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AYAH al-Baqarah 2:26 

Arabic Source and Roman Transliteration
Arabic إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَسْتَحْيِي أَن يَضْرِبَ مَثَلًا مَّا بَعُوضَةً فَمَا فَوْقَهَا فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا فَيَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَيَقُولُونَ مَاذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِهَٰذَا مَثَلًا يُضِلُّ بِهِ كَثِيرًا وَيَهْدِي بِهِ كَثِيرًا وَمَا يُضِلُّ بِهِ إِلَّا الْفَاسِقِين zoom
Transliteration Inna Allaha la yastahyee an yadriba mathalan ma baAAoodatan fama fawqaha faamma allatheena amanoo fayaAAlamoona annahu alhaqqu min rabbihim waamma allatheena kafaroo fayaqooloona matha arada Allahu bihatha mathalan yudillu bihi katheeran wayahdee bihi katheeran wama yudillu bihi illa alfasiqeena zoom
Transliteration-2 inna l-laha lā yastaḥyī an yaḍriba mathalan mā baʿūḍatan famā fawqahā fa-ammā alladhīna āmanū fayaʿlamūna annahu l-ḥaqu min rabbihim wa-ammā alladhīna kafarū fayaqūlūna mādhā arāda l-lahu bihādhā mathalan yuḍillu bihi kathīran wayahdī bihi kathīran wamā yuḍillu bihi illā l-fāsiqīn zoom
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
 Indeed, Allah (is) not ashamed to set forth an example (like) even (of) a mosquito and (even) something above it. Then as for those who believed, [thus] they will know that it (is) the truth from their Lord. And as for those who disbelieved [thus] they will say what (did) intend Allah by this example? He lets go astray by it many and He guides by it many. And not He lets go astray by it except the defiantly disobedient. zoom


Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad Behold, God does not disdain to propound a parable of a gnat, or of something [even] less than that. Now, as for those who have attained to faith, they know that it is the truth from their Sustainer - whereas those who are bent on denying the truth say, "What could God mean by this parable?" In this way does He cause many a one to go astray, just as He guides many a one aright: but none does He cause thereby to go astray save the iniquitous zoom
M. M. Pickthall Lo! Allah disdaineth not to coin the similitude even of a gnat. Those who believe know that it is the truth from their Lord; but those who disbelieve say: What doth Allah wish (to teach) by such a similitude? He misleadeth many thereby, and He guideth many thereby; and He misleadeth thereby only miscreants zoom
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985) Allah disdains not to use the similitude of things, lowest as well as highest. Those who believe know that it is truth from their Lord; but those who reject Faith say: "What means Allah by this similitude?" By it He causes many to stray, and many He leads into the right path; but He causes not to stray, except those who forsake (the path), zoom
Shakir Surely Allah is not ashamed to set forth any parable-- (that of) a gnat or any thing above that; then as for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord, and as for those who disbelieve, they say: What is it that Allah means by this parable: He causes many to err by it and many He leads aright by it! but He does not cause to err by it (any) except the transgressors zoom
Wahiduddin Khan God does not disdain to give a parable about a gnat or a smaller creature. The faithful know that it is the truth from their Lord, but those who deny the truth ask, What could God mean by this parable? He lets many go astray through it, and guides many by it. But He makes only the disobedient go astray zoom
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar Truly, God is not ashamed that He propound a parable, even of a gnat or whatever is above it. So as for those who believed, then, they know that it is The Truth from their Lord, but those who were ungrateful, then they will say: What did God mean by this parable? He causes many to go astray by it and He guides many by it. And He causes none to go astray by it, but the ones who disobey— zoom
T.B.Irving God does not hesitate to compare things to a mosquito nor to anything bigger than it. Those who believe realize that it is the Truth from their Lord, while those who disbelieve say: "What does God want in such a comparison?" He lets so many go astray through it, and guides many by means of it. Yet only immoral persons are led astray by it! zoom
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab Surely Allah does not shy away from using the parable of a mosquito or what is even smaller. As for the believers, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. And as for the disbelievers, they argue, “What does Allah mean by such a parable?” Through this ˹test˺, He leaves many to stray, and guides many. And He leaves none to stray except the rebellious— zoom
Safi Kaskas God is not reluctant to present a proverb about a mosquito or something bigger. Believers know that it is truth from their Lord, but the unbelievers say, "What does God mean by this?" It is a proverb that misguides many and guides many. It misguides only the defiantly disobedient. zoom
