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Muhammad Asad   
Or [art thou, O man, of the same mind] as he who passed by a town deserted by its people, with its roofs caved in, [and] said, "How could God bring all this back to life after its death?" Thereupon God caused him to be dead for a hundred years; where after He brought him back to life [and] said: "How long hast thou remained thus?" He answered: "I have remained thus a day, or part of a day." Said [God]: "Nay, but thou hast remained thus for a hundred years! But look at thy food and thy drink-untouched is it by the passing of years - and look at thine ass! And [We did all this so that We might make thee a symbol unto men. And look at the bones [of animals and men] - how We put them together and then clothe them with flesh!" And when [all this] became clear to him, he said: "I know [now] that God has the power to will anything!"
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
Or ˹are you not aware of˺ the one who passed by a city which was in ruins. He wondered, “How could Allah bring this back to life after its destruction?” So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years then brought him back to life. Allah asked, “How long have you remained ˹in this state˺?” He replied, “Perhaps a day or part of a day.” Allah said, “No! You have remained here for a hundred years! Just look at your food and drink—they have not spoiled. ˹But now˺ look at ˹the remains of˺ your donkey! And ˹so˺ We have made you into a sign for humanity. And look at the bones ˹of the donkey˺, how We bring them together then clothe them with flesh!” When this was made clear to him, he declared, “˹Now˺ I know that Allah is Most Capable of everything.”
Safi Kaskas   
Or, [consider] the one who passed by a town which had fallen into ruin. He said, "How can God bring back those who were once alive here after their death?" God made him die for a hundred years, and then resurrected him. He said, "How long have you stayed?" He said, "A day or part of a day." He said, "You stayed for a hundred years. Look at your food and your drink. They have not gone bad. Look at your dead donkey. We will make you a sign for people. Look how We raise the bones, and then cover them with flesh." When he saw it, he said, "I know that God has power over all things."

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Arabic   
أَوۡ كَٱلَّذِی مَرَّ عَلَىٰ قَرۡیَةࣲ وَهِیَ خَاوِیَةٌ عَلَىٰ عُرُوشِهَا قَالَ أَنَّىٰ یُحۡیِۦ هَـٰذِهِ ٱللَّهُ بَعۡدَ مَوۡتِهَاۖ فَأَمَاتَهُ ٱللَّهُ مِا۟ئَةَ عَامࣲ ثُمَّ بَعَثَهُۥۖ قَالَ كَمۡ لَبِثۡتَۖ قَالَ لَبِثۡتُ یَوۡمًا أَوۡ بَعۡضَ یَوۡمࣲۖ قَالَ بَل لَّبِثۡتَ مِا۟ئَةَ عَامࣲ فَٱنظُرۡ إِلَىٰ طَعَامِكَ وَشَرَابِكَ لَمۡ یَتَسَنَّهۡۖ وَٱنظُرۡ إِلَىٰ حِمَارِكَ وَلِنَجۡعَلَكَ ءَایَةࣰ لِّلنَّاسِۖ وَٱنظُرۡ إِلَى ٱلۡعِظَامِ كَیۡفَ نُنشِزُهَا ثُمَّ نَكۡسُوهَا لَحۡمࣰاۚ فَلَمَّا تَبَیَّنَ لَهُۥ قَالَ أَعۡلَمُ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَیۡءࣲ قَدِیرࣱ ۝٢٥٩
Transliteration (2021)   
aw ka-alladhī marra ʿalā qaryatin wahiya khāwiyatun ʿalā ʿurūshihā qāla annā yuḥ'yī hādhihi l-lahu baʿda mawtihā fa-amātahu l-lahu mi-ata ʿāmin thumma baʿathahu qāla kam labith'ta qāla labith'tu yawman aw baʿḍa yawmin qāla bal labith'ta mi-ata ʿāmin fa-unẓur ilā ṭaʿāmika washarābika lam yatasannah wa-unẓur ilā ḥimārika walinajʿalaka āyatan lilnnāsi wa-unẓur ilā l-ʿiẓāmi kayfa nunshizuhā thumma naksūhā laḥman falammā tabayyana lahu qāla aʿlamu anna l-laha ʿalā kulli shayin qadīru
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
Or like the one who passed by a township, and it (had) overturned on its roofs. He said, "How (will) bring to life this (town) Allah after its death?" Then he was made to die (by) Allah (for) a hundred year(s), then He raised him. He said, "How long (have) you remained?" He said, "I remained (for) a day or a part (of) a day." He said, "Nay, you (have) remained one hundred year(s). Then look at your food and your drink, (they did) not change with time, and look at your donkey, and We will make you a sign for the people. And look at the bones how We raise them, then We cover them (with) flesh." Then when became clear to him, he said, "I know that Allah (is) on every thing All-Powerful."

