Compared Translations of the meaning of the Quran - Sura 43
az-Zukhruf - Ornaments of Gold, Luxury, The Embellishment
Total Verses: 89




az-Zukhruf 043:001

43:1 سورة الزخرف بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم ٛــــ حم


TransliterationHa-meem
LiteralH M .

Yusuf AliHa-Mim
PickthalHa. Mim.
Arberry Ha Mim
ShakirHa Mim.
SarwarHa. Mim.
KhalifaH. M.
Hilali/KhanHaMeem. (These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings).
H/K/Saheehîa, Meem.
MalikHa M'im.[1]
QXPH.M. Ha-Mim. Hameed Owner of all Praise, Majeed Owner of Glory, states that:
Maulana AliBeneficent God!
Free MindsH. M.
Qaribullah HaMeem.

George SaleH.M.
JM RodwellHa. Mim.

AsadHa. Mim. [See Appendix II.]



az-Zukhruf 043:002

43:2 والكتاب المبين


TransliterationWaalkitabi almubeeni
LiteralAnd The Book , the clear/evident.

Yusuf AliBy the Book that makes things clear,-
PickthalBy the Scripture which maketh plain,
Arberry By the Clear Book,
ShakirI swear by the Book that makes things clear:
SarwarI swear by the illustrious Book.
KhalifaAnd the enlightening scripture.
Hilali/KhanBy the manifest Book (that makes things clear, i.e. this Quran).
H/K/SaheehBy the clear Book,
MalikBy the Glorious Book.[2]
QXPWitness to itself is this Scripture that is clear in itself and shows the Truth clearly.
Maulana AliBy the Book that makes manifest!
Free MindsAnd the evident Scripture.
Qaribullah By the Clear Book

George SaleBy the perspicuous book;
JM RodwellBy the Luminous Book!

AsadCONSIDER this divine writ, clear in itself and clearly showing the truth: [Regarding this rendering of the term mubin, see note on 12:1.]



az-Zukhruf 043:003

43:3 انا جعلناه قرانا عربيا لعلكم تعقلون


TransliterationInna jaAAalnahu qur-anan AAarabiyyan laAAallakum taAAqiloona
LiteralWe (E) made it an Arabic Koran , maybe/perhaps you reason/comprehend.

Yusuf AliWe have made it a Qur'an in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom).
PickthalLo! We have appointed it a Lecture, in Arabic that haply ye may understand.
Arberry behold, We have made it an Arabic Koran; haply you will understand;
ShakirSurely We have made it an Arabic Quran that you may understand.
SarwarWe have made it an Arabic reading text so that perhaps you may understand.
KhalifaWe have rendered it an Arabic Quran, that you may understand.
Hilali/KhanWe verily, have made it a Quran in Arabic, that you may be able to understand (its meanings and its admonitions).
H/K/SaheehIndeed, We have made it an Arabic Qurâ an that you might understand.
MalikWe have revealed this Qur’an in the Arabic language so that you may understand its meanings.[3]
QXPBehold, We have made it a Monograph in clear Arabic language that you may fully understand. (7:158), (12:3), (13:37), (14:4), (25:1), (39:28), (41:3), (42:7).
Maulana AliSurely We have made it an Arabic Qur’an that you may understand.
Free MindsWe have made it into an Arabic Quran, perhaps you may understand.
Qaribullah We have made it an Arabic Koran in order that you understand.

George Saleverily We have ordained the same an Arabic Koran, that ye may understand:
JM RodwellWe have made it an Arabic Koran that ye may understand:

Asadbehold, We have caused it to be a discourse in the Arabic tongue, so that you might encompass it with your reason. [See note on 12:3.]



az-Zukhruf 043:004

43:4 وانه في ام الكتاب لدينا لعلي حكيم


TransliterationWa-innahu fee ommi alkitabi ladayna laAAaliyyun hakeemun
LiteralAnd that it truly is in The Books' mother/origin at Us (The Book's origin is at Us), height and mighty (E) ,wise/judicious (full of wisdom).

Yusuf AliAnd verily, it is in the Mother of the Book, in Our Presence, high (in dignity), full of wisdom.
PickthalAnd Lo! in the Source of Decrees, which We possess, it is indeed sublime, decisive.
Arberry and behold, it is in the Essence of the Book, with Us; sublime indeed, wise.
ShakirAnd surely it is in the original of the Book with Us, truly elevated, full of wisdom.
SarwarIt (the Quran) exists in the original Book with Us which is certainly Most Exalted, full of wisdom and (beyond linguistic structures).
KhalifaIt is preserved with us in the original master, honorable and full of wisdom.
Hilali/KhanAnd Verily, it (this Quran) is in the Mother of the Book (i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfooz), before Us, indeed Exalted, full of Wisdom.
H/K/SaheehAnd indeed it is, in the Mother of the Book with Us, exalted and full of wisdom.
MalikSurely, it is a transcript of the Mother Book in Our keeping, which is sublime and full of wisdom.[4]
QXPAnd, verily, in the Source of Decrees with Us, it is indeed sublime, decisive.
Maulana AliAnd it is in the Original of the Book with Us, truly elevated, full of wisdom.
Free MindsAnd it is held honourable and wise in the master record with Us.
Qaribullah It is in the Origin of the Book with Us, sublime and wise.

George SaleAnd it is certainly written in the original book, kept with Us, being sublime and full of wisdom.
JM RodwellAnd it is a transcript of the archetypal Book, kept by us; it is lofty, filled with wisdom,

AsadAnd, verily, [originating as it does] in the source, with Us, of all revelation, [Cf. last clause of 13:39 - "with Him (indahu) is the source (umm) of all revelation". The term umm (lit., "mother") has often the idiomatic connotation of "origin" or "source" (asl), and sometimes - as in 3:7 - of "essence". In the present context, only the former meaning is applicable. See also note on the last verse 22 of surah 85.] it is indeed sublime, full of wisdom.



az-Zukhruf 043:005

43:5 افنضرب عنكم الذكر صفحا ان كنتم قوما مسرفين


TransliterationAfanadribu AAankumu alththikra safhan an kuntum qawman musrifeena
LiteralDo We disregard/move from you the reminder/remembrance forgiveness/ condonation ? That (E) you were a nation (of) spoilers/neglecters .

Yusuf AliShall We then take away the Message from you and repel (you), for that ye are a people transgressing beyond bounds?
PickthalShall We utterly ignore you because ye are a wanton folk?
Arberry Shall We turn away the Remembrance from you, for that you are a prodigal people?
ShakirWhat! shall We then turn away the reminder from you altogether because you are an extravagant people?
SarwarCan We ignore sending you the Quran just because you are a transgressing people?.
KhalifaShould we just ignore the fact that you have transgressed the limits?
Hilali/KhanShall We then (warn you not and) take away the Reminder (this Quran) from you, because you are a people Musrifoon.
H/K/SaheehThen should We turn the message away, disregarding you, because you are a transgressing people?
MalikShould We take this Reminder away from you and ignore you because you are a nation who has transgressed all limits?[5]
QXPShould We withdraw the Reminder from you just because you are a people bent upon wasting yourselves?
Maulana AliShall We then turn away the Reminder from you altogether because you are a prodigal people?
Free MindsShall We take away the reminder from you, because you are a transgressing people?
Qaribullah Shall We turn away the Remembrance from you because you are a sinful nation?

George SaleShall We therefore turn away from you the admonition, and deprive you thereof, because ye are a people who transgress?
JM RodwellShall we then turn aside this warning from you because ye are a people who transgress?

Asad[O YOU who deny the truth!] Should We, perchance, withdraw this reminder from you altogether, seeing that you are people bent on wasting your own selves? [For this rendering of the term musrif, see note on the last sentence of 10:12. The above rhetorical question answers itself, of course, in the negative - implying that God never ceases to "remind" the sinner through His revelations, and always accepts repentance.]



az-Zukhruf 043:006

43:6 وكم ارسلنا من نبي في الاولين


TransliterationWakam arsalna min nabiyyin fee al-awwaleena
LiteralAnd how many We sent from a prophet in the first/beginners.