Abdul Hye Surely, Allah is not reluctant to set forth an example even of a mosquito or even something more (insignificant) than it. As for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord; but as for those who disbelieve, they say: “What does Allah mean by this example?” By it He misleads many and guides many. He misleads only the disobedient ones zoom
The Study Quran Truly God is not ashamed to set forth a parable of a gnat or something smaller. As for those who believe, they know it is the truth from their Lord, and as for those who disbelieve, they say, “What did God mean by this parable?” He misleads many by it, and He guides many by it, and He misleads none but the iniquitous zoom
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition) God does not shy away from citing the example of a mosquito, or anything above it. As for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. As for the rejecters, they Say: "What does God want with this example" He lets many stray by it, and He guides many, but He only lets stray the evildoers zoom
Abdel Haleem God does not shy from drawing comparisons even with something as small as a gnat, or larger: the believers know it is the truth from their Lord, but the disbelievers say, ‘What does God mean by such a comparison?’ Through it He makes many go astray and leads many to the right path. But it is only the rebels He makes go astray zoom
Abdul Majid Daryabadi Verily Allah is not ashamed to propound a similitude, be it of a gnat or of aught above it. Then as to those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. And to those who disbelieve, they say what intendeth God by similitude? He sendeth many astray thereby, and He guideth many thereby, and He sendeth not astray thereby any except the transgressors zoom
Ahmed Ali God is not loath to advance the similitude of a gnat or a being more contemptible; and those who believe know whatever is from the Lord is true. But those who disbelieve say: "What does God mean by this parable?" He causes some to err this way, and some He guides; yet He turns away none but those who transgress zoom
Aisha Bewley Allah is not ashamed to make an example of a gnat or of an even smaller thing. As for those who have iman, they know it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who are kafir, they say, ´What does Allah mean by this example?´ He misguides many by it and guides many by it. But He only misguides the deviators. zoom
Ali Ünal God does not disdain to strike any parable – (that of) something like a gnat or something greater or lower than it. Those who have already believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. As to those whose unbelief has long been established in their hearts, they say, "What does God mean by such a parable?" Thereby He leads many astray, and thereby He guides many. He thereby leads none astray save the transgressors zoom
Ali Quli Qara'i Indeed Allah is not ashamed to draw a parable whether it is that of a gnat or something above it. As for those who have faith, they know it is the truth from their Lord; and as for the faithless, they say, ‘What did Allah mean by this parable?’ Thereby He leads many astray, and thereby He guides many; and He leads no one astray thereby except the transgressor zoom
Hamid S. Aziz Behold! Allah does not disdain to set forth a similitude even of a gnat, or anything lower or higher; and as for those who believe, they know that it is truth from the Lord; but as for those who disbelieve, they say, "What is it that Allah means by zoom
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali Surely Allah does not shy from striking a likeness even of a gnat, or anything above it. So for the ones who have believed, (then) they know that it is the Truth from their Lord, and as for the ones who have disbelieved, then they say, "What is it that Allah would (teach) by this for a similitude?"Thereby He leads many into error, and thereby He guides many; and thereby in no way does He lead into error anyone except the immoral. (The ungodly, the depraved zoom
Muhammad Sarwar God does not hesitate to set forth parables of anything even a gnat. The believers know that it is the truth from their Lord, but those who deny the truth say, "What does God mean by such parables?" In fact, by such parables God misleads and guides many. However, He only misleads the evil doer zoom
Muhammad Taqi Usmani Indeed, Allah does not feel shy in citing any parable, be it that of a gnat or of something above it (in meanness). Now, as for those who believe, they know it is the truth from their Lord; while those who disbelieve say, .What could Allah have meant by this parable?. By this He lets many go astray, and by this He makes many find guidance. But He does not let anyone go astray thereby except those who are sinfu zoom
Shabbir Ahmed Behold, Allah does not shy away from citing any kind of allegory, even of an insect. (Men and women of intellect know that abstract phenomena are frequently well defined and understood in that manner). Since the believers exercise reason, (they appreciate this beauty of the Divine Wisdom and) they know that it is the Truth from their Lord. On the other hand, those who have chosen to disbelieve, try to ridicule by saying, "What could Allah mean to teach by this similitude?" Thus His Law of guidance lets go astray many and shows the Way to many. (But note) He never lets go astray except those who drift away from Reason zoom
