we will ridicule you, just as you ridicule.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 38 Prophet Hud (peace be upon him) faced relentless mockery while he built a ship for his people. His reply—"If you ridicule us, we will ridicule you just as you ridicule"—was not an act of vengeance but

The Call to Faith: A Son's Decision

"And so it sailed with them amidst waves like hills. And Noah called to his son, who had kept away, “On my son! Embark with us, and do not be with the disbelievers.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 42 Noah’s boat is a powerful symbol of divine rescue for those who heed the call of faith. The waves described as ‘like mountains’ represent the intense trials that separate the believer from the disbeli

When Mountains Fail: The Call to Allah's Mercy

"He said, “I will take refuge on a mountain—it will protect me from the water.” He said, “There is no protection from God’s decree today, except for him on whom He has mercy.” And the waves surged between them, and he was among the drowned."

Surah 11, Ayah 43 Allah’s decree is absolute, and the story of Nuh reminds us that worldly means—mountains, ships, wealth—are impotent against divine will. The verse contrasts Nuh’s futile plea for a mountain with his

The Guarded Counsel: Knowing When to Seek and When to Hold

"He said, “O Noah, he is not of your family. It is an unrighteous deed. So do not ask Me about something you know nothing about. I admonish you, lest you be one of the ignorant.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 46 The counsel given to Noah in 11:46 reflects a foundational Islamic principle: one should not ask Allah about matters beyond their knowledge, lest they fall into ignorance. Scholars such as Al‑Ghazali

Blessings in Disembarkation: Trusting the Divine Path

"It was said, “O Noah, disembark with peace from Us; and with blessings upon you, and upon communities from those with you. And other communities We will grant prosperity, and then a painful torment from Us will befall them.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 48 Noah’s story is a paradigm of divine mercy intertwined with human obedience. The verse narrates that Allah, after He had guided Noah, commanded him to 'disembark in security'—a metaphor for leaving th

The Rain of Mercy: Turning Back to Allah

"“O my people, ask forgiveness from your Lord, and repent to Him. He will release the sky pouring down upon you, and will add strength to your strength. And do not turn away and be wicked.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 52 In verse 11:52, Allah reminds His people that sincere repentance is the gateway to divine mercy—symbolized by rain that nourishes the earth and strengthens the body. The call to seek forgiveness befor

Unmasking the Mirage of False Deities

"“We only say that some of our gods have possessed you with evil.” He said, “I call God to witness, and you to witness, that I am innocent of what you associate."

Surah 11, Ayah 54 The verse of Hud reminds us that the Prophet’s declaration—"I call Allah to witness that I am free from whatever you associate with Allah"—is a stern rebuke against shirk, the most grievous sin in Isl

The Unshakable Guardian: Trusting Allah's Succession

"If you turn away, I have conveyed to you what I was sent to you with; and my Lord will replace you with another people, and you will not cause Him any harm. My Lord is Guardian over all things.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 57 The verse reminds us that a Prophet’s duty is to convey the divine message, not to force belief. The phrase *I have already conveyed* signals completion; the Prophet is not a judge of hearts but a mes

The Call of Salih: From Earth to Mercy

"And to Thamood, their brother Saleh. He said, “O my people, worship God, you have no god other than Him. He initiated you from the earth, and settled you in it. So seek His forgiveness, and repent to Him. My Lord is Near and Responsive.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 61 Salih’s admonition to the Thamud is a timeless lesson in the immediacy of repentance. By declaring that Allah is ‘near and responsive,’ the Qur’an removes any illusion of distance between the Creator

Guarding the Divine Witness: The Camel as a Test

"“O my people, this is the she-camel of God, a sign for you. Let her graze on God’s land, and do not harm her, lest an imminent punishment overtakes you.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 64 In Surah Hud, the she‑camel of Prophet Ibrahim serves as a tangible reminder that every creature is a sign of Allah’s mercy and a test of human obedience. The verse warns that harming the camel brings

The Inevitable Decree: Embracing Allah's Promise

"But they hamstrung her, and so He said, “Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. This is a prophecy that is infallible.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 65 The verse of Hud (11:65) records the people of ‘Aad’s arrogant defiance and Allah’s inevitable response: a promise that will not be denied. Ibn Kathir explains that the three‑day enjoyment was a last‑