Yusuf AliBut how many were the prophets We sent amongst the peoples of old?
PickthalHow many a prophet did We send among the men of old!
Arberry How many a Prophet We sent among the ancients,
ShakirAnd how many a prophet have We sent among the ancients.
SarwarHow many Messengers did We send to the ancient people?.
KhalifaWe have sent many a prophet to the previous generations.
Hilali/KhanAnd how many a Prophet have We sent amongst the men of old.
H/K/SaheehAnd how many a prophet We sent among the former peoples,
MalikAnd how many Prophets have We sent among the ancient peoples?[6]
QXPAnd how many a Prophet did We send to the previous generations!
Maulana AliAnd how many a prophet did We send among the ancients!
Free MindsAnd how many a prophet did We send to the previous generations!
Qaribullah How many a Prophet did We send to the ancients,

George SaleAnd how many prophets have We sent among those of old?
JM RodwellYet how many prophets sent we among those of old!

AsadAnd how many a prophet did We send to people of olden times!



az-Zukhruf 043:007

43:7 وماياتيهم من نبي الا كانوا به يستهزؤون


TransliterationWama ya/teehim min nabiyyin illa kanoo bihi yastahzi-oona
LiteralAnd a prophet does not come to them except they were with him mocking/making fun.

Yusuf AliAnd never came there a prophet to them but they mocked him.
PickthalAnd never came there unto them a prophet but they used to mock him.
Arberry but not a Prophet came to them, without they mocked at him;
ShakirAnd there came not to them a prophet but they mocked at him.
SarwarNo Prophet came to them whom they did not mock.
KhalifaEvery time a prophet went to them, they ridiculed him.
Hilali/KhanAnd never came there a Prophet to them but they used to mock at him.
H/K/SaheehBut there would not come to them a prophet except that they used to ridicule him.
MalikNever did it happen that a Prophet came to his people and they did not mock at him.[7]
QXPBut never came unto them a Prophet, but they mocked him.
Maulana AliAnd no prophet came to them but they mocked him.
Free MindsAnd every time a prophet went to them, they ridiculed him.
Qaribullah no Prophet came to them except that they mocked him,

George SaleAnd no prophet came unto them, but they laughed him to scorn:
JM RodwellBut no prophet came to them whom they made not the object of their scorn:

AsadBut never yet came a prophet to them without their deriding him -



az-Zukhruf 043:008

43:8 فاهلكنا اشد منهم بطشا ومضى مثل الاولين


TransliterationFaahlakna ashadda minhum batshan wamada mathalu al-awwaleena
LiteralSo We destroyed , (those who were) stronger than them violent destruction/attack, and the first's/beginner's proverb/example passed/expired

Yusuf AliSo We destroyed (them)- stronger in power than these;- and (thus) has passed on the Parable of the peoples of old.
PickthalThen We destroyed men mightier than these in prowess; and the example of the men of old hath gone (before them).
Arberry so We destroyed men stronger in valour than they, and the example of the ancients passed away.
ShakirThen We destroyed those who were stronger than these in prowess, and the case of the ancients has gone before,
SarwarWe destroyed the strongest among them in power. The stories of the ancient people have already been mentioned.
KhalifaConsequently, we annihilated people who were even more powerful than these. We thus set the examples from the previous communities.
Hilali/KhanThen We destroyed men stronger (in power) than these, and the example of the ancients has passed away (before them).
H/K/SaheehAnd We destroyed greater than them in [striking] power, and the example of the former peoples has preceded.
MalikSo We destroyed them, though they were stronger in power than these people, and provided an example in the case of prior people.[8]
QXPAnd so, We annihilated them. They were mightier in prowess than these are. They were made history and this fact should serve as an example for these people. ('Madha mathal' = An image of the past, lost and gone).
Maulana AliThen We destroyed those stronger than these in prowess, and the example of the ancients has gone before.
Free MindsWe have destroyed those who were even more powerful than these, and the example of the previous generations has already been given.
Qaribullah so We destroyed those who were mightier in courage than they. And the example of the ancients has passed away.

George SaleWherefore We destroyed nations who were more mighty than these in strength; and the example of those who were of old, hath been already set before them.
JM RodwellWherefore we destroyed nations mightier than these Meccans in strength; and the example of those of old hath gone before!

Asadand so, [in the end,] We destroyed them [even though they were] of greater might than these: [I.e., than the people addressed in verse 5 above.] and the [very] image of those people of old became a thing of the past.



az-Zukhruf 043:009

43:9 ولئن سالتهم من خلق السماوات والارض ليقولن خلقهن العزيز العليم


TransliterationWala-in saaltahum man khalaqa alssamawati waal-arda layaqoolunna khalaqahunna alAAazeezu alAAaleemu
LiteralAnd if (E) you asked/questioned them: "Who created the skies/space and the earth/Planet Earth?" They will say (E): "The glorious/mighty , the knowledgeable created them (B)."

Yusuf AliIf thou wert to question them, 'Who created the heavens and the earth?' They would be sure to reply, 'they were created by (Him), the Exalted in Power, Full of Knowledge';-
PickthalAnd if thou (Muhammad) ask them: Who created the heavens and the earth, they will surely answer: The Mighty, the Knower created them;
Arberry If thou askest them, 'Who created the heavens and earth?' they will say, 'The All-mighty, the All-knowing created them.'
ShakirAnd if you should ask them, Who created the heavens and the earth? they would most certainly say: The Mighty, the Knowing One, has created them;
Sarwar(Muhammad), if you ask them, "Who has created the heavens and the earth?" They will certainly say, "The Majestic and All-knowing God has created them".
KhalifaIf you asked them, "Who created the heavens and the earth," they would say, "The Almighty, the Omniscient has created them."
Hilali/KhanAnd indeed if you ask them, "Who has created the heavens and the earth?" They will surely say: "The All-Mighty, the All-Knower created them."
H/K/SaheehAnd if you should ask them, "Who has created the heavens and the earth?" they would surely say, "They were created by the Exalted in Might, the Knowing."
MalikIf you ask them: "Who has created the heavens and the earth?" They will surely say: "They have been created by the All-Mighty, the All-Knowledgeable."[9]
QXPIf you ask them, "Who created the heavens and the earth?" They will answer, "The Almighty, the Knower created them."
Maulana AliAnd if thou ask them, Who created the heavens and the earth? they would say: The Mighty, the Knowing One, has created them,
Free MindsAnd if you asked them: "Who created the heavens and the Earth?" They will Say: "They were created by the One who is the Noble, the Knowledgeable."
Qaribullah Yet, if you ask them who created the heavens and the earth, they will answer: 'The Almighty, the Knower created them. '

George SaleIf thou ask them who created the heavens and the earth, they will certainly answer, the mighty, the wise God created them:
JM RodwellAnd if thou ask them who created the Heavens and the Earth, they will say: "The Mighty, the Sage, created them both,"

AsadYet thus it is [with most people]: if [See note on 30:51.] thou ask them, "Who is it that has created the heavens and the earth?" - they will surely answer, "The Almighty, the All-Knowing has created them."



az-Zukhruf 043:010

43:10 الذي جعل لكم الارض مهدا وجعل لكم فيها سبلا لعلكم تهتدون


TransliterationAllathee jaAAala lakumu al-arda mahdan wajaAAala lakum feeha subulan laAAallakum tahtadoona
LiteralWho made/created for you the earth/Planet Earth spread/prepared , and He made/put for you in it roads/means , maybe/perhaps you be guided.