Syed Vickar Ahamed Indeed, Allah is not ashamed to use the similitude of things, even as low as the mosquito as well as the highest. Those who believe know that it is truth from their Lord; But those who reject Faith will say: "What does Allah mean by this similitude?" But He does not cause (people) to lose (their path) except those who give (themselves) up zoom
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International) Indeed, Allah is not timid to present an example - that of a mosquito or what is smaller than it. And those who have believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did Allah intend by this as an example?" He misleads many thereby and guides many thereby. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient zoom
Farook Malik Allah does not mind using the similitude of a gnat or an even more insignificant creature to teach a lesson. Those who believe, know that it is the truth from their Lord; but the unbelievers say: "What does Allah mean by such a similitude?" By such a similitude Allah confounds many and enlightens many. He confounds none except the transgressors zoom
Dr. Munir Munshey Of course, Allah is not ashamed to quote and narrate the parable of a gnat, or anything smaller. Those who believe know that it certainly is the truth from their Lord. But those who disbelieve, say, "What does Allah mean by this parable?" Thereby, He causes many to stray, and leads many others to the right path! By that, He misleads only the sinful rebellious ones zoom
Dr. Kamal Omar Certainly Allah does not hesitate to put up a point whether it is of least importance or even beyond it. Then those who have Believed, soon shall they know that it is a reality from their Nourisher-Sustainer; and those who have disbelieved soon shall they say: “What did Allah intend by this point?” By it, He misleads many, and many He guides thereby. And He misleads thereby only those who are Al-Fasiqun zoom
Talal A. Itani (new translation) God does not shy away from making an example of a gnat, or something above it. As for those who believe, they know that it is the Truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, 'What did God intend by this example?' He leads astray many thereby, and He guides many thereby; but He misleads thereby only the evildoers zoom
Maududi Well, Allah is not ashamed to cite the similitude of a gnat or of something even more insignificant than this. As for those who believe, they come to know from the same similitude that it is the Revelation from their Lord; but those who disbelieve, say, "What does Allah mean by such similitudes?" Allah leads astray many and guides many to the right way by the same thing. And He leads astray only those who disobey Allah zoom
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad God does not shy away from giving example of a mosquito or something beyond it (bigger or smaller). And as for those who believed, they know that it is the truth and from their Master. And as for those who disbelieved, they say: what did God mean by this example? He misguides many by it, and guides many by it, while He only misguides the disobedient ones with it zoom
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018) God does not hesitate to use examples of the lowest of things as well as the highest. Those who believe know that this is the truth from their Lord, but those who do not believe say, “What does God mean by this parable?” By it He allows many to stray, and many He leads to the straight path, but He allows none to stray except those who leave the path zoom
Musharraf Hussain Allah is not embarrassed to give the example of a mosquito or something even smaller. Those who believe know that this is the truth from their Lord, but those who disbelieve say: “What does Allah mean by this example?” He allows many to be misguided by it and others to be guided; yetonly the disobedient are misguided by it, zoom
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition) God does not shy away from putting forth the example of a mosquito, or anything above it. As for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. As for the rejecters, they say: "What does God intend with this example?" He strays many by it, and He guides many by it; but He only strays by it the wicked. zoom
Mohammad Shafi Indeed, Allah blushes not at quoting an example of even a fly or of anything tinier. Those, then, who believe, know this to be nothing but the Truth from their Lord. And those who suppress the Truth, question, "What is Allah's intention in giving such an example?" By it, He sends many astray; and, by it, He guides many to the Right Path. And He send astray none by it, but the wicked zoom

Controversial, deprecated, or status undetermined works
