Page 565 — Al-Qalam

Indeed, We have tried them as We tried the companions of the garden, when they swore to cut its fruit in the [early] morning

Without making exception.

So there came upon it [i.e., the garden] an affliction from your Lord while they were asleep.

And it became as though reaped.

And they called one another at morning,

[Saying], "Go early to your crop if you would cut the fruit."

So they set out, while lowering their voices,

[Saying], "There will surely not enter it today upon you [any] poor person."

And they went early in determination, [assuming themselves] able.

But when they saw it, they said, "Indeed, we are lost;

Rather, we have been deprived."

The most moderate of them said, "Did I not say to you, 'Why do you not exalt [Allāh]?'"

They said, "Exalted is our Lord! Indeed, we were wrongdoers."

Then they approached one another, blaming each other.

They said, "O woe to us; indeed we were transgressors.

Perhaps our Lord will substitute for us [one] better than it. Indeed, we are toward our Lord desirous."

Such is the punishment [of this world]. And the punishment of the Hereafter is greater, if they only knew.

Indeed, for the righteous with their Lord are the Gardens of Pleasure.

Then will We treat the Muslims like the criminals?

What is [the matter] with you? How do you judge?

Or do you have a scripture in which you learn

That indeed for you is whatever you choose?

Or do you have oaths [binding] upon Us, extending until the Day of Resurrection, that indeed for you is whatever you judge?

Ask them which of them, for that [claim], is responsible.

Or do they have partners? Then let them bring their partners, if they should be truthful.

The Day the shin will be uncovered and they are invited to prostration but they [i.e., the disbelievers] will not be able,