Yusuf Ali(Yea, the same that) has made for you the earth (like a carpet) spread out, and has made for you roads (and channels) therein, in order that ye may find guidance (on the way);
PickthalWho made the earth a resting-place for you, and placed roads for you therein, that haply ye may find your way;
Arberry He who appointed the earth to be a cradle for you, and appointed ways for you therein, that haply you may be guided;
ShakirHe Who made the earth a resting-place for you, and made in it ways for you that you may go aright;
SarwarIt is He who has made the earth for you as a cradle and has made roads therein so that you will perhaps seek guidance.
KhalifaHe is the One who made the earth habitable for you, and created for you roads therein, that you may follow the right way.
Hilali/KhanWho has made for you the earth like a bed, and has made for you roads therein, in order that you may find your way,
H/K/Saheeh[The one] who has made for you the earth a bed and made for you upon it roads that you might be guided
MalikThe One Who has made the earth a resting place for you and traced out routes upon it so that you may find your ways.[10]
QXPHe it is Who has made the earth a cradle for you and has made roads therein and ways of subsistence, so that you may find ways to your destination. ('Subula' = Ways and means).
Maulana AliWho made the earth a resting-place for you, and made in it ways for you that you might go aright.
Free MindsHe is the One who made the Earth a habitat for you, and He made pathways in it that you may be guided.
Qaribullah (It is) He who made the earth to be a cradle for you and made in it ways for you, in order that you are guided.

George SaleWho hath spread the earth as a bed for you, and hath made you paths therein, that ye may be directed:
JM RodwellWho hath made the Earth as a couch for you, and hath traced out routes therein for your guidance;

AsadHe it is who has made the earth a cradle for you, and has provided for you ways [of livelihood] thereon, [Cf. 20:53.] so that you might follow the right path.



az-Zukhruf 043:011

43:11 والذى نزل من السماء ماء بقدر فانشرنا به بلدة ميتا كذلك تخرجون


TransliterationWaallathee nazzala mina alssama-i maan biqadarin faansharna bihi baldatan maytan kathalika tukhrajoona
LiteralAnd who descended from the sky/space water with a measure/predestiny , so We revived/resurrected with it a dead/lifeless land , as/like that you are being brought out .

Yusuf AliThat sends down (from time to time) rain from the sky in due measure;- and We raise to life therewith a land that is dead; even so will ye be raised (from the dead);-
PickthalAnd Who sendeth down water from the sky in (due) measure, and We revive a dead land therewith. Even so will ye be brought forth;
Arberry and who sent down out of heaven water in measure; and We revived thereby a land that was dead; even so you shall be brought forth;
ShakirAnd He Who sends down water from the cloud according to a measure, then We raise to life thereby a dead country, even thus shall you be brought forth;
SarwarIt is He who has sent down water from the sky in a known measure by which He has given life to the dead earth. In the same way will you also be resurrected.
KhalifaHe is the One who sends down from the sky water, in exact measure, to revive dead lands therewith. Similarly, you will be resurrected.
Hilali/KhanAnd Who sends down water (rain) from the sky in due measure. Then We revive a dead land therewith, and even so you will be brought forth (from the dead),
H/K/SaheehAnd who sends down rain from the sky in measured amounts, and We revive thereby a dead land thus will you be brought forth
MalikThe One Who sends down rain from the sky in due measure and thereby resurrects a dead land - that’s how you shall be brought forth (raised to life again).[11]
QXPAnd He it is Who sends down water from the sky in due measure. And We revive with it a dead land, thus will you be brought forth.
Maulana AliAnd Who sends down water from the cloud according to a measure, then We raise to life thereby a dead land; even so will you be brought forth.
Free MindsAnd He is the One who sends down water from the sky, in exact measure. We then revive with it a dead land. Similarly, you will be brought-out.
Qaribullah And (it is He), who sends down water from the sky in its measure thereby We revive the land that was dead, as such you shall be brought forth.

George SaleAnd Who sendeth down rain from heaven by measure, whereby We quicken a dead country; -- so shall ye be brought forth from your graves: --
JM RodwellAnd who sendeth down out of Heaven the rain in due degree, by which we quicken a dead land; thus shall ye be brought forth from the grave:

AsadAnd He it is who sends down, again and again, waters from the sky in due measure: [The grammatical form nazzala implies here recurrence: hence, "again and again".] and [as] We raise therewith dead land to life, even thus will you be brought forth [from the dead].



az-Zukhruf 043:012

43:12 والذي خلق الازواج كلها وجعل لكم من الفلك والانعام ماتركبون


TransliterationWaallathee khalaqa al-azwaja kullaha wajaAAala lakum mina alfulki waal-anAAami ma tarkaboona
LiteralAnd who created the pairs/kinds all of them, and He created for you from the ship/ships and the camels/livestock what you ride/board .

Yusuf AliThat has created pairs in all things, and has made for you ships and cattle on which ye ride,
PickthalHe Who created all the pairs, and appointed for you ships and cattle whereupon ye ride.
Arberry and who created the pairs, all of them, and appointed for you ships and cattle such as you ride,
ShakirAnd He Who created pairs of all things, and made for you of the ships and the cattle what you ride on,
SarwarIt is He who has created everything in pairs and the ships and cattle for you to ride,
KhalifaHe is the One who created all kinds, in pairs (male and female), and He created for you ships and livestock to ride.
Hilali/KhanAnd Who has created all the pairs and has appointed for you ships and cattle on which you ride,
H/K/SaheehAnd who created the species, all of them, and has made for you of ships and animals those which you mount.
MalikThe One Who has created all living things in pairs and made for you the ships and cattle on which you ride[12]
QXPAnd He it is Who has created all the pairs and He it is Who has given you all those ships and quadrupeds on which you ride.
Maulana AliAnd Who created pairs of all things, and made for you ships and cattle on which you ride,
Free MindsAnd He is the One who created all the pairs, and He made for you from the ships and the livestock that which you can ride.
Qaribullah And, (it is He) who has created all the pairs and appointed for you ships and the cattle on which you ride,

George SaleAnd Who hath created all the various species of things, and hath given you ships and cattle, whereon ye are carried;
JM RodwellAnd who hath created the sexual couples, all of them, and hath made for you the ships and beasts whereon ye ride:

AsadAnd He it is who has created all opposites. [Lit., "all pairs". Some commentators regard the term azwaj as synonymous in this context with "kinds" (Baghawi, Zamakhshari, Baydawi, Ibn Kathir): i.e., they take the above phrase to mean no more than that God created all kinds of things, beings and phenomena. Others (e.g., Tabari) see in it a reference to the polarity evident in all creation. lbn Abbas (as quoted by Razi) says that it denotes the concept of opposites in general, like "sweet and sour, or white and black, or male and female"; to which Razi adds that everything in creation has its complement, "like high and low, right and left, front and back, past and future, being and attribute", etc., whereas God - and He alone - is unique, without anything that could be termed "opposite" or "similar" or "complementary". Hence, the above sentence is an echo of the statement that "there is nothing that could be compared with Him"



az-Zukhruf 043:013

43:13 لتستووا على ظهوره ثم تذكروا نعمة ربكم اذا استويتم عليه وتقولوا سبحان الذي سخر لنا هذا وماكنا له مقرنين


TransliterationLitastawoo AAala thuhoorihi thumma tathkuroo niAAmata rabbikum itha istawaytum AAalayhi wataqooloo subhana allathee sakhkhara lana hatha wama kunna lahu muqrineena
LiteralTo sit on on its backs/surfaces , then you remember/mention your Lord's blessing/goodness when you sat on it, and you say: "Praise/glory (to) who humiliated/subjugated for us this, and we were not to it overpowering/connecting (without God) ."