Bijan Moeinian God is definitely not ashamed to refer to a tiny mosquito—or a bigger creature of his own—as an example to make a point. The believers get the message from the example; the unbelievers (on the other hand) will say: “What does God mean by these stupid examples?” Many are misled and many are lead by these examples to the right path; only the wicked ones are misled [as they do not get the message in account of their attitude.] zoom
Faridul Haque Indeed Allah does not, for the sake of explanation, shy to illustrate an example of anything, whether it is of a gnat or something further (inferior) than it; so the believers know it is the Truth from their Lord; as for the disbelievers, they say, "What does Allah intend by such an example?" He misleads many thereby, and He guides many thereby; and with it He misleads only those who are rebellious zoom
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah Allah is not shy to strike a parable whatsoever a gnat or larger. Those who believe know that it is the truth from their Lord. As for those who disbelieve they ask: 'What could Allah mean by this parable? By it, Allah misleads many and guides many. ' But He misleads none except the evildoers zoom
Maulana Muhammad Ali Surely Allah disdains not to set forth any parable -- a gnat or anything above that. Then as for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord; and as for those who disbelieve, they say: What is it that Allah means by this parable? Many he leaves in error by it and many He leads aright by it. And He leaves in error by it only the transgressors zoom
Muhammad Ahmed - Samira That God does not (feel) shame that (He) gives/strikes an example , (of) any a mosquito (and) so what (is) above it, so but those who believed, so they know that it (is) the truth from their Lord, and but those who disbelieved, so they say: "What did God want/intend with that (as) an example/proverb?" He misguides with it many, and He guides with it many, and He does not misguide with it except the debauchers zoom
Sher Ali ALLAH disdains not to give an illustration - as small as a gnat or even smaller. Those who believe know that it is the truth from their Lord, while those who disbelieve say, `What does ALLAH mean by such an illustration?' Many does HE adjudge by it to be in error and many by it does HE guide, and none does HE adjudge thereby to be in error except the disobedient zoom
Rashad Khalifa GOD does not shy away from citing any kind of allegory, from the tiny mosquito and greater. As for those who believe, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. As for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did GOD mean by such an allegory?" He misleads many thereby, and guides many thereby. But He never misleads thereby except the wicked, zoom
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi) Surely, Allah not ashamed of describing any thing for illustration, be it a gnat or above it, hence those who accepted faith, they know that it is the truth from their Lord, and those who are disbeliveers they say, "What does Allah mean by such a similitude". Allah sends astray many by it and guides many and Bends astray those by it who are disobedient zoom
Amatul Rahman Omar Indeed, Allah does not disdain to cite a parable of (a thing) even (as small as) a gnat or (of something) smaller than that. (Be it as it may) those who have believed know that this is a true (parable) from their Lord. As for those who disbelieve say, `What could Allah mean by (citing) such a parable?' Many does He adjudge to be erring because of these (parables) and many does He guide through them. Yet it is only the transgressors whom He adjudges to be erring because of them zoom
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri Indeed, Allah is not reluctant to narrate some example (for better comprehension), whether of a mosquito or something even more (disgusting) than that. The believers know well that this example is (a pointer to the truth) from their Lord. But those who have adopted disbelief ask (on hearing): ‘What could Allah mean by this example?’ (In this way) Allah holds many astray, and guides many aright with the same example. And by this He leaves in error only those who are (already) disobedient zoom
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali Verily, Allah is not ashamed to set forth a parable even of a mosquito or so much more when it is bigger (or less when it is smaller) than it. And as for those who believe, they know that it is the Truth from their Lord, but as for those who disbelieve, they say: "What did Allah intend by this parable?" By it He misleads many, and many He guides thereby. And He misleads thereby only those who are Al-Fasiqoon (the rebellious, disobedient to Allah) zoom

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry God is not ashamed to strike a similitude even of a gnat, or aught above it. As for the believers, they know it is the truth from their Lord; but as for unbelievers, they say, 'What did God desire by this for a similitude?' Thereby He leads many astray, and thereby He guides many; and thereby He leads none astray save the ungodl zoom