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
Or [art thou, O man, of the same mind] as he who passed by a town deserted by its people, with its roofs caved in, [and] said, "How could God bring all this back to life after its death?" Thereupon God caused him to be dead for a hundred years; where after He brought him back to life [and] said: "How long hast thou remained thus?" He answered: "I have remained thus a day, or part of a day." Said [God]: "Nay, but thou hast remained thus for a hundred years! But look at thy food and thy drink-untouched is it by the passing of years - and look at thine ass! And [We did all this so that We might make thee a symbol unto men. And look at the bones [of animals and men] - how We put them together and then clothe them with flesh!" And when [all this] became clear to him, he said: "I know [now] that God has the power to will anything!"
M. M. Pickthall   
Or (bethink thee of) the like of him who, passing by a township which had fallen into utter ruin, exclaimed: How shall Allah give this township life after its death? And Allah made him die a hundred years, then brought him back to life. He said: How long hast thou tarried? (The man) said: I have tarried a day or part of a day. (He) said: Nay, but thou hast tarried for a hundred years. Just look at thy food and drink which have not rotted! Look at thine ass! And, that We may make thee a token unto mankind, look at the bones, how We adjust them and then cover them with flesh! And when (the matter) became clear unto him, he said: I know now that Allah is Able to do all things
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
Or (take) the similitude of one who passed by a hamlet, all in ruins to its roofs. He said: "Oh! how shall Allah bring it (ever) to life, after (this) its death?" but Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again). He said: "How long didst thou tarry (thus)?" He said: (Perhaps) a day or part of a day." He said: "Nay, thou hast tarried thus a hundred years; but look at thy food and thy drink; they show no signs of age; and look at thy donkey: And that We may make of thee a sign unto the people, Look further at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh." When this was shown clearly to him, he said: "I know that Allah hath power over all things."
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
Or ˹are you not aware of˺ the one who passed by a city which was in ruins. He wondered, “How could Allah bring this back to life after its destruction?” So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years then brought him back to life. Allah asked, “How long have you remained ˹in this state˺?” He replied, “Perhaps a day or part of a day.” Allah said, “No! You have remained here for a hundred years! Just look at your food and drink—they have not spoiled. ˹But now˺ look at ˹the remains of˺ your donkey! And ˹so˺ We have made you into a sign for humanity. And look at the bones ˹of the donkey˺, how We bring them together then clothe them with flesh!” When this was made clear to him, he declared, “˹Now˺ I know that Allah is Most Capable of everything.”
Safi Kaskas   
Or, [consider] the one who passed by a town which had fallen into ruin. He said, "How can God bring back those who were once alive here after their death?" God made him die for a hundred years, and then resurrected him. He said, "How long have you stayed?" He said, "A day or part of a day." He said, "You stayed for a hundred years. Look at your food and your drink. They have not gone bad. Look at your dead donkey. We will make you a sign for people. Look how We raise the bones, and then cover them with flesh." When he saw it, he said, "I know that God has power over all things."
Wahiduddin Khan   
Or of him who, when passing by a town the roofs of which had caved in, exclaimed, How will God restore it to life after its destruction?Thereupon God caused him to die, and after a hundred years, brought him back to life. God asked, How long have you remained in this state? He answered, I have remained a day or part of a day. God said, No, you have remained in this state for a hundred years. Now look at your food and your drink; they have not rotted. Look at your ass. We will make you a sign to mankind. Look at the boneshow We set them together, then clothe them with flesh! When it had all become clear to him, he said, Now I know that God has power over all things
Shakir   
Or the like of him (Uzair) who passed by a town, and it had fallen down upon its roofs; he said: When will Allah give it life after its death? So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him to life. He said: How long have you tarried? He said: I have tarried a day, or a part of a day. Said He: Nay! you have tarried a hundred years; then look at your food and drink-- years have not passed over it; and look at your ass; and that We may make you a sign to men, and look at the bones, how We set them together, then clothed them with flesh; so when it became clear to him, he said: I know that Allah has power over all things
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
Or like the one who passed by a town and it was one that has fallen down into ruins. He said: How will God give life to this after its death? So God caused him to die for a hundred years. Again, He raised him up. He said: How long hadst thou lingered in expectation? He said: I lingered in expectation for a day or some part of a day. He said: Nay. Thou hadst lingered in expectation a hundred years. Then look on thy food and thy drink. They are not spoiled. And look on thy donkey. We made thee a sign for humanity. And look on the bones, how We set them up. Again, We will clothe them with flesh. So when it became clear to him, he said: I know that God is Powerful over everything.
T.B.Irving   
Or like the man who passed by a town whose roofs had caved in. He said: "How will God revive this following its death?" God let him die for a hundred years; then raised him up again. He said: "How long have you been waiting here?" He said: "I´ve been waiting a day or part of a day." He said: "Rather you have stayed here a hundred years. Yet look at your food and drink: they have not yet even become stale! And look at your donkey. We will grant you it as a sign for mankind. Look how We set its bones together, then clothe them with flesh." When it was explained to him. he said: "I know that God is Capable of everything!"