The Prophet’s Call: Aligning Work with Divine Witness

"“O my people, do as you may, and so will I. You will know to whom will come a punishment that will shame him, and who is a liar. So look out; I am on the lookout with you.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 93 In Hud 11:93 the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reminds his community that work must be aligned with one’s station, for Allah is the true witness of every deed. The phrase "indeed, I am working"

Mercy Amidst the Verdict: A Call to Compassion

"Except those on whom your Lord has mercy—for that reason He created them. The Word of your Lord is final: “I will fill Hell with jinn and humans, altogether.”"

Surah 11, Ayah 119 The verse juxtaposes divine mercy with the certainty of the final judgment, reminding us that the same attributes that fashioned humanity also determine its destiny. In 11:119, Allah declares that He

Imam al-Ghazali Imam al-Ghazali | Editor-in-Chief

The Opposition Desk

Documented Consequences

Allah

destruction

Son of Nuh

11:43, 11:46

Allah

punishment

People of Ad

11:57, 11:59, 11:60

Allah

destruction

People of Madyan

11:92, 11:94

Sayyid Abul A'la Maududi Sayyid Abul A'la Maududi | Power & Governance Analyst

Character Dossier

27 characters in this edition

Allah

spiritual entity

90 mentions this sura

4187 total mentions

Dominant: Transcendence

esteem

1.2

safety

3.2

transcendence

belonging love

1.0

self actualization

0.9

That you shall worship none but God. “I am a warner to you from Him, and a bearer of good news.”

Surah 11, Ayah 2

Perhaps you wish to disregard some of what is revealed to you, and you may be stressed because of it, since they say, “If only a treasure was sent down to him, or an angel came with him.” You are only a warner, and God is Responsible for all things.

Surah 11, Ayah 12

Or do they say, “He invented it?” Say, “Then produce ten chapters like it, invented, and call upon whomever you can, besides God, if you are truthful.”

Surah 11, Ayah 13

Those who hinder others from the path of God, and seek to make it crooked; and regarding the Hereafter, they are in denial.

Surah 11, Ayah 19

Allah Angels divine_command

Allah Disbelievers divine_punishment

Allah Muhammad seeking_refuge

Allah Ibrahim supplication

Allah Nuh comprehensive_supplication

Allah Musa command_mission

Allah Mankind divinity

Allah Polytheists conditional_provision

Allah People of Nuh rejected_and_punished

Allah Son of Nuh destruction

Allah Hud devotion

Allah People of Ad punishment

Allah Salih messenger

Allah People of Lut punisher-punished

Allah Lut savior-saved

Allah Shuayb sender_messenger

Allah People of Madyan destruction

Allah Jinn faith

Nuh

prophet · named

24 mentions this sura

114 total mentions

Dominant: Transcendence

safety

2.3

transcendence

self actualization

1.0

Nuh Allah comprehensive_supplication

Nuh People of Nuh disobedience

Nuh Disbelievers prayer_against

Nuh Believers intercession

Nuh Son of Nuh familial

Muhammad

prophet · named

23 mentions this sura

1049 total mentions

Dominant: Transcendence

esteem

3.6

safety

4.9

transcendence

belonging love

3.1

self actualization

4.0

Muhammad Disbelievers peaceful_separation

Muhammad Allah seeking_refuge

Muhammad Mankind teacher

Ibn Arabi Ibn Arabi | Character Profiler & Unseen Bureau Chief

Witness Testimony

Allah

Ibrahim

thy

thou

Those who would hinder ( men ) from the path of Allah

Believers

those who do wrong

Nuh

Our messengers

his wife

his people

Messengers/Prophets

Mankind

The Consequence Column

Allah

destruction

Son of Nuh

11:43, 11:46

Allah

punishment

People of Ad

11:57, 11:59, 11:60

Allah

destruction

People of Madyan

11:92, 11:94

Sayyid Abul A'la Maududi Sayyid Abul A'la Maududi | Power & Governance Analyst

Diplomatic Wire

Total Events

Diplomatic Events

Relationship Type: peaceful_separation

Relationship Type: father_son

Relationship Type: divine_command

Relationship Type: divine_punishment

Relationship Type: seeking_refuge

Relationship Type: supplication

Ibn Khaldun Ibn Khaldun | War Correspondent & Political Analyst

Faction Map

15 characters · 41 relationships

Allah (90)