Yusuf AliIn order that ye may sit firm and square on their backs, and when so seated, ye may celebrate the (kind) favour of your Lord, and say, "Glory to Him Who has subjected these to our (use), for we could never have accomplished this (by ourselves),
PickthalThat ye may mount upon their backs, and may remember your Lord's favour when ye mount thereon, and may say: Glorified be He Who hath subdued these unto us, and we were not capable (of subduing them);
Arberry that you may be seated on their backs and then remember your Lord's blessing when you are seated on them, and say, 'Glory be to Him, who has subjected this to us, and we ourselves were not equal to it;
ShakirThat you may firmly sit on their backs, then remember the favor of your Lord when you are firmly seated thereon, and say: Glory be to Him Who made this subservient to us and we were not able to do it
Sarwarso that perhaps when you ride them, you will recall the bounties of your Lord and when you establish your control over it you would say, "Glory belongs to Him who has made it subservient to us when we would not have been able to do so ourselves.
KhalifaAs you rest on top of them, you shall appreciate such a blessing from your Lord, and say, "Glory be to the One who subdued this for us. We could not have controlled them by ourselves.
Hilali/KhanIn order that you may mount firmly on their backs, and then may remember the Favour of your Lord when you mount thereon, and say: "Glory to Him who has subjected this to us, and we could never have it (by our efforts)."
H/K/SaheehThat you may settle yourselves upon their backs and then remember the favor of your Lord when you have settled upon them and say. "Exalted is He who has subjected this to us, and we could not have [otherwise] subdued it.
Malikso that you may firmly sit on their backs, then as you mount, recall the goodness of your Lord and say: "Glory be to Him Who has subjected these to Our use, otherwise We could not have brought them under our control,[13]
QXPSo that you might have control of the means of transport, and that upon gaining control of them you might remember your Lord's Blessings, and say, "Glorified is He Who has made all this of service to us. (Against His Laws) we would not have been able to attain this control. ('Alayehi': The singular form here refers to 'transport' including the ships, the quadrupeds, and all else).
Maulana AliThat you may sit firm on their backs, then remember the favour of your Lord, when you are firmly seated thereon, and say: Glory be to Him Who made this subservient to us and we were not able to do it,
Free MindsSo that you may settle on their backs; and then when you have settled on them you may recall your Lord's blessing, by saying: "Glory be to the One who commits this for us, and we could not have done so by ourselves."
Qaribullah so that you can sit upon their backs and then remember the Favors of your Lord and say: 'Exaltations to Him who has subjected these to us otherwise, we ourselves were not capable of it,

George Salethat ye may sit firmly on the backs thereof, and may remember the favour of your Lord, when ye sit thereon, and may say, praise be unto Him, Who hath subjected these unto our service! For we could not have mastered them by our own power:
JM RodwellThat ye may sit balanced on their backs and remember the goodness of your Lord as ye sit so evenly thereon, and say: "Glory to Him who hath subjected these to us! We could not have attained to it of ourselves:

Asadin order that you might gain mastery over them, [Lit., "over its backs" - i.e., according to all classical commentators, the "backs" of the above-mentioned animals and ships alike, the singular form of the pronoun ("its") relating to the collective entity comprised in the concept of "all whereon you ride" (ma tarkabun): in other words, "all that you use or may use by way of transport". As regards my rendering of li-tastau as "so that you might gain mastery", I should like to point out that the verb istawa (lit., "he established himself") has often the connotation adopted by me: see Jawhari, Raghib and Lisan al-Arab, art. sawa; also Lane IV, 1478.] and that, whenever you have mastered them, you might remember your Sustainer's blessings and say: "Limitless in His glory is He who has made [all] this subservient to our use - since [but for Him,] we would not have been able to attain to it.



az-Zukhruf 043:014

43:14 وانا الى ربنا لمنقلبون


TransliterationWa-inna ila rabbina lamunqaliboona
LiteralAnd that We are to our Lord returning (E) .

Yusuf Ali"And to our Lord, surely, must we turn back!"
PickthalAnd lo! unto our Lord we surely are returning.
Arberry surely unto our Lord we are turning.'
ShakirAnd surely to our Lord we must return.
SarwarTo our Lord we shall all return".
Khalifa"We ultimately return to our Lord."
Hilali/KhanAnd verily, to Our Lord we indeed are to return!
H/K/SaheehAnd indeed we, to our Lord, will [surely] return."
Malikand to our Lord we shall all return."[14]
QXPHence, verily, it is unto Him that we must always turn."
Maulana AliAnd surely to our Lord we must return.
Free Minds"And we will ultimately return to our Lord."
Qaribullah indeed, to our Lord we are turning. '

George SaleAnd unto our Lord shall we surely return.
JM RodwellAnd truly unto our Lord shall we return."

AsadHence, verily, it is unto Him that we must always turn."



az-Zukhruf 043:015

43:15 وجعلوا له من عباده جزءا ان الانسان لكفور مبين


TransliterationWajaAAaloo lahu min AAibadihi juz-an inna al-insana lakafoorun mubeenun
LiteralAnd they made/put for Him from His worshippers/slaves a part/portion (partner), that truly the human/mankind (is a) a clear/evident (insisting) disbeliever (E).

Yusuf AliYet they attribute to some of His servants a share with Him (in his godhead)! truly is man a blasphemous ingrate avowed!
PickthalAnd they allot to Him a portion of His bondmen! Lo! man is verily a mere ingrate.
Arberry Yet they have assigned to Him a part of His own servants! Man is dearly unthankful.
ShakirAnd they assign to Him a part of His servants; man, to be sure, is clearly ungrateful.
SarwarThe pagans have considered some of His servants as His children. There is no doubt that the human being is simply ungrateful.
KhalifaThey even assigned for Him a share from His own creation! Surely, the human being is profoundly unappreciative.
Hilali/KhanYet they assign to some of His slaves a share with Him (by pretending that He has children, and considering them as equals or co-partners in worship with Him). Verily, man is indeed a manifest ingrate!
H/K/SaheehBut they have attributed to Him from His servants a portion. Indeed, man is clearly ungrateful.
MalikYet in spite of recognizing all this, they have made some of His servants to be a part of Him! Surely mankind is clearly ungrateful.[15]
QXPAnd yet they have 'made' some of His servants to be a part of Him! Verily, most obviously ungrateful is man!
Maulana AliAnd they assign to Him a part of His servants. Man, to be sure, is clearly ungrateful.
Free MindsAnd they assigned a share to Him from His own servants! The human being is clearly denying.
Qaribullah Yet they assign to Him some of His own (created) worshipers! Clearly, the human is unthankful.

George SaleYet have they attributed unto Him some of his servants as his offspring: Verily man is openly ungrateful.
JM RodwellYet do they assign to him some of his own servants for offspring! Verily man is an open ingrate!

AsadAND YET, [I.e., despite the fact that most people readily admit that God has created all that exists (verse 9 above), some of them tend to forget His uniqueness.] they attribute to Him offspring from among some of the beings created by Him! [Lit., "attribute to Him a part out of [some of] His creatures (ibad)": cf. 6:100 and the corresponding notes. The noun juz' (lit., "part") evidently denotes here "a part of Himself", as implied in the concept of "offspring"; hence my rendering. If, on the other hand, juz is understood in its literal sense, the above sentence could have (as Razi assumes) a more general meaning, namely, "they attribute a part of His divinity to some of the beings created by Him". However, in view of the sequence, which clearly refers to the blasphemous attribution of "offspring" to God, my rendering seems to be preferable.] Verily, most obviously bereft of all gratitude is man!



az-Zukhruf 043:016

43:16 ام اتخذ مما يخلق بنات واصفاكم بالبنين


TransliterationAmi ittakhatha mimma yakhluqu banatin waasfakum bialbaneena
LiteralOr He took/received from what He creates daughters, and he chose (specialized) you with sons.

