The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

25. THE DIFFERENTIATOR
A Meccan sura that starts with a denunciation of polytheism, then deals with
the disbelievers’ arguments against the Prophet, the Quran, and the Day of
Judgement. It warns them of their fate, citing examples of earlier peoples. The
sura describes the power and grace of God, and ends with the qualities of true
believers (verses 63–76).
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
1 Exalted a is He who has sent the Differentiator b down to His
servant so that it may be a warning to all people. 2 It is He who has
control over the heavens and earth and has no offspring––no one
shares control with Him––and who created all things and made them
to an exact measure. 3 Yet the disbelievers take as their gods things
beneath Him that create nothing, and are themselves created, that
can neither harm nor help themselves, and have no control over
death, life, or resurrection.
4 The disbelievers say, ‘This can only be a lie he has forged with
the help of others’––they themselves have done great wrong and told
lies––5 and they say, ‘It is just ancient fables, which he has had
written down: they are dictated to him morning and evening.’ 6 Say,
‘It was sent down by Him who knows the secrets of the heavens and
earth. He is all forgiving, all merciful.’ 7 They also say, ‘What sort of
messenger is this? He eats food and walks about in the marketplaces!
Why has no angel been sent down to help him with his warnings?
8 Why has he not been given treasure or a garden to supply his food?’
and the evildoers say, ‘The man you follow is simply under a spell.’
9 See what they think you are like! They have gone astray and cannot
find the right way. 10 Exalted is He who can, if He wishes, give you
better things than these: Gardens graced with flowing streams, and
palaces too. 11 It is actually the coming of the Hour that they reject:
a This meaning of tabarak is supported by Razi and is more appropriate here than
‘blessed’.
b Al-furqan, another name for the Quran. The word means ‘that which differentiates
right from wrong’.