Nuh (24)

Muhammad (23)

Disbelievers (21)

Believers (19)

People of Nuh (13)

Hud (11)

People of Madyan (11)

Shuayb (11)

People of Ad (10)

People of Thamud (9)

People of Lut (9)

Ibrahim (8)

Lut (8)

Mankind (7)

Disbelievers Muhammad peaceful_separation

Ishaq Yaqub father_son

Allah Angels divine_command

Allah Disbelievers divine_punishment

Allah Muhammad seeking_refuge

Allah Ibrahim supplication

Allah Nuh comprehensive_supplication

Allah Musa command_mission

Allah Mankind divinity

Allah Polytheists conditional_provision

Nuh People of Nuh disobedience

Allah People of Nuh rejected_and_punished

Firawn Musa demonstration_of_proof

Mankind Muhammad teacher

Disbelievers Nuh prayer_against

Believers Nuh intercession

Nuh Son of Nuh familial

Disbelievers Son of Nuh alliance

Allah Son of Nuh destruction

Allah Hud devotion

Hud People of Ad prophetic_warning

Allah People of Ad punishment

Believers Hud alliance

Allah Salih messenger

Believers Salih alliance

Angels Ibrahim questioner-respondent

Angels People of Lut aggressors-targets

Ibrahim Wife of Ibrahim familial

Ishaq Wife of Ibrahim familial

Ibrahim People of Lut supplication

Ibrahim Lut intercessor_for

Allah People of Lut punisher-punished

Allah Lut savior-saved

Angels Lut protectors_protected

Lut People of Lut warner-disputants

People of Lut Wife of Lut alliance

Lut Wife of Lut marital_betrayal

Allah Shuayb sender_messenger

People of Madyan Shuayb rejecters_rejected

Allah People of Madyan destruction

Allah Jinn faith

Sayyid Abul A'la Maududi Sayyid Abul A'la Maududi | Power & Governance Analyst

Audio Edition

Full Chapter Audio

123 verse segments

Speaker Distribution

Ye 4 ye 1 Nuh 1 thy 2 thou 2 Allah 23 Ibrahim 3 Mankind 1 Unknown 2 Narrator 77 his wife 1 Believers 1 his people 1 Our messengers 1 those who do wrong 1 Messengers/Prophets 1 Those who would hinder ( men ) from the path of Allah 1

Verse Segments

Surah 11, Ayah 1 Narrator

Alif, Lam, Ra. A Scripture whose Verses were perfected, then elaborated, from One who is Wise and In

Surah 11, Ayah 2 Allah

That you shall worship none but God. “I am a warner to you from Him, and a bearer of good news.”

Surah 11, Ayah 3 Narrator

“And ask your Lord for forgiveness, and repent to Him. He will provide you with good sustenance unti

Surah 11, Ayah 4 Ye

“To God is your return, and He is Capable of all things.”

Surah 11, Ayah 5 Narrator

They wrap their chests to hide from Him. But even as they cover themselves with their clothes, He kn

Surah 11, Ayah 6 Narrator

There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance depends on God. And He knows where it lives

Surah 11, Ayah 7 Ye

It is He who created the heavens and the earth in six days—and His Throne was upon the waters—in ord

Surah 11, Ayah 8 Ye

And if We postponed their punishment until a stated time, they would say, “What holds it back?” On t

Surah 11, Ayah 9 Narrator

If We give the human being a taste of mercy from Us, and then withdraw it from him, he becomes despa

Surah 11, Ayah 10 Ye

And if We give him a taste of prosperity, after some adversity has afflicted him, he will say, “Trou

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf Shaykh Hamza Yusuf | Reader Engagement Editor

Editorial

Word of the Edition

Faith

Appears 113 times · 16.4% of themes

Faith

113

Prophets

Guidance

Community

Creation

Knowledge

Accountability

Worship

Surah 11, Ayah 2 Guarding the Gate of Sole Worship Surah 11, Ayah 3 The Timeless Reward of Sincere Repentance Surah 11, Ayah 4 The Sovereign Return: Recognizing...