Yusuf AliWhat! has He taken daughters out of what He himself creates, and granted to you sons for choice?
PickthalOr chooseth He daughters of all that He hath created, and honoureth He you with sons?
Arberry Or has He taken to Himself, from that He creates, daughters, and favoured you with sons?
ShakirWhat! has He taken daughters to Himself of what He Himself creates and chosen you to have sons?
SarwarHas God chosen some of His own creatures as daughters for Himself and has given you the preference of having sons?.
KhalifaHas He chosen from among His creations daughters for Himself, while blessing you with sons?
Hilali/KhanOr has He taken daughters out of what He has created, and He has selected for you sons?
H/K/SaheehOr has He taken, out of what He has created, daughters and chosen you for [having] sons?
MalikWould Allah choose daughters (pagan Arabs believed that angels were the daughters of Allah) for Himself out of what He Himself creates and gives you sons?[16]
QXPWhat! Has He taken daughters out of what He Himself created and grants you sons of your choice?
Maulana AliOr has He taken daughters to Himself of what He creates and chosen you to have sons?
Free MindsOr has He selected daughters from among His creation, while He has left you with the sons?
Qaribullah Or, has He taken daughters from those He has created for Himself and favored sons for you?

George SaleHath God taken daughters out of those beings which He hath created; and hath He chosen sons for you?
JM RodwellHath God adopted daughters from among those whom he hath created, and chosen sons for you?

AsadOr [do you think], perchance, that out of all His creation He has chosen for Himself daughters, and favoured you with sons? [It should be remembered that the people thus addressed were the pagan Arabs, who believed that some of their goddesses, as well as the angels, were "God's daughters". In view of the fact that those pre-Islamic Arabs regarded daughters as a mere liability and their birth as a disgrace, this verse is obviously ironical. (Cf. in this connection 16:57-59.)]



az-Zukhruf 043:017

43:17 واذا بشر احدهم بما ضرب للرحمن مثلا ظل وجهه مسودا وهو كظيم


TransliterationWa-itha bushshira ahaduhum bima daraba lilrrahmani mathalan thalla wajhuhu muswaddan wahuwa katheemun
LiteralAnd if any of them was announced good news to with what He gave to the merciful (as) an example (the daughters), his face became/continued blackened, and he is holding (his) breath/suppressed .

Yusuf AliWhen news is brought to one of them of (the birth of) what he sets up as a likeness to (Allah) Most Gracious, his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief!
PickthalAnd if one of them hath tidings of that which he likeneth to the Beneficent One, his countenance becometh black and he is full of inward rage.
Arberry And when any of them is given the good tidings of that he has likened to the All-merciful, his face is darkened, and he chokes inwardly.
ShakirAnd when one of them is given news of that of which he sets up as a likeness for the Beneficent Allah, his face becomes black and he is full of rage.
SarwarWhen one of them is given the glad news of the birth of a daughter, which they believe to be the only kind of child that the Beneficent God can have, his face blackens with anger.
KhalifaWhen one of them is given news (of a daughter) as they claimed for the Most Gracious, his face is darkened with misery and anger!
Hilali/KhanAnd if one of them is informed of the news of (the birth of) that which he set forth as a parable to the Most Beneficent (Allah) (i.e. of a girl), his face becomes dark, gloomy, and he is filled with grief!
H/K/SaheehAnd when one of them is given good tidings of that which he attributes to the Most Merciful in comparison, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief.
MalikYet when a new born-girl - the gender that they ascribe to the Compassionate - is announced to one of them, his face darkens and he is filled with grief.[17]
QXPYet if any of them is given the glad tiding of what he likens to the Beneficent, his face saddens and he is filled with hidden anger.
Maulana AliAnd when one of them is given news of that of which he sets up a likeness for the Beneficent his face becomes black and he is full of rage.
Free MindsAnd when one of them is given news of that which he cites as an example for the Almighty, his face becomes dark, and he is miserable!
Qaribullah Yet when one of them is given glad news of (a daughter) that which he likened to the Merciful his face darkens and he chokes inwardly (with gloom).

George SaleBut when one of them hath the news brought of the birth of a child of that sex which they attribute unto the Merciful, as his similitude, his face becometh black, and he is oppressed with sorrow.
JM RodwellBut when that is announced to any one of them, which he affirmeth to be the case with the God of Mercy, his face settleth into darkness and he is silent-sad.

AsadFor [thus it is:] if any of them is given the glad tiding of [the birth of] what he so readily attributes to the Most Gracious, [Lit., "what he postulates as a likeness of [or "as likely for"] the Most Gracious": i.e., female offspring, which implies a natural "likeness" to its progenitor.] his face darkens, and he is filled with suppressed anger:



az-Zukhruf 043:018

43:18 اومن ينشأ في الحلية وهو في الخصام غير مبين


TransliterationAwaman yunashshao fee alhilyati wahuwa fee alkhisami ghayru mubeenin
LiteralIs who (is) being brought up/originated in the ornament/decoration (luxuriated i.e.: girls and those effeminate and unmanly) and he is in the dispute/controversy/argument not evident/shown ?

Yusuf AliIs then one brought up among trinkets, and unable to give a clear account in a dispute (to be associated with Allah)?
Pickthal(Liken they then to Allah) that which is bred up in outward show, and in dispute cannot make itself plain?
Arberry What, one who is reared amid ornaments and, when the time of altercation comes, is not to be seen?
ShakirWhat! that which is made in ornaments and which in contention is unable to make plain speech!
SarwarDoes God choose for Himself the kind of children who grow up wearing ornaments and who are not strong enough to defend their rights?.
Khalifa(They say,) "What is good about an offspring that is brought up to be beautiful, and cannot help in war?"
Hilali/Khan(Do they then like for Allah) a creature who is brought up in adornments (wearing silk and gold ornaments, i.e. women), and in dispute cannot make herself clear?
H/K/SaheehSo is one brought up in ornaments while being during conflict unevident [attributed to Allah]?
MalikDo they ascribe to Allah, the female gender who is brought up among trinkets and is unable to make herself clear in disputation?[18]
QXP(He says), "What! That which has to be raised in ornaments?" And then he finds himself in an inner conflict (whether to let the daughter live or bury her in the dust! (16:58-59.)
Maulana AliIs one decked with ornaments and unable to make plain speech in disputes (a partner with God)?
Free Minds"What good is an offspring that is brought up to be beautiful, and cannot help in a fight?"
Qaribullah (As such they attribute to Allah) who is brought up among ornaments but when disputes arise are powerless.

George SaleDo they therefore attribute unto God female issue, which are brought up among ornaments, and are contentious without cause?
JM RodwellWhat! make they a being to be the offspring of God who is brought up among trinkets, and is ever contentious without reason?

Asad"What! [Am I to have a daughter -] one who is to be reared [only] for the sake of ornament?" [I.e., one who, from the viewpoint of the pre-Islamic Arabs, would have no function other than "embellishing" a man's life.] - and thereupon he finds himself torn by a vague inner conflict. [Lit., "he finds himself in an invisible (ghayr mubin) conflict" - i.e., an inner conflict which he does noot quite admit to his consciousness: cf. 16:59 - "[he debates within himself:] Shall he keep this child despite the contempt [which he feels for it] - or shall he bury it in the dust?" (See also, in particular, the corresponding note.)]



az-Zukhruf 043:019

43:19 وجعلوا الملائكة الذين هم عباد الرحمن اناثا اشهدوا خلقهم ستكتب شهادتهم ويسألون


TransliterationWajaAAaloo almala-ikata allatheena hum AAibadu alrrahmani inathan ashahidoo khalqahum satuktabu shahadatuhum wayus-aloona
LiteralAnd they made the angels those who they are the merciful's worshippers/slaves (as) females, did they witness their creation? Their testimony/certification will be written , and they (will) be asked/questioned.