Abdul Hye   
Or like the one (Ezra) who passed by a town and it had tumbled upon its roofs. He said: "How will Allah ever bring life to this town after its death?" So Allah caused him to die for 100 years, and then raised him to life (again). He asked: "How long did you remain (dead)?" Ezra said: "I remained dead for a day or part of a day." He said: "Nay, you have remained dead for 100 years: look at your food and your drink, they did not show change (not rotten); and look at your donkey (even its bones decayed)! And thus We have made you a sign for mankind. Look at the bones (of the donkey), how We put them together and then clothe them with flesh (and bring back to life)?" When it was clearly shown to him, he said, "I know (now) that Allah has power over every thing."
The Study Quran   
Or [think of] the like of him who passed by a town as it lay fallen upon its roofs. He said, “How shall God give life to this after its death?” So God caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up. He said, “How long hast thou tarried?” He said, “I tarried a day or part of a day.” He said, “Nay, thou hast tarried a hundred years. Look, then, at thy food and thy drink—they have not spoiled. And look at thy donkey. And [this was done] that We may make thee a sign for mankind. And look at the bones, how We set them up, then clothe them with flesh.” When it became clear to him he said, “I know that God has power over all things.
Talal Itani & AI (2024)   
Consider the man who came upon a deserted village and wondered, “How can God revive this after its death?” Then God caused him to die for a century and then resurrected him. He asked, “How long did you remain?” He replied, “I remained for a day or part of a day.” He said, “No, you remained for a hundred years. Look at your food and drink; they haven’t spoiled. And look at your donkey. We will make you a sign for people. Look at the bones, how We reconstruct them and then clothe them with flesh.” When it was made clear to him, he said, “I know that God is capable of everything.”
Talal Itani (2012)   
Or like him who passed by a town collapsed on its foundations. He said, 'How can God revive this after its demise?' Thereupon God caused him to die for a hundred years, and then resurrected him. He said, 'For how long have you tarried?' He said, 'I have tarried for a day, or part of a day.' He said, 'No. You have tarried for a hundred years. Now look at your food and your drink—it has not spoiled—and look at your donkey. We will make you a wonder for mankind. And look at the bones, how We arrange them, and then clothe them with flesh.' So when it became clear to him, he said, 'I know that God has power over all things.'
Dr. Kamal Omar   
Or like the one who passed through a city while this (habitation) stands destroyed upto over its roofs. He said: “How will Allah ever bring it to life after its death?” Then Allah gave him death lasting a hundred years. Then He revived and raised him up. (Allah) asked: “How long have you stayed?” He said: “I have stayed a day or part of a day.” Allah said: “Nay! You have stayed for a hundred years. So look at your food and your drink: it has not decomposed! And look at your ass (which is dead, the body is decomposed and the only remains are bare bones with no sign of flesh over them)! And so that We may make you a sign and proof for mankind (to understand the phenomenon of Resurrection). And look at the bones (of your ass) how We separate (to reset) them; then We cover them in flesh!” Then when the process got explained to him he said: “I do understand that certainly Allah is All-Capable over every thing.”
M. Farook Malik   
Or take another example of the one (Prophet Ezra) who passed by a town which had fallen down upon its roofs. He exclaimed: "How can Allah bring this dead township back to life?" Thereupon Allah caused him to die, and after one hundred years brought him back to life. Allah asked: "How long did you remain here?" Ezra replied: "Perhaps a day or part of a day." Allah said: "Nay! You have remained here for one hundred years: now just have a look at your food and drink; they are not rotten; and then look at your donkey and see that his very bones have decayed. We have done this to make you a Sign for mankind. Look at the bones of your donkey how We bring them together then clothe them with flesh and bring him back to life! When this all was shown clearly to him he said: "Now I know that Allah has power over everything."
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
Or (such as) he who passed by a town, and it was completely devastated upon its trellises. He said, "However will Allah give life to this (town) after its death?" So Allah made him die a hundred seasons; (i.e., years) thereafter He made him rise again. He Allah) said, "How long have you lingered?" He said, "I have lingered a day or part of a day." He said, "No indeed, you have lingered a hundred seasons; So, look at your food and drink; it has not spoiled. And look at your ass, and, that We would make you a sign for mankind. And look at the bones, how We shall re-animate them, and afterwards dress them with flesh". So, as soon as it was evident to him, he said, "I know that Allah is Ever-Determiner over everything."
Muhammad Sarwar   
(Or have you heard) of the one who, on passing through an empty and ruined town, said, "When will God bring it to life?" God caused him to die and brought him back to life after a hundred years and then asked him, "How long have you been here?" He replied, "One day or part of a day." The Lord said, "No, you have been here for one hundred years. Look at your food and drink. They have not yet decayed. But look at your donkey and its bones. To make your case evidence (of the Truth) for the people, see how we bring the bones together and cover them with flesh." When he learned the whole story, he said, "Now I know that God has power over all things."