Muhammad Asad Muhammad Asad | Arabic Linguistics Consultant

Cross-Edition References

1, Ayah 6 -- The Perfected Verses: A Masterpiece in Letters 39x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 6 -- The Perfected Verses: A Masterpiece in Letters 39x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 7 -- The Perfected Verses: A Masterpiece in Letters 39x cited

2, Ayah 8 -- The Perfected Verses: A Masterpiece in Letters 39x cited

Edition 1 Surah 1, Ayah 1 -- The Sovereign Return: Recognizing Allah's Absolute Competence 38x cited

Edition 1 Surah 1, Ayah 2 -- The Sovereign Return: Recognizing Allah's Absolute Competence 38x cited

Edition 1 Surah 1, Ayah 3 -- The Sovereign Return: Recognizing Allah's Absolute Competence 38x cited

Edition 1 Surah 1, Ayah 4 -- The Sovereign Return: Recognizing Allah's Absolute Competence 38x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 65 -- Guarding the Mirage of Mercy 4x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 76 -- Guarding the Mirage of Mercy 4x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 87 -- Guarding the Mirage of Mercy 4x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 104 -- Guarding the Mirage of Mercy 4x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 23 -- Anchored in Divine Guidance: The Ship of Trust 4x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 191 -- Anchored in Divine Guidance: The Ship of Trust 4x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 216 -- Anchored in Divine Guidance: The Ship of Trust 4x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 243 -- Anchored in Divine Guidance: The Ship of Trust 4x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 38 -- Noah’s Call: The Voice of the Clear Warner 3x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 84 -- Noah’s Call: The Voice of the Clear Warner 3x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 126 -- Noah’s Call: The Voice of the Clear Warner 3x cited

Edition 2 Surah 2, Ayah 190 -- Noah’s Call: The Voice of the Clear Warner 3x cited

Imam al-Tabari Imam al-Tabari | Senior Correspondent & Bureau Historian

Reader Action

Supplications

Guarding the Gate of Sole Worship

O Allah, make my worship a pure offering to You alone, and empower me to be Your messenger of glad tidings to those who need them. Grant me sincerity and steadfastness.

Surah 11, Ayah 2

The Sovereign Return: Recognizing Allah's Absolute Competence

O Allah, You are the Master of all affairs; grant me the humility to submit my plans to You, the patience to endure what You decree, and the wisdom to act with trust in Your competence.

Surah 11, Ayah 4

The Veil of the Heart: Allah Sees What We Hide

O Allah, remove the veil from my heart, reveal my true intentions, and guide me to sincerity in all my deeds. Grant me the courage to be honest with You and with myself.

Surah 11, Ayah 5

Daily Actions

Guarding the Gate of Sole Worship
Whenever a distraction creeps into your worship, pause, recite the verse, and re‑center your heart on Allah alone.

Surah 11, Ayah 2

The Sovereign Return: Recognizing Allah's Absolute Competence
Whenever you face a decision today, pause, recite the verse aloud, and consciously surrender the outcome to Allah.

Surah 11, Ayah 4

The Veil of the Heart: Allah Sees What We Hide
Before each prayer, pause and ask yourself: is my intention pure or am I hiding a motive? If you find a hidden motive, set a clear intention for that prayer.

Surah 11, Ayah 5

Reflect

Guarding the Gate of Sole Worship -- In what moments have worldly concerns slipped into my worship, and how can I guard my heart so that every prayer and deed remain solely for Allah?

The Sovereign Return: Recognizing Allah's Absolute Competence -- When did I act as if I had full control over a situation today, and how did that affect my stress or choices? Would I have behaved differently if I had truly acknowledged that everything ultimately returns to Allah?

The Veil of the Heart: Allah Sees What We Hide -- When do I conceal my true feelings or intentions from others and from Allah, and how does that affect my relationship with Him and with people?