Yusuf AliAnd they make into females angels who themselves serve Allah. Did they witness their creation? Their evidence will be recorded, and they will be called to account!
PickthalAnd they make the angels, who are the slaves of the Beneficent, females. Did they witness their creation? Their testimony will be recorded and they will be questioned.
Arberry And they have made the angels, who are themselves servants of the All-merciful, females. What, did they witness their creation? Their witness shall be written down, and they shall be questioned.
ShakirAnd they make the angels-- them who are the servants of the Beneficent Allah-- female (divinities). What! did they witness their creation? Their evidence shall be written down and they shall be questioned.
SarwarDo they say that the angels, who are the servants of the Beneficent God, are females? Have they witnessed their creation? Their words as such will be recorded and they will be questioned for it.
KhalifaThey claimed that the angels, who are servants of the Most Gracious, are females! Have they witnessed their creation? Their claims are recorded, and they will be asked.
Hilali/KhanAnd they make the angels who themselves are slaves to the Most Beneficent (Allah) females. Did they witness their creation? Their evidence will be recorded, and they will be questioned!
H/K/SaheehAnd they have made the angels, who are servants of the Most Merciful, females. Did they witness their creation? Their testimony will be recorded, and they will be questioned.
MalikThey regard the angels, who are themselves servants of the Compassionate, as female divinities. Did they witness their creation? They should know that their testimony shall be noted down and they shall be called to account for it.[19]
QXPAnd they 'make' the angels who are servants of the Beneficent, females. Did they witness their creation? Their testimony will be recorded, and they will be called to account (for their false claims).
Maulana AliAnd they make the angels who are the servants of the Beneficent, females. Did they witness their creation? Their evidence will be recorded and they will be questioned.
Free MindsAnd they have made the Angels, who are servants of the Almighty, into females! Have they witnessed their creation? We will record their testimony, and they will be asked.
Qaribullah They claim that the angels, who are themselves the worshipers of the Merciful, are females. Did they witness their creation! Their witness shall be written down and they shall be questioned.

George SaleAnd do they make the angels, who are the servants of the Merciful, females? Were they present at their creation? Their testimony shall be written down, and they shall be examined concerning the same, on the day of judgement.
JM RodwellAnd they make the angels who are the servants of God of Mercy, females. What! did they witness their creation? Their witness shall be taken down, and they shall hereafter be enquired at.

AsadAnd [yet] they claim that the angels - who in themselves are but beings created by the Most Gracious - are females: [Or: "who are but worshippers [or "creatures"] (ibad) of the Most Gracious" - in either case stressing their having been created and, hence, not being divine.] [but] did they witness their creation? This false claim of theirs will be recorded, and they will be called to account [for it on Judgment Day]! [Lit., "their testimony", i.e., regarding the "sex" of the angels, who are spiritual in nature (Razi) and, therefore, sexless.]



az-Zukhruf 043:020

43:20 وقالوا لو شاء الرحمن ماعبدناهم مالهم بذلك من علم ان هم الا يخرصون


TransliterationWaqaloo law shaa alrrahmanu ma AAabadnahum ma lahum bithalika min AAilmin in hum illa yakhrusoona
LiteralAnd they said: "If the merciful willed/wanted we would not have worshipped them, none from knowledge with that (is) for them, that truly they are except lying/speculating.

Yusuf Ali("Ah!") they say, "If it had been the will of (Allah) Most Gracious, we should not have worshipped such (deities)!" Of that they have no knowledge! they do nothing but lie!
PickthalAnd they say: If the Beneficent One had (so) willed, we should not have worshipped them. They have no knowledge whatsoever of that. They do but guess.
Arberry They say, 'Had the All-merciful so willed, we would not have served them.' They have no knowledge of that; they are only conjecturing.
ShakirAnd they say: If the Beneficent Allah had pleased, we should never have worshipped them. They have no knowledge of this; they only lie.
SarwarThe pagans say, "Had the Beneficent God wanted, we would not have worshipped them (idols)." Whatever they say is not based on knowledge. It is only a false conjecture.
KhalifaThey even said, "If the Most Gracious willed, we would not have worshiped them." They have no basis for such a claim; they only conjecture.
Hilali/KhanAnd they said: "If it had been the Will of the Most Beneficent (Allah), we should not have worshipped them (false deities)." They have no knowledge whatsoever of that. They do nothing but lie!
H/K/SaheehAnd they said, "If the Most Merciful had willed, we would not have worshipped them." They have of that no knowledge. They are not but falsifying.
MalikThey say: "Had it been the will of the Compassionate, We should never have worshipped them." They have no knowledge about that; they are merely guessing.[20]
QXPYet they say, "If it had been the Will of the Beneficent, we should not have worshiped them." But, of that, they have no knowledge. (That there is no room for fatalism in Divine Laws. Humans have been endowed with free will (6:149), (36:47). They only wander in the valley of conjecture.
Maulana AliAnd they say: If the Beneficent had pleased, we should not have worshipped them. They have no knowledge of this; they only lie.
Free MindsAnd they said: "If the Almighty willed, we would not have worshipped them." They have no knowledge of this; they only conjecture.
Qaribullah They say: 'Had it been the will of the Merciful, we would never have worshipped them. ' Of this they have no knowledge, they are but guessing.

George SaleAnd they say, if the Merciful had pleased, we had not worshipped them. They have no knowledge herein: They only utter a vain lie.
JM RodwellAnd they say: "Had the God of Mercy so willed it we should never have worshipped them." No knowledge have they in this: they only lie.

AsadYet they say, "Had [not] the Most Gracious so willed, we would never have worshipped them!" [But] they cannot have any knowledge of [His having willed] such a thing: they do nothing but guess. [I.e., they cannot have any "knowledge" of something that is devoid of all reality - because, far from having "willed" their sin, God had left it to their free will to make a moral choice between right and wrong. (See in this connection note on 6:149.)]



az-Zukhruf 043:021

43:21 ام اتيناهم كتابا من قبله فهم به مستمسكون


TransliterationAm ataynahum kitaban min qablihi fahum bihi mustamsikoona
LiteralOr We gave them a Book from before it, so they are with it holding/seizing/ grasping ?

Yusuf AliWhat! have We given them a Book before this, to which they are holding fast?
PickthalOr have We given them any scripture before (this Qur'an) so that they are holding fast thereto?
Arberry Or did We bring them a Book aforetime to which they hold?
ShakirOr have We given them a book before it so that they hold fast to it?
SarwarHad We, before sending the Quran, given them a book to which they now refer as an authority?.
KhalifaHave we given them a book before this, and they are upholding it?
Hilali/KhanOr have We given them any Book before this (the Quran), to which they are holding fast?
H/K/SaheehOr have We given them a book before the Qurâ an to which they are adhering?
MalikOr have We given them a Book before this to which they hold authority for their angel-worshipping?[21]
QXPWhat! Have We given them a scripture before this to which they are holding fast?
Maulana AliOr have We given them a Book before it so that they hold fast to it?
Free MindsOr have We given them a scripture before this which they are upholding?
Qaribullah Or have We given them a Book before this which they hold fast to?

George SaleHave We given them a book of revelations before this; and do they keep the same in their custody?
JM RodwellHave we ere this given them a Book? and do they possess it still?

AsadOr have We, perchance, vouchsafed them, before this one, a revelation [to the contrary,] to which they are still holding fast? [I.e., a revelation which would allow man to worship other beings beside God, or to attribute "offspring" to Him: a rhetorical question implying its own negation.]



az-Zukhruf 043:022

43:22 بل قالوا انا وجدنا اباءنا على امة وانا على اثارهم مهتدون


TransliterationBal qaloo inna wajadna abaana AAala ommatin wa-inna AAala atharihim muhtadoona
LiteralBut they said: "We (E), we found our fathers on a constitution (set example) , and We (E) on their tracks are guided."

