Surah Waqiah
Contents
When the inevitable comes to pass, [56:1]
there will be none who deny its happening, [56:2]
humbling and exalting, [56:3]
when the earth is shaken with a shock, [56:4]
and the mountains are crushed, [56:5]
into scattered dust, [56:6]
you will be of three kinds: [56:7]
The company of the right side— what is the company of the right side? [56:8]
And the company of the left side— what is the company of the left side? [56:9]
And those in the forefront will precede: [56:10]
they will be the favorites [56:11]
in gardens of happiness, [56:12]
a number of the ancients [56:13]
and a few of those of later times; [56:14]
on couches inlaid with gold and jewels [56:15]
reclining on them facing each other [56:16]
circled by immortalized children [56:17]
with goblets and jugs and cups from fountains: [56:18]
they will suffer no headache from that, and will not be exhausted. [56:19]
And there will be fruit for them to choose from, [56:20]
and whatever flesh of fowl they desire. [56:21]
And there will be large-eyed maidens [56:22]
like treasured pearls, [56:23]
as a reward for what they did. [56:24]
They will hear no nonsense there, and no accusation: [56:25]
only the saying, “Peace, peace!” [56:26]
As for the company of the right side, what is the company of the right? [56:27]
They will be amidst lotus trees without thorns [56:28]
and orderly acacias [56:29]
with extensive shade, [56:30]
and flowing water [56:31]
and abundant fruit [56:32]
that is never unavailable and never out of season; [56:33]
and high cushions. [56:34]
We have created the females as a special creation, [56:35]
making them virgins, [56:36]
loving wives as companions [56:37]
for the company of the right— [56:38]
a number of the ancients, [56:39]
and a number of those of latter days. [56:40]
As for the company of the left side, what is the company of the left? [56:41]
In scorching wind and boiling water, [56:42]
and the shadows of black smoke, [56:43]
without refreshment, without hospitality; [56:44]
for they had been granted the good things in life before that, [56:45]
yet they persisted in terrible sin; [56:46]
and they used to say, “What? When we have died and become dust and bones, will we really be resurrected? [56:47]
“What? And our ancient ancestors too?” [56:48]
Say, “Indeed—the ancients as well as those of latter days: [56:49]
“they will be gathered together for the deadline of a determined day. [56:50]
“Then you will—you who are confused, imputing falsehood to truth— [56:51]
“you will eat of a bitter tree, [56:52]
“filling your guts from it, [56:53]
“and drinking boiling water on top of that, [56:54]
“drinking the drink of frantic thirst.” [56:55]
This will be their reception on the day of requital. [56:56]
We created you, so why not acknowledge the truth: [56:57]
Do you see the seed you emit? [56:58]
Did you create it, or are We the creator? [56:59]
We have ordered death among you, and We will not be preempted [56:60]
in Our changing your images and Our resurrecting you in states you do not know. [56:61]
You already know the first creation, so why not take a lesson? [56:62]
Now do you see the seed you sow? [56:63]
Is it you who are making it grow, or are We the producer of growth? [56:64]
If We wished, We would make it disintegrate to dust, and you would be bewildered; [56:65]
“We are burdened with debt, [56:66]
“but we are dispossessed.” [56:67]
Now do you see the water you drink? [56:68]
Do you make it shower from the clouds, or is it We who cause the showers? [56:69]
If We wish, We would make it bitter; so why don’t you give thanks? [56:70]
Now do you see the fire you light? [56:71]
Do you make the tree that fuels it grow, or are We the grower? [56:72]
We have made it a reminder and a convenience for inhabitants of deserts. [56:73]
So celebrate the name of your Lord, the Sublime. [56:74]
I swear by the setting of the stars— [56:75]
and this is a tremendous oath, if you only knew— [56:76]
that this is a noble Recital, [56:77]
in a well-kept Book [56:78]
which none are to touch but those who are clean, [56:79]
a revelation from the Lord of the universe. [56:80]
So are you glossing over this message? [56:81]
And are you making your living by repudiating it? [56:82]
Then why, when a person breathes his last [56:83]
while you are looking on— [56:84]
though We are closer to him than you, even if you do not see— [56:85]
why then, if you are not under obligation, [56:86]
don’t you revive him, if you are truthful? [56:87]
Now if he was one of the intimates, [56:88]
there will be merciful rest and sweet sustenance, and a garden of happiness. [56:89]
And if he was one of the company of the right, [56:90]
there will be “Peace to you” from the companions of the right. [56:91]
But if he was one of the wayward who repudiate truth as false, [56:92]
there will be a welcome of boiling water [56:93]
and burning in a blaze. [56:94]
This is the certain truth; [56:95]
so celebrate the name of your Lord, the Sublime. [56:96]