Weekly Challenge

The Worship Purity Journal: For seven days, before each of the five prayers, write a brief note: "I worship only Allah; this act is for Him alone." After each prayer, note any distractions and how you corrected them. At the end, review your entries, identify patterns, and set a new intention to keep your worship exclusively directed to Allah. Record one actionable step you will take to strengthen this intention for the next week.

Surah 11, Ayah 2

Stand, raise your hands, and for three breaths say aloud: "La ilaha illallah," then "Allahu Akbar," reminding yourself that every act of worship is directed to Allah alone. Feel the calm that follows. Surah 11, Ayah 2

Sit comfortably, close your eyes, take two deep breaths, and mentally repeat the verse three times, visualizing yourself handing the situation to Allah’s wise will. Surah 11, Ayah 4

Tariq Ramadan Tariq Ramadan | Community Action Editor

The Revelation Transcript

123 verses

Alif, Lam, Ra. A Scripture whose Verses were perfected, then elaborated, from One who is Wise and Informed.

Allah

That you shall worship none but God. “I am a warner to you from Him, and a bearer of good news.”

“And ask your Lord for forgiveness, and repent to Him. He will provide you with good sustenance until a stated term, and will bestow His grace on every possessor of virtue. But if you turn away, then I fear for you the punishment of a grievous Day.”

“To God is your return, and He is Capable of all things.”

They wrap their chests to hide from Him. But even as they cover themselves with their clothes, He knows what they conceal and what they reveal. He knows what lies within the hearts.

There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance depends on God. And He knows where it lives and where it rests. Everything is in a Clear Book.

It is He who created the heavens and the earth in six days—and His Throne was upon the waters—in order to test you—which of you is best in conduct. And if you were to say, “You will be resurrected after death,” those who disbelieve would say, “This is nothing but plain witchcraft.”

And if We postponed their punishment until a stated time, they would say, “What holds it back?” On the Day when it reaches them, it will not be averted from them, and what they used to ridicule will besiege them.

If We give the human being a taste of mercy from Us, and then withdraw it from him, he becomes despairing and ungrateful.

And if We give him a taste of prosperity, after some adversity has afflicted him, he will say, “Troubles have gone away from me.” He becomes excited and proud.

Except those who are patient and do good deeds—these will have forgiveness and a great reward.

Allah

Or do they say, “He invented it?” Say, “Then produce ten chapters like it, invented, and call upon whomever you can, besides God, if you are truthful.”

Narrator

But if they fail to answer you, know that it was revealed with God’s knowledge, and that there is no god but He. Will you then submit?

Whoever desires the worldly life and its glitter—We will fully recompense them for their deeds therein, and therein they will not be defrauded.

These—they will have nothing but the Fire in the Hereafter. Their deeds are in vain therein, and their works are null.

Is he who possesses a clear proof from his Lord, recited by a witness from Him, and before it the Book of Moses, a guide and a mercy? These believe in it. But whoever defies it from among the various factions, the Fire is his promise. So have no doubt about it. It is the truth from your Lord, but most people do not believe.

Narrator

Who does greater wrong than he who fabricates lies about God? These will be presented before their Lord, and the witnesses will say, “These are they who lied about their Lord.” Indeed, the curse of God is upon the wrongdoers.

Those who would hinder ( men ) from the path of Allah

Those who hinder others from the path of God, and seek to make it crooked; and regarding the Hereafter, they are in denial.

These will not escape on earth, and they have no protectors besides God. The punishment will be doubled for them. They have failed to hear, and they have failed to see.

Those are the ones who lost their souls, and what they had invented has strayed away from them.

Without a doubt, in the Hereafter, they will be the biggest losers.

As for those who believe and do good deeds, and humble themselves before their Lord—these are the inhabitants of Paradise, where they will abide forever.

The parable of the two groups is that of the blind and the deaf, and the seeing and the hearing. Are they equal in comparison? Will you not reflect?

We sent Noah to his people, “I am to you a clear warner.”

Allah

“That you shall worship none but God. I fear for you the agony of a painful Day.”

Allah

The notables who disbelieved among his people said, “We see in you nothing but a man like us, and we see that only the worst among us have followed you, those of immature judgment. And we see that you have no advantage over us. In fact, we think you are liars.”