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
Or, (do you not know) the example of the one who passed through a town that had collapsed on its roofs. He said: .How shall Allah revive this after it is dead?. So, Allah made him dead for a hundred years, then raised him saying: .How long did you remain (in this state)?. He said: .I remained for a day or part of a day. Said He: .Rather, you remained (dead) for a hundred years. Just look at your food and your drink; it has not spoiled. Now look at your donkey. (We did) this to make you a sign for people! Look at the bones, how We raise them, then dress them with flesh. So, when it was clear to him, he said: .I know that Allah is Powerful over everything
Shabbir Ahmed   
. The similitude of this history is that someone passes by the ruins of a town and wonders if that town could ever come back to life again, and Allah causes him to die for a hundred years and then revives him. He thinks it was only a matter of a day or a part of it. He even finds his food, drink, and donkey standing beside him. Allah creates you in the wombs of your mothers, in bone and flesh. And when the matter became clear to him, he said, "I know now that Allah is Able to do all things."
Dr. Munir Munshey   
Just as the case of the man who passed by (the ruins of) a town that lay upside down on its roofs. He said (to himself), "How will Allah bring the people of this town back to life after death?" Thereby, Allah let him die (and stay dead) for a hundred years. Then, He brought him back to life and asked him, "How long did you stay (dead)?" The man replied, "I stayed a day or perhaps a part of it." (Allah) said, "In fact, you have stayed (in this state) a hundred years. Look at your food and your drink. It hasn´t become stale at all. Now, look at your donkey. We will turn you into a sign for (other) people. Look at the bones and watch how We gather them all together; then watch how We clothe them with flesh." As the reality became evident to him, he remarked,"I know now that Allah is capable of doing all things!"
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
Or (take) the example of one who passed by a little township, all in ruins up to its roofs. He said: "Oh! How shall Allah bring it (ever) to life, after its death?" Then Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, after which He raised him up (again) from death. Allah said: "How long did you remain (waiting so far)?" He said: "Perhaps a day or part of a day." He (Allah) said: "No, you have waited like this for a hundred years: But look at your food and your drink; They show no signs of age: And look at your donkey: And that We may make for you a Sign for the people look further at the bones, how We bring them together and put flesh on them." When this was shown clearly to him, he said: "I know that Allah is Able (Khadir) to do all things." (For a similar case of the Sleepers of Ephesus, see Ayat 18.9—18.22
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
Or [consider such an example] as the one who passed by a township which had fallen into ruin. He said, "How will Allah bring this to life after its death?" So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years; then He revived him. He said, "How long have you remained?" The man said, "I have remained a day or part of a day." He said, "Rather, you have remained one hundred years. Look at your food and your drink; it has not changed with time. And look at your donkey; and We will make you a sign for the people. And look at the bones [of this donkey] - how We raise them and then We cover them with flesh." And when it became clear to him, he said, "I know that Allah is over all things competent."
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
Or the one who passed through a town, where all its inhabitants had passed away. He said: "How can God possibly resurrect this after its death" So God put him to death for one hundred calendar years, then He resurrected him. He said: "How long have you stayed here" He said: "I have stayed here a day or part of a day." He said: "No, you have stayed here for one hundred calendar years! Look at your food and drink, they have not changed, but look at your mule; and We will make you a sign for the people; and look at the bones how We grow them, then We cover them with flesh." So when it was clear to him what happened, he said: "I now know that God is capable of all things!"
Abdel Haleem   
Or take the one who passed by a ruined town. He said, ‘How will God give this life when it has died?’ So God made him die for a hundred years, and then raised him up, saying, ‘How long did you stay like that?’ He answered, ‘A day, or part of a day.’ God said, ‘No, you stayed like that for a hundred years. Look at your food and drink: they have not gone bad. Look at your donkey- We will make you a sign for the people- look at the bones: see how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh!’ When all became clear to him, he said, ‘Now I know that God has power over everything.’
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
Or, the like unto him who passed by a town, and it lay overturned on its roofs. He said: how shall Allah quicken this after the death thereof Thereupon Allah made him dead for a hundred years, and thereafter raised him and said: how long hast thou tarried He said: I have tarried any day, or part of any day. Allah said: nay! thou hast tarried a hundred years: look at thy food and thy drink, they have not rotten, and look at thine ass; and this We have done in order that We may make of thee a sign unto men; and look thou at the bones, how we shall make them stand up and clothe them with flesh. Then when it became manifest Allah unto him he said: I know that verily everything Potent
Ahmed Ali   
Or take the man who passed by a town which lay destroyed upside down. He said: "How can God restore this city now that it is destroyed?" So God made him die for a hundred years, then brought him back to life, and inquired: "How long did you stay in this state?" "A day or less than a day," he replied. "No," He said, "you were dead a hundred years, yet look at your victuals, they have not decomposed; and look at your ass! We shall make you a warning for men. And regard the bones, how We raise them and clothe them with flesh." When this became clear to him, the man said: "Indeed God has power over all things."
