The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

64. MUTUAL NEGLECT
A Medinan sura that gets its title from verse 9. The sura opens with a description
of God’s power, wisdom, and knowledge (verses 1–4). The disbelievers are
reminded of the end of those who disbelieved before them (verses 5–6), and
their denial of the Resurrection is strongly refuted (verse 7). The believers are
urged to be wary but forgiving of the enemies they may have within their own
families (verses 14–15) and warned to remain steadfast and to spend in God’s
cause (verses 8–10, 16–18).
In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
1 Everything that is in the heavens and earth glorifies God; all control
and all praise belong to Him; He has power over everything. 2 It is He
who created you, yet some of you disbelieve and some believe: God
sees everything you do. 3 He created the heavens and earth for a true
purpose; He formed you and made your forms good: you will all
return to Him. 4 He knows what is in the heavens and earth; He
knows what you conceal and what you reveal; God knows very well
the secrets of every heart.
5 [Disbelievers], have you not heard about those who disbelieved
before you? They tasted the evil consequences of their conduct, and
a painful torment awaits them. 6 That is because their messengers
came to them with clear signs, yet they said, ‘Should we take guidance
from mere mortals?’, rejected the message, and turned away. But
God had no need for them: He is all sufficient, worthy of all praise.
7 The disbelievers claim they will not be raised from the dead. Say
[Prophet], ‘Yes indeed! I swear by my Lord! You will be raised and
then you will be informed about everything you have done: an easy
matter for God.’
8 So believe in God, in His Messenger, and in the light a We have
sent down: God is fully aware of what you do. 9 When He gathers
you for the Day of Gathering, the Day of mutual neglect, b He will
a The Quran.
b The Arabic taghabun is reciprocal from ghabina, ‘to neglect or forget’. Everyone
will be so preoccupied with their own fate that they will neglect everyone else
(cf. 70: 10–11; 80: 34–7).