The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

20. TA HA
A Meccan sura that both begins and ends with mention of the Quran: it was
not sent to the Prophet to cause him grief but is a clear proof from his Lord.
The example of Moses is given as a lengthy account in order to encourage
the Prophet and show the end of the disbelievers. The destruction of earlier
generations is cited as a lesson from which the disbelievers should learn. The
Prophet is ordered to be patient and to persevere with his worship.
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
1 Ta Ha a
2 It was not to distress you [Prophet] that We sent down the Quran to
you, 3 but as a reminder for those who hold God in awe, 4 a revelation
from the One who created the earth and the high heaven, 5 the Lord
of Mercy, established on the throne. 6 Everything in the heavens and
on earth, everything between them, everything beneath the soil,
belongs to Him. 7 Whatever you may say aloud, He knows what you
keep secret and what is even more hidden. 8 God––there is no god
but Him––the most excellent names belong to Him.
9 Has the story of Moses come to you [Prophet]? b 10 He saw a fire
and said to his people, ‘Stay here––I can see a fire. Maybe I can bring
you a flaming brand from it or find some guidance there.’ 11 When he
came to the fire, he was summoned, ‘Moses! 12 I am your Lord. Take
off your shoes: you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa. 13 I have
chosen you, so listen to what is being revealed. 14 I am God; there is
no god but Me. So worship Me and keep up the prayer so that you
remember Me. 15 The Hour is coming––though I choose c to keep it
hidden––for each soul to be rewarded for its labour. 16 Do not let
anyone who does not believe in it and follows his own desires distract
you from it, and so bring you to ruin.’
a There is an opinion that ta ha are not isolated letters but ‘O man!’ in the Yemeni
dialect of Akk (Razi). For the significance of the isolated letters as a whole, see note to 2:
1.
b This construction is an idiom in Arabic implying ‘think well about it’ or ‘take a
lesson from this’.
c Abu Muslim interprets akadu as uridu, ‘I wish’ or ‘I choose’ (Razi).