Aisha Bewley   
Or the one who passed by a town which had fallen into ruin? He asked, ´How can Allah restore this to life when it has died?´ Allah caused him to die a hundred years then brought him back to life. Then He asked, ´How long have you been here?´ He replied, ´I have been here a day or part of a day.´ He said, ´Not so! You have been here a hundred years. Look at your food and drink — it has not gone bad — and look at your donkey so We can make you a Sign for all mankind. Look at the bones — how We raise them up and clothe them in flesh.´ When it had become clear to him, he said, ´Now I know that Allah has power over all things.´
Ali Ünal   
Or (as another proof that it is God alone Who gives and takes life, and will restore life to the dead, call to mind) him who passed by a town that had fallen into utter ruin, and asked himself (in bewilderment): "How will God restore life to this town that is now dead?" So God made him remain dead for a hundred years and then raised him to life, and asked him: "How long did you remain in this state?" He said: "I remained so for a day or part of a day." God said: "No, you have rather remained thus for a hundred years. But look at your food and drink: it has not spoiled; and look at your donkey! So We would make you a sign for the people (that they might understand how We have created them and will restore life to them after their death.) And look at the bones, how We will set them up, and then clothe them with flesh." Thus when the truth became clear to him, he said: "I know that God has full power over everything."
Ali Quli Qara'i   
Or him who came upon a township as it lay fallen on its trellises. He said, ‘How will Allah revive this after its death?!’ So Allah made him die for a hundred years, then He resurrected him. He said, ‘How long have you remained?’ Said he, ‘I have remained a day or part of a day.’ He said, ‘Rather you have remained a hundred years. Now look at your food and drink which have not rotted! Then look at your ass! [This was done] that We may make you a sign for mankind. And look at the bones, how We arrange them and then clothe them with flesh!’ When it became evident to him, he said, ‘I know that Allah has power over all things.’
Hamid S. Aziz   
Or the like of him who passed by a town, when it was desolate and in ruins, and said, "How will Allah revive this after its death?" And Allah made him die for a hundred years, and then He raised him, and said, "How long have you tarried?&q;
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
Or like the one who passed by a town where it had fallen down over its roofs (roofs were collapsed), he said: “How does God bring this (town) back to life after its death?” Then God made him die for a hundred years, then He raised him up (and brought him back to life) and said: “How long did you remain (dead)?” He said: “I remained a day or part of a day.” He said: “No, you remained for a hundred years, look at your food and drink, it did not age (or spoil), and look at your donkey (that is turned to bones), and We make you a sign (of resurrection) for the people, and look at the bones (of your donkey) how We put them back together and We cover it with flesh.” So, when it was clear to him, he said: “I know that God is capable of everything.”
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
Or it is like one who passed over a neighborhood in ruins up to its rooftops. He said, “How will God bring it to life after its death?” So God caused him to die for a hundred years then raised him up. He said, “How long have you been here?” He said, “A day or part of a day.” He said, “No, you have been here a hundred years. But look at your food and drink, they show no sign of age, and look at your donkey. And We will make you a sign for humanity. Look further at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh.” Once this became clear to him he said, “I know that God has power over all things.
Musharraf Hussain   
Or take the example ofthe one who passed through a town, its buildings razed to the ground; he asked himself: “How can Allah bring these ruinsto life once they are dead?” So, Allah made him die for hundred years and then brought him back to life. Allahasked him: “How long did you remain deadin such way?” He replied: “Possibly a day or part of a day”. Allah told him: “In fact you remained dead for a hundred years! Look at your food and drink, they have not gone off; but look at your donkey. We have done allthis to make you a sign for people, look at the donkey’sbones, how We put them back together and covered them with flesh”. When it had allbecome clear to him, he said: “I now know that Allah has power over all things”
Maududi   
Or take the case of the one who passed by a township that had fallen down upon its roofs. He exclaimed, "How shall Allah bring back to life this township that has become dead?" At this Allah caused him to die and he lay dead for a hundred years. Then Allah brought him back to life and asked him, "How long have you lain here?" He answered. "I might have lain here for a day or a few hours." Allah said, "Nay, you have been lying here in this state for a hundred years: now, just have a look at your food and your drink; they have not become spoiled in the least. Then have a look at your ass, (and see that his very bones have become rotten) and We have done this in order to make you a Sign for the people. Look, how We raise up the skeleton and set the bones (of the ass) and cover them with flesh and (put breath of life into them)." And when the Reality became manifest to him, he said, "I know that Allah has power over everything."
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
Or the one who passed through a town which had become ruins. He said: "How can God possibly revive this after it had died?" So God put him to death for one hundred years, then He resurrected him. He said: "How long have you stayed here?" He said: "I have stayed here a day or part of a day." He said: "No, you have stayed here for one hundred years! Look at your food and drink, they have not changed, but look at your donkey! And We will make you a sign for the people; and look at the bones how We expand them, then We cover them with flesh." So when it was clear to him what happened, he said: "I now know that God is capable of all things!"
Mohammad Shafi   
Orh, about a situation as the one when a man passed by a settlement which had turned upside down! He said, "How could Allah give life to it after its death?" Allah then caused him to die and to remain dead for a hundred years, and thereafter raised him alive. Asked, "How long did you remain in that condition?", he said, "I remained so for a day, or part of a day." "No! You remained so for a hundred years — look at your food and at your drink, and look at your donkey, haven't these decayed with age; and look at the bones, how We erect these together and clothe these with fles — so that We make you a sign for mankind." Then as the matter became clear to him, he said, "I realise Allah indeed has the power to do anything."