Allah

He said, “O my people, Have you considered? If I stand on clear evidence from my Lord, and He has given me a mercy from Himself, but you were blind to it, can we compel you to accept it, even though you dislike it?”

“O my people! I ask of you no money for it. My reward lies only with God. And I am not about to dismiss those who believed; they will surely meet their Lord. And I see that you are ignorant people.”

Allah

“O my people! Who will support me against God, if I dismiss them? Will you not give a thought?”

Allah

“I do not say to you that I possess the treasures of God, nor do I know the future, nor do I say that I am an angel. Nor do I say of those who are despicable in your eyes that God will never give them any good. God is Aware of what lies in their souls. If I did, I would be one of the wrongdoers.”

Allah

They said, “O Noah, you have argued with us, and argued a great deal. Now bring upon us what you threaten us with, if you are truthful.”

He said, “It is God who will bring it upon you, if He wills, and you will not be able to escape.”

Unknown

“My advice will not benefit you, much as I may want to advise you, if God desires to confound you. He is your Lord, and to Him you will be returned.”

Unknown

Or do they say, “He made it up?” Say, “If I made it up, upon me falls my crime, and I am innocent of the crimes you commit.”

And it was revealed to Noah: “None of your people will believe, except those who have already believed, so do not grieve over what they do.”

Allah

“And build the Ark, under Our eyes, and with Our inspiration, and do not address Me regarding those who did wrong; they are to be drowned.”

Allah

As he was building the ark, whenever some of his people passed by him, they ridiculed him. He said, “If you ridicule us, we will ridicule you, just as you ridicule.”

Narrator

“You will surely know upon whom will come a torment that will abase him, and upon whom will fall a lasting torment.”

Believers

Until, when Our command came, and the volcano erupted, We said, “Board into it a pair of every kind, and your family—except those against whom the sentence has already been passed—and those who have believed.” But those who believed with him were only a few.

Narrator

He said, “Embark in it. In the name of God shall be its sailing and its anchorage. My Lord is indeed Forgiving and Merciful.”

Allah

And so it sailed with them amidst waves like hills. And Noah called to his son, who had kept away, “On my son! Embark with us, and do not be with the disbelievers.”

Allah

He said, “I will take refuge on a mountain—it will protect me from the water.” He said, “There is no protection from God’s decree today, except for him on whom He has mercy.” And the waves surged between them, and he was among the drowned.

those who do wrong

And it was said, “O earth, swallow your waters,” and “O heaven, clear up.” And the waters receded, and the event was concluded, and it settled on Judi, and it was proclaimed: “Away with the wicked people.”

Narrator

And Noah called to his Lord. He said, “O My Lord, my son is of my family, and Your promise is true, and You are the Wisest of the wise.”

Allah

He said, “O Noah, he is not of your family. It is an unrighteous deed. So do not ask Me about something you know nothing about. I admonish you, lest you be one of the ignorant.”

Nuh

He said, “O My Lord, I seek refuge with You, from asking You about what I have no knowledge of. Unless You forgive me, and have mercy on me, I will be one of the losers.”

Allah

It was said, “O Noah, disembark with peace from Us; and with blessings upon you, and upon communities from those with you. And other communities We will grant prosperity, and then a painful torment from Us will befall them.”

These are some stories from the past that we reveal to you. Neither you, nor your people knew them before this. So be patient. The future belongs to the pious.

And to Aad, their brother Hud. He said, “O my people, worship God, you have no other god besides Him. You do nothing but invent lies.”

“O my people, I ask you no wage for it; my wage lies with Him who originated me. Do you not understand?”

Allah

“O my people, ask forgiveness from your Lord, and repent to Him. He will release the sky pouring down upon you, and will add strength to your strength. And do not turn away and be wicked.”

They said, “O Hud, you did not bring us any evidence, and we are not about to abandon our gods at your word, and we are not believers in you.”

Allah

“We only say that some of our gods have possessed you with evil.” He said, “I call God to witness, and you to witness, that I am innocent of what you associate.

Besides Him. So scheme against me, all of you, and do not hesitate.

Narrator

I have placed my trust in God, my Lord and your Lord. There is not a creature but He holds it by the forelock. My Lord is on a straight path.