Edward Henry Palmer Why, God is not ashamed to set forth a parable of a gnat, or anything beyond; and as for those who believe, they know that it is truth from the Lord; but as for those who disbelieve, they say, 'What is it that God means by this as a parable? He leads astray many and He guides many;' - but He leads astray only the evildoers zoom
George Sale Moreover God will not be ashamed to propound in a parable a gnat, or even a more despicable thing; for they who believe will know it to be the truth from their Lord; but the unbelievers will say, What meaneth God by this parable? He will thereby mislead many, and will direct many thereby: but He will not mislead any thereby, except the transgressors zoom
John Medows Rodwell Verily God is not ashamed to set forth as well the instance of a gnat as of any nobler object: for as to those who have believed, they know it to be the truth from their Lord; but as to the unbelievers, they will say, "What meaneth God by this comparison?" Many will He mislead by such parables and many guide: but none will He mislead thereby except the wicked zoom
N J Dawood (2014) Surely God does not disdain to make comparison with a gnat or with a larger creature. The faithful know that it is the Truth from their Lord, but the unbelievers ask: ‘What could God mean by this comparison?‘ By such comparison God confounds many and enlightens many. But He confounds none except the ungodly, zoom

New and/or Partial Translations, and works in progress
Linda “iLHam” Barto Truly, Allah does not mind using parables about anything. It doesn’t matter if the parable is about a gnat or something bigger. Believers know that it is the truth from their Lord. Unbelievers say, “What does Allah mean by this story?” By it, He causes many to stray, and He guides many. He does not cause anyone to stray except those who are mean. zoom
Sayyid Qutb God does not disdain to give a parable of a gnat, or a higher creature. Those who believe know that it is the truth from their Lord, while the unbelievers ask, 'What could God mean by such a parable?' In this way, God lets many go astray and gives guidance to many others, but none does He leave to go astray except the evildoers. zoom
Ahmed Hulusi Indeed, Allah will not hesitate to use the example of a mosquito wing, or even a smaller item. And those who fulfill the requisites of their faith know that this is the Truth originating from their Rabb. But as for those who deny this truth, (without contemplating upon the examples that are provided) they say, “What did Allah mean with this example?” This parable leads many astray (due to the incapacity of their creational program – natural disposition [fitrah]) and some, it directs to the truth (to the realization of their essence). (With this parable) Allah misleads no other than those who have lost their purity (who have become veiled from the truth)! zoom
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli Allah does not disdain to set forth the parable even of a gnat, or anything greater than that. As for those who have Faith, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. And for those who reject Faith, they ask : ' What does Allah mean by this parable? ' Thereby He leads many astray and guides many, and He leads none astray save the transgressors zoom
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur'an al-Karim Allah is by no means reluctant from fear of shame to give an allegory applying creatures as small as a gnat or a larger creature to describe subjects under the guise of some other subject of aptly suggestive resemblance intended to convey a useful lesson by which moral and spiritual relations are typically set forth. As to those whose hearts have been impressed with the image of religious and spiritual virtues, they know well that the simile narrated by Allah, their Creator, is the truth personified as it illustrates and ennobles the subject. But those who deny Allah wonder to hear Allah talk after this manner and they say: "What does Allah mean by such a parable?" In effect, such parables as Allah discourses are intended to stray the many who counsel deaf to the truth and to guide the many who have clean hearts to the path of righteousness and He misguides only the wicked who confirm themselves in the evil purpose and the ill intention zoom
Mir Aneesuddin Allah is certainly not ashamed to set forth the similitude of a fly or something above that, then as for those who believe they know that it is the truth from their Fosterer and as for those who do not believe, they say, "What is it that Allah intends by this similitude?" He misleads many with it and He guides many with it, but He does not mislead anyone with it except the transgressors *, * Those who exceed the limits ( fasiqeen ). zoom
The Ascendant Qur‘an, Muhammad H. al-‘Asi Behold, Allah does not disdain to propound a parable of a gnat, or of something [even] less than that. Now, as for those who are committed [to Allah], they know that it is the truth from their Sustainer — whereas those who are bent on denying the truth say, “What could Allah mean by this parable?” In this way does He cause many a one to go astray, just as He guides many a one aright: but none does He cause thereby to go astray save the degenerates zoom

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