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
Or like him who passed by a town and it was laid down fallen upon its roofs. Spoke he, 'How Allah shall give life to it after its death. Then Allah kept him died for a hundred years; then gave him life. Said, He! 'How long you stayed here, submitted he 'I would have stayed a full day or a little less.' He said, 'No you have passed a hundred years, and look at your food and drink; they are not stinked as yet and look at your ass whose bones even are not safe. And this is that We may make you a sign for the people. And look at these bones how, We set them up, then cover them with flesh. When this matter became clear to him, said, 'I know very well that Allah is Potent over all things.
Rashad Khalifa   
Consider the one who passed by a ghost town and wondered, "How can GOD revive this after it had died?" GOD then put him to death for a hundred years, then resurrected him. He said, "How long have you stayed here?" He said, "I have been here a day, or part of the day." He said, "No! You have been here a hundred years. Yet, look at your food and drink; they did not spoil. Look at your donkey - we thus render you a lesson for the people. Now, note how we construct the bones, then cover them with flesh." When he realized what had happened, he said, "Now I know that GOD is Omnipotent."
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
Or of him, who, when passing by the ruined village that was fallen on its roofs, remarked: 'How can Allah give life to this after its death? ' Thereupon Allahcaused him to die, and after a hundred years He revived him. He asked: 'How long have you remained? ' 'A day, ' he replied, 'or part of a day. ' Allah said: 'Rather, you have remained a hundred years. Look at your food and drink; they have not rotted. And look at your donkey (that had died). We will make you a sign to the people. And look at the bones (of your donkey) how We shall revive them and clothe them with flesh. ' And when it had all become clear to him, he said: 'I know that Allah has power over all things.
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
Or like him who passed by a town, and it had fallen in upon its roofs. He said: When will Allah give it life after its death? So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him. He said: How long hast thou tarried? He said: I have tarried a day, or part of a day. He said: Nay, thou has tarried a hundred years; but look at thy food and drink -- years have not passed over it! And look at thy ass! And that We may make thee a sign to men. And look at the bones, how We set them together then clothe them with flesh. So when it became clear to him, he said: I know that Allah is Possessor of power over all things
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira   
Or like who passed on (by a) village/urban city and it is destroyed/empty on its ceilings/structures .He Said: "How God revives/makes alive this, after its death/ lifelessness?" So God made him die one hundred years, then He revived/resurrected him . He said: "How many/much did you stay/wait/remain?" He said: "I stayed/waited/remained a day or some/part (of) a day." He said: "Yes/but, you stayed/waited/remained one hundred years, so look to your food and your drink, (it) did not change/rot , and look to your donkey and to make/put/manipulate you (E) (as) a sign/evidence to the people, and look to the bones, how We raise and assemble it over each other then We dress/clothe (cover it with) flesh/meat." So when (it) was clarified/explained to him, he said: "I know that God (is) on every thing powerful/capable ."
Bijan Moeinian   
Think also [about the greatness of God by pondering] about the story of the man (probably Uzair) who passed by a ghost town and said: “How can God bring such dead people back to life?” Then the Lord took his soul for a hundred years and when He restored it back to him asked: “How long have you been sleeping?” The man replied: “A few hours or at most a day.” God said to him: “look at your food and drink; they are not spoiled in the least in spite of the fact that you have been dead for a hundred years. I performed this miracle as an example for your peers. Now [in order to impress you the most] look how the bones of your donkey will be reassembled and the meat cover them when I bring it back to life.” When the man saw such reality with his own eyes he said: “Indeed God is capable of doing anything He wills.”
Faridul Haque   
Or like him * who passed by a dwelling and it had fallen flat on its roofs; he said, "How will Allah bring it to life, after its death?"; so Allah kept him dead for a hundred years, then brought him back to life; He said, "How long have you stayed here?"; he replied, "I may have stayed for a day or little less"; He said, "In fact, you have spent a hundred years - so look at your food and drink which do not even smell stale; and look at your donkey whose bones even are not intact - in order that We may make you a sign for mankind - and look at the bones how We assemble them and then cover them with flesh"; so when the matter became clear to him, he said, "I know well that Allah is Able to do all things." (Prophet Uzair - peace be upon him.
Sher Ali   
Or hast thou not heard of the like of him who passed by a town which had fallen down upon its roofs and exclaimed, `When will ALLAH restore it to life after its destruction?' Then ALLAH caused him to die for a hundred years, then HE raised him and said, `How long hast thou remained in this state?' He answered, `I have remained a day or part of a day.' ALLAH said, `It is so but thou hast also remained in this state for a hundred years. Now look at thy food and thy drink; they have not rotted And look at thy ass. And WE have done this that WE may make thee a Sign unto men. And look at the bones, how WE set them and then clothe them with flesh.' And when this became clear to him, he said, `I know that ALLAH has the power to do all that HE wills.
