The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

44. SMOKE
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 Quran, 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
2 By the Scripture that makes things clear, 3 truly We sent it down on
a blessed night––We have always sent warnings––4 a night when
every matter of wisdom was made distinct 5 at Our command––We
have always sent messages to man––6 as a mercy [Prophet] from your
Lord who sees and knows all, 7 Lord of the heavens and the earth and
everything between––if only you people were firm believers––8 there
is no god but Him: He gives life and death––He is your Lord and the
Lord of your forefathers––9 yet in [their state of] doubt they take
nothing seriously. a
10 [Prophet], watch out for the Day b when the sky brings forth
clouds of smoke for all to see. 11 It will envelop the people. They will
cry, ‘This is a terrible torment! 12 Lord relieve us from this torment!
We believe!’ 13 How will this [sudden] faith benefit them? When a
prophet came to warn them plainly, 14 they turned their backs on
him, saying, ‘He is tutored! He is possessed!’ 15 We shall hold the
torment back for a while c ––you are sure to return [to Us]––16 and
on the Day We seize [them] mightily We shall exact retribution.
a Literally ‘in doubt they play’.
b Some interpret this as referring to an actual event that occurred in the lifetime of
the Prophet––a drought and famine in Mecca during which hunger caused eyes to mist
over when the sufferers looked at the sky––but it seems more likely to refer to the Day
of Judgement.
c If this passage is taken to refer to the Day of Judgement, here the torment is
relieved rather than held back, and the people return to disbelief rather than to God.