Yusuf AliNay! they say: "We found our fathers following a certain religion, and we do guide ourselves by their footsteps."
PickthalNay, for they say only: Lo! we found our fathers following a religion, and we are guided by their footprints.
Arberry Nay, but they say, 'We found our fathers upon a community, and we are guided upon their traces.'
ShakirNay! they say: We found our fathers on a course, and surely we are guided by their footsteps.
SarwarIn fact, they say, "We found our fathers following a certain belief and we now follow in their footsteps for our guidance".
KhalifaThe fact is that: they said, "We found our parents carrying on certain practices, and we are following in their footsteps."
Hilali/KhanNay! They say: "We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we guide ourselves by their footsteps."
H/K/SaheehRather, they say, "Indeed, we found our fathers upon a religion, and we are in their footsteps [rightly] guided."
MalikThe only argument they have is to say: "We found our forefathers practicing this faith and we are walking in their footsteps."[22]
QXPNay, but they say, "Behold, we found our fathers following a certain religion, and we find our way in their footprints."
Maulana AliNay, they say: We found our fathers on a course, and surely we are guided by their footprints.
Free MindsThe fact is, they have said: "We found our fathers following a certain way, and we are following in their footsteps."
Qaribullah No, but they say: 'We found our fathers following a creed, and by following in their footsteps we are guided.

George SaleBut they say, verily we found our fathers practising a religion; and we are guided in their footsteps.
JM RodwellBut say they: "Verily we found our fathers of that persuasion, and verily, by their footsteps do we guide ourselves."

AsadNay, but they say, "Behold, We found our forefathers agreed on what to believe - and, verily, it is in their footsteps that we find our guidance!"



az-Zukhruf 043:023

43:23 وكذلك ماارسلنا من قبلك في قرية من نذير الا قال مترفوها انا وجدنا اباءنا على امة وانا على اثارهم مقتدون


TransliterationWakathalika ma arsalna min qablika fee qaryatin min natheerin illa qala mutrafooha inna wajadna abaana AAala ommatin wa-inna AAala atharihim muqtadoona
LiteralAnd as/like that We did not send from before you in a village/urban city from a warner/giver of notice except its luxuriated ungrateful and arrogant said: "We (E), we found our fathers on a constitution (set example) , and we (E), on their tracks , we are following/imitating (their) example."

Yusuf AliJust in the same way, whenever We sent a Warner before thee to any people, the wealthy ones among them said: "We found our fathers following a certain religion, and we will certainly follow in their footsteps."
PickthalAnd even so We sent not a warner before thee (Muhammad) into any township but its luxurious ones said: Lo! we found our fathers following a religion, and we are following their footprints.
Arberry Even so We sent never before thee any warner into any city, except that its men who lived at ease said, 'We indeed found our fathers upon a community, and we are following upon their traces.'
ShakirAnd thus, We did not send before you any warner in a town, but those who led easy lives in it said: Surely we found our fathers on a course, and surely we are followers of their footsteps.
SarwarIn the same way, whenever We had sent a Messenger before you to warn a town, the rich ones therein said, "We found our fathers following a certain belief and we follow in their footsteps.
KhalifaInvariably, when we sent a warner to any community, the leaders of that community would say, "We found our parents following certain practices, and we will continue in their footsteps."
Hilali/KhanAnd similarly, We sent not a warner before you (O Muhammad SAW) to any town (people) but the luxurious ones among them said: "We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we will indeed follow their footsteps."
H/K/SaheehAnd similarly, We did not send before you any warner into a city except that its affluent said, "Indeed, we found our fathers upon a religion, and we are, in their footsteps, following."
MalikEven so, whenever We sent a Warner before you to forewarn a nation, its affluent people said: "We found our forefathers practicing this faith and surely we are going to follow their footsteps."[23]
QXPThus it is. Whenever We sent, before you, a Warner to a community, its luxurious ones said, "Behold, We found our fathers following a certain religion, and we are following their footprints."
Maulana AliAnd thus, We sent not before thee a warner in a town, but its wealthy ones said: Surely we found our fathers following a religion, and we follow their footsteps.
Free MindsAnd similarly, We did not send a warner to a town, except its carefree ones said: "We found our fathers following a certain way, and we are being guided in their footsteps."
Qaribullah As such, We never sent a warner before you to a village, except those living in luxury said: 'We found our fathers following a creed, and by following in their footsteps we are guided. '

George SaleThus We sent no preacher, before thee, unto any city, but the inhabitants thereof who lived in affluence, said, verily we found our fathers practising a religion: And we tread in their footsteps.
JM RodwellAnd thus never before thy time did we send a warner to any city but its wealthy ones said: "Verily we found our fathers with a religion, and in their tracks we tread."

AsadAnd thus it is: whenever We sent, before thy time, a warner to any community, those of its people who had lost themselves entirely in the pursuit of pleasures would always say, [For this rendering of the term mutraf (derived from the verb tarafa), see note on 11:116.] "Behold, we found our forefathers agreed on what to believe - and, verily, it is but in their footsteps that we follow!" [Commenting on this passage, Razi says: "Had there been in the Quran nothing but these verses, they would have sufficed to show the falsity of the principle postulating [a Muslim's] blind, unquestioning adoption of [another person's] religious opinions (ibtal al-qawl bit-taqlid): for, God has made it clear [in these verses] that those deniers of the truth had not arrived at their convictions by way of reason, and neither on the clear authority of a revealed text, but solely by blindly adopting the opinions of their forebears and predecessors; and all this God has mentioned in terms of blame and sharp disparagement."]



az-Zukhruf 043:024

43:24 قل او لو جئتكم باهدى مما وجدتم عليه اباءكم قالوا انا بما ارسلتم به كافرون


TransliterationQala awa law ji/tukum bi-ahda mimma wajadtum AAalayhi abaakum qaloo inna bima orsiltum bihi kafiroona
LiteralHe (the messenger) said : "Even if I came to you with more guiding than what you found on it your fathers?" They said: "We (E) (are) with what you were sent with it (are) disbelievers."

Yusuf AliHe said: "What! Even if I brought you better guidance than that which ye found your fathers following?" They said: "For us, we deny that ye (prophets) are sent (on a mission at all)."
Pickthal(And the warner) said: What! Even though I bring you better guidance than that ye found your fathers following? They answered: Lo! in what ye bring we are disbelievers.
Arberry Say: 'What, though I should bring you a better guidance than you found your fathers upon?' They say, 'We disbelieve in that you were sent with.'
Shakir(The warner) said: What! even if I bring to you a better guide than that on which you found your fathers? They said: Surely we are unbelievers in that with which you are sent.
SarwarThe Messengers would say, "Would you still follow in the footsteps of your fathers even if I was to bring you better guidance?" They would say, "We have no faith in your message".
Khalifa(The messenger) would say, "What if I brought to you better guidance than what you inherited from your parents?" They would say, "We are disbelievers in the message you brought."
Hilali/Khan(The warner) said: "Even if I bring you better guidance than that which you found your fathers following?" They said: "Verily, We disbelieve in that with which you have been sent."
H/K/Saheeh[Each warner] said, "Even if I brought you better guidance than that [religion] upon which you found your fathers?" They said, "Indeed we, in that with which you were sent, are disbelievers."
MalikEach Warner asked: "What if I bring you better guidance than that which your forefathers practiced?" But they replied: "Well! We reject the faith with which you have been sent."[24]
QXP(Whereupon the Prophet would say), "Why! Even though I bring you better guidance than that you found your ancestors following?" They replied, "Behold, We deny what you are sent with."
Maulana Ali(The warner) said: And even if I bring to you a better guide than that which you found your fathers following? They said: We surely disbelieve in that with which you are sent.
Free MindsHe said: "What if I brought to you better guidance than what you found your fathers upon?" They said: "We are disbelievers in that with which you have been sent."
Qaribullah Say: 'What then if I bring you a better guidance than that you found your fathers following? ' But they reply: 'We disbelieve in that you have been sent with.'

George SaleAnd the preacher answered, what, although I bring you a more right religion than that which ye found your fathers to practise? And they replied, verily we believe not that which ye are sent to preach.
JM RodwellSAY,-such was our command to that apostle-"What! even if I bring you a religion more right than that ye found your fathers following?" And they said, "Verily we believe not in your message."