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
Or, likewise, (have you not seen) him who passed by a town which was a wreck with its roofs caved in? He said: ‘How shall Allah bring it back to life after its death?’ So (to make him witness His Power) Allah kept him dead for a hundred years, then gave him life, (and after that) asked: ‘How long (have) you stayed here (after dying)?’ He said: ‘I stayed for a day or (only) part of a day.’ Allah said: ‘(Nay,) you kept lying for a hundred years. So, (now) look at (the provisions of) your food and drink. (They) have not even decomposed (i.e., become stale). And (now) see your donkey (whose very bones are no more intact). And this is because We may make you a sign (of Our Might) for the people. And (now) see (these) bones how We stir (and raise) them and clothe them with flesh.’ When this (phenomenon) fully dawned on him, he proclaimed: ‘I have learnt (through the eye of certitude) that Allah is indeed All-Powerful to do everything.
Amatul Rahman Omar   
Or consider the case of him (- Ezekiel) who passed by a town (- Jerusalem as it was left in desolation by Nebuchadnezzar) and it had fallen in upon its roofs. He said, `When will Allah restore this (town) to life after its destruction?' So (in his vision) Allah kept him in a state of death for a hundred years, then He raised him (to life). Then (God) said, `How long have you stayed (in this state of death)?' He replied, `I may have stayed a day or a part of a day (in this state).' (God) said, `(Yes this too is correct) but (as you have witnessed in your vision) you have stayed for a hundred years. Now look at your food and drink, they have escaped the action of time, and look at your donkey (too, years have not passed over it). And (We have made you visualise all this) that We may make you a sign to the people. And look at the (dead) bones how We set them together and then clothe them with flesh.' Thus when the fact of the matter became clear to him, he said, `I know that Allah is the Possessor of full power to do all that He will.
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
Or like the one who passed by a town and it had tumbled over its roofs. He said: "Oh! How will Allah ever bring it to life after its death?" So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again). He said: "How long did you remain (dead)?" He (the man) said: "(Perhaps) I remained (dead) a day or part of a day". He said: "Nay, you have remained (dead) for a hundred years, look at your food and your drink, they show no change; and look at your donkey! And thus We have made of you a sign for the people. Look at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh". When this was clearly shown to him, he said, "I know (now) that Allah is Able to do all things."

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
Or such as he who passed by a city that was fallen down upon its turrets; he said, 'How shall God give life to this now it is dead?' So God made him die a hundred years, then He raised him up, saying, 'How long hast thou tarried?' He said, 'I have tarried a day, or part of a day.' Said He, 'Nay; thou hast tarried a hundred years. Look at thy food and drink -- it has not spoiled; and look at thy ass. So We would make thee a sign for the people. And look at the bones; how We shall set them up, and then clothe them with flesh.' So, when it was made clear to him, he said, 'I know that God is powerful over everything.
George Sale   
Or hast thou not considered how he behaved who passed by a city which had been destroyed, even to her foundations? He said, how shall God quicken this city, after she hath been dead? And God caused him to die for an hundred years, and afterwards raised him to life. And God said, how long hast thou tarried here? He answered, a day, or part of a day. God said, nay, thou hast tarried here an hundred years. Now look on thy food and thy drink, they are not yet corrupted; and look on thine ass: And this have we done that we might make thee a sign unto men. And look on the bones of thine ass, how we raise them, and afterwards cloath them with flesh. And when this was shewn unto him, he said, I know that God is able to do all things
Edward Henry Palmer   
Or like him who passed by a village, when it was desolate and turned over on its roofs, and said, 'How will God revive this after its death?' And God made him die for a hundred years, then He raised him, and said, 'How long hast thou tarried?' Said he, 'I have tarried a day, or some part of a day.' He said, 'Nay, thou hast tarried a hundred years; look at thy food and drink, they are not spoiled, and look at thine ass; for we will make thee a sign to men. And look at the bones how we scatter them and then clothe them with flesh.' And when it was made manifest to him, he said, 'I know that God is mighty over all.
John Medows Rodwell   
Or how he demeaned him who passed by a city which had been laid in ruins. "How," said he, "shall God give life to this city, after she hath been dead?" And God caused him to die for an hundred years, and then raised him to life. And God said, "How long hast thou waited?" He said, "I have waited a day or part of a day." He said, "Nay, thou hast waited an hundred years. Look on thy food and thy drink; they are not corrupted; and look on thine ass: we would make thee a sign unto men: And look on the bones of thine ass, how we will raise them, then clothe them with flesh." And when this was shewn to him, he said, "I acknowledge that God hath power to do all things."
N J Dawood (2014)   
Or of him, who, when passing by a ruined and desolate city, remarked: ‘How can God give life to this city, now that it is dead?‘ Thereupon God caused him to die, and after a hundred years brought him back to life. ‘How long have you been here?‘ God asked. ‘A day,‘ he replied, ‘or part of a day.‘ God said: ‘You have been here a hundred years. Yet look at your food and drink: they have not rotted. And look at your ass. We will make of you a sign for the people: and look at the bones, how We will revive them and clothe them with flesh.‘ And when it had all become manifest to him, he said: ‘Now I know that God has power over all things.‘

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame   
Or like him who passed by a township which was tumbled upside down. He said, “How can Allah bring this to life after its death.” Thereupon Allah put him to death for a hundred years then He raised him up. He said, “How long have you remained?” He said, “I remained a day or part of a day.” He said, “Nay you remained a hundred years. Look at your food and your drink they have not staled and look at your donkey and so that We may make you a sign for the mankind. And look at the bones (of the donkey) how We sew them together then We cover it with meat. So when it became clear to him, he said, “I know certainly that Allah indeed has power over everything.”
