A Meccan sura that takes its title from verse 10, which describes a smoke-filled day, taken by many to refer to the Day of judgement. The sura highlights the mercy that is the Qur’an, addresses the obduracy of the powerful and wealthy oppressors, and draws comparisons between the people of Pharaoh, Tubba’, and the Meccans. The people of Paradise will enjoy heavenly bliss while those who were mighty in this world will suffer the torments of Hell.
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
1 Ha Mim
2By the Scripture that makes things clear, 3truly We sent it down on a blessed night—We have always sent warnings— 4a night when every matter of wisdom was made distinct 5at Our command—We have always sent messages to man— 6as a mercy [Prophet] from your Lord who sees and knows all, 7Lord of the heavens and the earth and everything between—if only you people were firm believers— 8there is no god but Him: He gives life and death—He is your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers— 9yet in [their state of] doubt they take nothing seriously.a
10[Prophet], watch out for the Dayb when the sky brings forth clouds of smoke for all to see. 11It will envelop the people. They will cry, ‘This is a terrible torment! 12Lord relieve us from this torment! We believe!’ 13How will this [sudden] faith benefit them? When a prophet came to warn them plainly, 14they turned their backs on him, saying, ‘He is tutored! He is possessed!’ 15We shall hold the torment back for a whilec—you are sure to return [to Us]— 16and on the Day We seize [them] mightily We shall exact retribution.
17We tested the people of Pharaoh before them: a noble messenger was sent to them, 18saying, ‘Hand the servants of God over to me! I am a faithful messenger who has been sent to you. 19Do not consider yourselves to be above God! I come to you with clear authority. 20I seek refuge in my Lord and yours against your insults!a 21If you do not believe me, just let me be.’
22[Moses] cried to his Lord, ‘These people are evildoers!’ 23[God replied], ‘Escape in the night with My servants, for you are sure to be pursued. 24Leave the sea behind you parted and their army will be drowned.’ 25Many a garden and spring they left behind, 26many a cornfield and noble building, 27many a thing in which they had delighted: 28We gave these to another people to inherit. 29Neither heavens nor earth shed a tear for them, nor were they given any time. 30We saved the Children of Israel from their degrading suffering 31at the hands of Pharaoh: he was a tyrant who exceeded all bounds. 32We chose them knowingly above others: 33We gave them revelations in which there was a clear test.
34These people hereb assert, 35‘There is nothing beyond our one death: we will not be resurrected. 36Bring back our forefathers, if what you say is true.’ 37Are they better than the people of Tubba’c and those who flourished before them? We destroyed them all—they were guilty. 38We were not playing a pointless game when We created the heavens and earth and everything in between; 39We created them for a true purpose, but most people do not comprehend.
40The Day of Decision is the time appointed for all; 41a Day when no friend can take another’s place. 42No one will receive any help except for those to whom God shows mercy: He is the Mighty, the Merciful Lord. 43The tree of Zaqqum 44will be food for the sinners: 45[hot] as molten metal, it boils in their bellies 46like seething water. 47‘Take him! Thrust him into the depths of Hell! 48Pour scalding water over his head as punishment!’ 49‘Taste this, you powerful, respected man! 50This is what you doubted.’ 51But those mindful of God will be in a safe place 52amid Gardens and springs, 53clothed in silk and fine brocade, facing one another: 54so it will be. We shall wed them to maidens with large, dark eyes. 55Secure and contented, they will call for every kind of fruit. 56After the one death they will taste death no more. God will guard them from the torment of Hell, 57a bounty from your Lord. That is the supreme triumph.
58We have made this Qur’an easy to understand—in your own language [Prophet]—so that they may take heed. 59So wait; the disbelievers too are waiting.