The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

322
The Quran 44: 17
17 We tested the people of Pharaoh before them: a noble messenger
was sent to them, 18 saying, ‘Hand the servants of God over to me! I
am a faithful messenger who has been sent to you. 19 Do not consider
yourselves to be above God! I come to you with clear authority. 20 I
seek refuge in my Lord and yours against your insults! a 21 If you do
not believe me, just let me be.’
22 [Moses] cried to his Lord, ‘These people are evildoers!’ 23 [God
replied], ‘Escape in the night with My servants, for you are sure to
be pursued. 24 Leave the sea behind you parted and their army will be
drowned.’ 25 Many a garden and spring they left behind, 26 many a
cornfield and noble building, 27 many a thing in which they had
delighted: 28 We gave these to another people to inherit. 29 Neither
heavens nor earth shed a tear for them, nor were they given any time.
30 We saved the Children of Israel from their degrading suffering 31 at
the hands of Pharaoh: he was a tyrant who exceeded all bounds. 32 We
chose them knowingly above others: 33 We gave them revelations in
which there was a clear test.
34 These people here b assert, 35 ‘There is nothing beyond our one
death: we will not be resurrected. 36 Bring back our forefathers, if
what you say is true.’ 37 Are they better than the people of Tubba c
and those who flourished before them? We destroyed them all – they
were guilty. 38 We were not playing a pointless game when We created
the heavens and earth and everything in between; 39 We created them
for a true purpose, but most people do not comprehend.
40 The Day of Decision is the time appointed for all; 41 a Day when
no friend can take another’s place. 42 No one will receive any help
except for those to whom God shows mercy: He is the Mighty, the
Merciful Lord. 43 The tree of Zaqqum 44 will be food for the sinners:
45 [hot] as molten metal, it boils in their bellies 46 like seething water.
47 ‘Take him! Thrust him into the depths of Hell! 48 Pour scalding
water over his head as punishment!’ 49 ‘Taste this, you powerful,
respected man! 50 This is what you doubted.’ 51 But those mindful of
God will be in a safe place 52 amid Gardens and springs, 53 clothed in
silk and fine brocade, facing one another: 54 so it will be. We shall wed
a One of the meanings of rajama is ‘abuse’ or ‘cast aspersions’; another is ‘to stone’;
another is ‘to expel’.
b The Meccans.
c Honorific title of the King of Yemen given to a succession of powerful kings who
ruled over southern Arabia in ancient times.