Asad[Whereupon each prophet] would say, [Whereas in some of the readings of the Quran the opening word of this verse is vocalized as an imperative, qul ("say"), the reading of Hafs ibn Sulayman al-Asadi - on which this translation is based - gives the pronunciation qala ("he said" or, since it is a repeated occurrence, "he would say").] "Why, even though I bring you guidance better than that which you found your forefathers believing in?" - [to which] the others would reply, "Behold, we deny that there is any truth in [what you claim to be] your messages!"



az-Zukhruf 043:025

43:25 فانتقمنا منهم فانظر كيف كان عاقبة المكذبين


TransliterationFaintaqamna minhum faonthur kayfa kana AAaqibatu almukaththibeena
LiteralSo We revenged from them, so see/wonder about how was the liars'/deniers' end/turn (result).

Yusuf AliSo We exacted retribution from them: now see what was the end of those who rejected (Truth)!
PickthalSo We requited them. Then see the nature of the consequence for the rejecters!
Arberry So We took vengeance upon them; and behold how was the end of them that cried lies.
ShakirSo We inflicted retribution on them, then see how was the end of the rejecters.
SarwarWe took revenge on them. See how terrible the end of those who rejected (Or revelations) was!
KhalifaConsequently, we requited them. Note the consequences for the rejectors.
Hilali/KhanSo We took revenge of them, then see what was the end of those who denied (Islamic Monotheism).
H/K/SaheehSo we took retribution from them; then see how was the end of the deniers.
MalikConsequently, We inflicted Our retribution on them; then see what was the end of those who disbelieved?[25]
QXPAnd so We requited them. Then see what the outcome of the deniers was.
Maulana AliSo We exacted retribution from them, then see what was the end of the rejectors!
Free MindsConsequently, We took revenge upon them. So see how was the consequences of the deniers.
Qaribullah So We took vengeance upon them, and see how the end was of those who lied.

George SaleWherefore We took vengeance on them: And behold what hath been the end of those who accused our Apostles of imposture.
JM RodwellWherefore we took vengeance on them, and behold what hath been the end of those who treated our messengers as liars!

AsadAnd so We inflicted Our retribution on them: and behold what happened in the end to those who gave the lie to the truth!



az-Zukhruf 043:026

43:26 واذ قال ابراهيم لابيه وقومه انني براء مما تعبدون


TransliterationWa-ith qala ibraheemu li-abeehi waqawmihi innanee baraon mimma taAAbudoona
LiteralAnd when Abraham said to his father and his nation: "That I am innocent from what you worship."

Yusuf AliBehold! Abraham said to his father and his people: "I do indeed clear myself of what ye worship:
PickthalAnd when Abraham said unto his father and his folk: Lo! I am innocent of what ye worship
Arberry And when Abraham said to his father and his people, 'Surely I am quit of that you serve,
ShakirAnd when Ibrahim said to his father and his people: Surely I am clear of what you worship,
SarwarWhen Abraham said to his father and his people, "I boldly renounce what you worship
KhalifaAbraham said to his father and his people, "I disown what you worship.
Hilali/KhanAnd (remember) when Ibraheem (Abraham) said to his father and his people: "Verily, I am innocent of what you worship,
H/K/SaheehAnd [mention, O Muúammad], when Abraham said to his father and his people, "Indeed, I am disassociated from that which you worship
MalikBehold! Abraham said to his father and his people: "I renounce the gods you worship,[26]
QXPAnd when Abraham declared to his father and his people, "Verily, I do indeed free myself of what you worship.
Maulana AliAnd when Abraham said to his sire and his people: I am clear of what you worship,
Free MindsAnd when Abraham said to his father and his people: "I am innocent of that which you worship."
Qaribullah (Remember) when Abraham, said to his father and his nation: 'I am quit from what you worship,

George SaleRemember when Abraham said unto his father, and his people, verily I am clear of the gods which ye worship,
JM RodwellAnd bear in mind when Abraham said to his father and to his people, "Verily I am clear of what ye worship,

AsadAND WHEN Abraham spoke to his father and his people, [he had this very truth in mind:] [Namely, the inadmissibility of blindly accepting the religious views sanctioned by mere ancestral tradition and thus prevalent in one's environment, and regarding them as valid even though they may conflict with one's reason and/or divine revelation. Abraham's search after truth is mentioned several times in the Quran, and particularly in 6:74 ff. and 21:51 ff.] "Verily, far be it from me to worship what you worship!



az-Zukhruf 043:027

43:27 الا الذي فطرني فانه سيهدين


TransliterationIlla allathee fataranee fa-innahu sayahdeeni
LiteralExcept who created me/brought me into being , so that He truly will guide me.

Yusuf Ali"(I worship) only Him Who made me, and He will certainly guide me."
PickthalSave Him Who did create me, for He will surely guide me.
Arberry except Him who originated me; and He will guide me.
ShakirSave Him Who created me, for surely He will guide me.
Sarwarexcept for the One who has created me and will guide me".
Khalifa"Only the One who initiated me can guide me."
Hilali/Khan"Except Him (i.e. I worship none but Allah Alone) Who did create me, and verily, He will guide me."
H/K/SaheehExcept for He who created me; and indeed, He will guide me."
Malikexcept Him Who created me, for He will surely guide me."[27]
QXPNone (shall I serve) but He Who brought me into being, and, behold, He it is Who will guide me."
Maulana AliSave Him Who created me, for surely He will guide me.
Free Minds"Except for the One who initiated me, He will guide me."
Qaribullah except Him who originated me, for He will guide me. '

George Saleexcept Him who hath created me; for He will direct me aright.
JM RodwellSave Him who hath created me; for he will vouchsafe me guidance."

AsadNone [do I worship] but Him who has brought me into being: and, behold, it is He who will guide me!"



az-Zukhruf 043:028

43:28 وجعلها كلمة باقية في عقبه لعلهم يرجعون


TransliterationWajaAAalaha kalimatan baqiyatan fee AAaqibihi laAAallahum yarjiAAoona
LiteralAnd he made it a word/expression , remaining/lasting in his sons/descendants , maybe/perhaps they return.

Yusuf AliAnd he left it as a Word to endure among those who came after him, that they may turn back (to Allah).
PickthalAnd he made it a word enduring among his seed, that haply they might return.
Arberry And he made it a word enduring among his posterity; haply so they would return.
ShakirAnd he made it a word to continue in his posterity that they may return.
SarwarGod made (belief in one God) an everlasting task for his successors, so that perhaps they would return (to Him).
KhalifaThis example (of Abraham) was rendered an everlasting lesson for subsequent generations; perhaps they redeem their souls.
Hilali/KhanAnd he made it (i.e. La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone)) a Word lasting among his offspring (True Monotheism), that they may turn back (i.e. to repent to Allah or receive admonition).
H/K/SaheehAnd he made it a word remaining among his descendants that they might return [to it].
MalikAnd he left this statement as an abiding precept among his descendants, so that they should turn to it.[28]
QXPAnd He left an enduring lesson for subsequent generations that they may seek inspiration from it. (Taking a firm stand against blind following).
Maulana AliAnd he made it a word to continue in his posterity that they might return.
Free MindsAnd he made it a word to last in his subsequent generations; perhaps they may turn back.
Qaribullah He made this an abiding word among his descendants, in order that they would return.

George SaleAnd he ordained this to be a constant doctrine among his posterity; that they should be turned from idolatry to the worship of the only true God.
JM RodwellAnd this he established as a doctrine that should abide among his posterity, that to God might they be turned.

AsadAnd he uttered this as a word destined to endure among those who would come after him, so that they might [always] return [to it].



az-Zukhruf 043:029

43:29 بل متعت هؤلاء واباءهم حتى جاءهم الحق ورسول مبين


TransliterationBal mattaAAtu haola-i waabaahum hatta jaahumu alhaqqu warasoo