Allah

If you turn away, I have conveyed to you what I was sent to you with; and my Lord will replace you with another people, and you will not cause Him any harm. My Lord is Guardian over all things.”

And when Our decree came, We saved Hud and those who believed with him, by a mercy from Us, and We delivered them from a harsh punishment.

That was Aad; they denied the signs of their Lord, and defied His messengers, and followed the lead of every stubborn tyrant.

And they were pursued by a curse in this world, and on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, Aad blasphemed against their Lord—so away with Aad, the people of Hud.

Allah

And to Thamood, their brother Saleh. He said, “O my people, worship God, you have no god other than Him. He initiated you from the earth, and settled you in it. So seek His forgiveness, and repent to Him. My Lord is Near and Responsive.”

Narrator

They said, “O Saleh, we had hopes in you before this. Are you trying to prevent us from worshiping what our parents worship? We are in serious doubt regarding what you are calling us to.”

He said, “O my people, have you considered? If I stand upon clear evidence from my Lord, and He has given me mercy from Him, who would protect me from God, if I disobeyed Him? You add nothing for me except loss.”

Allah

“O my people, this is the she-camel of God, a sign for you. Let her graze on God’s land, and do not harm her, lest an imminent punishment overtakes you.”

Allah

But they hamstrung her, and so He said, “Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. This is a prophecy that is infallible.”

Then, when Our command came, We saved Saleh and those who believed with him, by a mercy from Us, from the disgrace of that day. Your Lord is the Strong, the Mighty.

And the Scream struck those who transgressed, and they became motionless bodies in their homes.

As if they had never prospered therein. Indeed, Thamood rejected their Lord, so away with Thamood.

Ibrahim

Our messengers came to Abraham with good news. They said, “Peace.” He said, “Peace.” Soon after, he came with a roasted calf.

Our messengers

But when he saw their hands not reaching towards it, he became suspicious of them, and conceived a fear of them. They said, “Do not fear, we were sent to the people of Lot.”

His wife was standing by, so she laughed. And We gave her good news of Isaac; and after Isaac, Jacob.

his wife

She said, “Alas for me. Shall I give birth, when I am an old woman, and this, my husband, is an old man? This is truly a strange thing.”

Narrator

They said, “Do you marvel at the decree of God? The mercy and blessings of God are upon you, O people of the house. He is Praiseworthy and Glorious.”

When Abraham's fear subsided, and the good news had reached him, he started pleading with Us concerning the people of Lot.

Abraham was gentle, kind, penitent.

“O Abraham, refrain from this. The command of your Lord has come; they have incurred an irreversible punishment.”

Ibrahim

And when Our envoys came to Lot, he was anxious for them, and concerned for them. He said, “This is a dreadful day.”

Ibrahim

And his people came rushing towards him—they were in the habit of committing sins. He said, “O my people, these are my daughters; they are purer for you. So fear God, and do not embarrass me before my guests. Is there not one reasonable man among you?”

his people

They said, “You know well that we have no right to your daughters, and you know well what we want.”

Narrator

He said, “If only I had the strength to stop you, or could rely on some strong support.”

Messengers/Prophets

They said, “O Lot, we are the envoys of your Lord; they will not reach you. So set out with your family during the cover of the night, and let none of you look back, except for your wife. She will be struck by what will strike them. Their appointed time is the morning. Is not the morning near?”

And when Our command came about, We turned it upside down, and We rained down on it stones of baked clay.

Marked from your Lord, and never far from the wrongdoers.

Narrator

And to Median, their brother Shuaib. He said, “O my people, worship God; you have no god other than Him. And do not short measure or short weight. I see you in good circumstances, but I fear for you the agony of an encompassing Day.”

“O my people! Give full measure and full weight, in all fairness, and do not cheat the people out of their rights, and do not spread corruption in the land.

thy

What is left by God is best for you, if you are believers. And I am not a guardian over you.”

Mankind

They said, “O Shuaib, does your prayer command you that we abandon what our ancestors worshiped, or doing with our wealth what we want? You are the one who is intelligent and wise.”

thy

He said, “O my people, have you considered? What if I have clear evidence from my Lord, and He has given me good livelihood from Himself? I have no desire to do what I forbid you from doing. I desire nothing but reform, as far as I can. My success lies only with God. In Him I trust, and to Him I turn.”

“O my people, let not your hostility towards me cause you to suffer what was suffered by the people of Noah, or the people of Hud, or the people of Saleh. The people of Lot are not far away from you.”

thou

“And ask your Lord for forgiveness, and repent to Him. My Lord is Merciful and Loving.”

thou

They said, “O Shuaib, we do not understand much of what you say, and we see that you are weak among us. Were it not for your tribe, we would have stoned you. You are of no value to us.”

Narrator

He said, “O my people, is my tribe more important to you than God? And you have turned your backs on Him? My Lord comprehends everything you do.”

Allah

“O my people, do as you may, and so will I. You will know to whom will come a punishment that will shame him, and who is a liar. So look out; I am on the lookout with you.”

And when Our command came, We saved Shuaib and those who believed with him, by mercy from Us, and the Blast struck the wrongdoers, and they became motionless bodies in their homes.

As though they never flourished therein. Away with Median, as was done away with Thamood.

And We sent Moses with Our signs and a clear mandate.

To Pharaoh and his nobles, but they followed the command of Pharaoh, and the command of Pharaoh was not wise.

He will precede his people on the Day of Resurrection, and will lead them into the Fire. Miserable is the place he placed them in.

They were followed by a curse in this, and on the Day of Resurrection. Miserable is the path they followed.

100

These are of the reports of the towns—We relate them to you. Some are still standing, and some have withered away.

101

We did not wrong them, but they wronged themselves. Their gods, whom they invoked besides God, availed them nothing when the command of your Lord arrived. In fact, they added only to their ruin.

102

Such is the grip of your Lord when He seizes the towns in the midst of their sins. His grip is most painful, most severe.

103

In that is a sign for whoever fears the punishment of the Hereafter. That is a Day for which humanity will be gathered together—that is a Day to be witnessed.

104

We only postpone it until a predetermined time.

105

On the Day when it arrives, no soul will speak without His permission. Some will be miserable, and some will be happy.

106

As for those who are miserable, they will be in the Fire. They will have therein sighing and wailing.

107

Remaining therein for as long as the heavens and the earth endure, except as your Lord wills. Your Lord is Doer of whatever He wills.

108

And as for those who are happy, they will be in Paradise, remaining therein for as long as the heavens and the earth endure, except as your Lord wills—a reward without end.

109

So be not in doubt regarding what these people worship. They worship only as their ancestors worshiped before. We will pay them their due in full, without any reduction.

110

We gave Moses the Scripture, but it was disputed. Were it not for a prior word from your Lord, it would have been settled between them. They are in serious doubt concerning it.

111

Your Lord will repay each one of them in full for their deeds. He is Aware of everything they do.

112

So be upright, as you are commanded, along with those who repented with you, and do not transgress. He is Seeing of everything you do.

113

And do not incline towards those who do wrong, or the Fire may touch you; and you will have no protectors besides God, and you will not be saved.

114

Perform the prayer at the borders of the day, and during the approaches of the night. The good deeds take away the bad deeds. This is a reminder for those who remember.

115

And be patient. God will not waste the reward of the virtuous.

116

If only there were, among the generations before you, people with wisdom, who spoke against corruption on earth—except for the few whom We saved. But the wrongdoers pursued the luxuries they were indulged in, and thus became guilty.

117

Your Lord would never destroy the towns wrongfully, while their inhabitants are righteous.

118

Had your Lord willed, He could have made humanity one community, but they continue to differ.

119

Allah

Except those on whom your Lord has mercy—for that reason He created them. The Word of your Lord is final: “I will fill Hell with jinn and humans, altogether.”

120

Everything We narrate to you of the history of the messengers is to strengthen your heart therewith. The truth has come to you in this, and a lesson, and a reminder for the believers.

121

And say to those who do not believe, “Act according to your ability; and so will we.”

122

Narrator

“And wait; we too are waiting.”

123

To God belongs the future of the heavens and the earth, and to Him all authority goes back. So worship Him, and rely on Him. Your Lord is never unaware of what you do.

Imam Malik Imam Malik | Medina Bureau Chief