Munir Mezyed   
Or (take) the similitude of one who passed by a small town which had fallen into utter ruin. He said: ‘How can Allâh bring this town to life after its death?’. So Allâh caused him to die for a hundred years and then raised him up again. He said: ‘How long have you stayed there?’. He replied: ‘I have been here a day or part of a day’. He said: "Nay! but you have been one hundred years. Just look at your food and your drink. They have not yet rotted. But look (there) at your donkey. We will make you a Sign for the people. Now, therefore, look at the bones (and see) how We will raise them, and then We cover them with flesh.’ When it became apparent to him, he said: ‘I know that Allâh is Most Capable of doing whatsoever He desires.’
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher   
Or the one who walked past a town which was abandoned in ruins and said: "How will Allah revive this after its death?" So Allah made him dead for a hundred years and then raised him. He said: "How long did you stay?" He said: "I stayed a day or part of a day." He said: "No, you stayed a hundred years, so look at your food and your drink, it has not gone off, and look at your donkey, and this is to make you a sign for people. And look at the bones, how We place them upon each other and then cover them with flesh." So when it became clear to him, he said: "I know that Allah is able to do anything".
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
Consider this parable: A man passed through a ghost town all in ruins; even the roofs had fallen. He said, “Oh, how could Allah ever bring life back to this town?” Allah caused him to be dead for a hundred years, and then revived him. (Allah) asked [him], “How long have you been here?” He answered, “About a day or so.” Then (Allah) informed [him], “No, you’ve been here for a hundred years. Your food and drink show no signs of decay, but look at your donkey [which is decayed]; of it We will make a sign for you which will benefit all people. Watch how we bring the bones together and clothe them with flesh.” When this was shown to him, he said, “I now realize that Allah is in complete control!”
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation   
Or like the one who passed by a town and it was completely devastated upon its trellises. He said, “How can Allah revive this after its death?” Thereupon Allah caused him to die for a hundred years and then resurrected him. He said, “For how long have you tarried?” He said, “I have tarried for a day or part of a day.” He said, “Rather, you have tarried for a hundred years. And look at your food and your drink—it has not spoiled—and look at your donkey. And We will make you a sign for mankind. And look at the bones—how We assemble them, then clothe them with flesh.” So when it became evident to him, he said, “I know that Allah is All-Powerful over everything.”
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
Or like the man who passed by a town whose roofs had caved in. He said: "How will Allah (God) revive this following its destruction?" Allah (God) let him die for a hundred years; then raised him up again. He said: "How long have you been waiting here?" He said: "I've been waiting a day or part of a day." He said: "Rather you have stayed here a hundred years. Yet look at your food and drink: they have not yet even become stale! And look at your donkey[‘s remains]. We will grant you it as a sign for mankind. Look how We set its bones together, then clothe them with flesh." When it was explained to him. he said: "I know that Allah (God) is Capable of everything!"
Samy Mahdy   
Or as the one who passed on a village while it emptied on its trellises. He said, “When will Allah give life to this after its death?” So, Allah made him die for a hundred years, and then raised him. He said, “How long have you been tarrying?” He said, “I have tarried for a day, or part of a day.” He said, “No. You have tarried for a hundred years. Now look at your food and your drink, it has not changed with time, and look at your donkey. We will set you up as a verse for the people. And look at the bones, how We arise them, and then clothe them with flesh.” So, when it was demonstrated to him, he said, “I know that Allah is over everything competent.”
Ahmed Hulusi   
(Did you not hear about the) one who passed by a town in which the buildings were in ruins and the people were dead, he thought, “How will Allah restore life here after this death?” Allah caused him to die at that instance and after a hundred years brought him back to life. “How long did you remain in that state?” He asked... The man answered, “One day or a part of it.” Allah said, “No, a hundred years have passed... Look at your food and your drink, they have not rotted, but look at your donkey (how it has rotted and only a pile of bones remain)! We made you a sign, an example for the people... Look at how We raise the bones and cover them with flesh.” When it became clear to him, he said, “I know with certainty that Allah is Qadir over all things!”
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli   
Or like him (Ezra) who passed by a town and it had fallen on its roofs, he said: ' How shall Allah bring this to life again after its death? ' So Allah made him die a hundred years, then He raised him up and said: ' How long have you tarried? ' He said, ' (Perhaps) I have tarried a day or a part of a day.' He said: ' Nay, you have tarried (thus) a hundred years. But look at your food and your drink ? they show no effect of age; and look at your ass; and that We may make of you a sign for people; and look at the bones, how We assembled them together and then clothed them with flesh.' So, when it became clear to him, he said: ' I know that Allah is All-Powerful over all things
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur‘an al-Karim   
Or, similarly, his similitude to the one who passed by a town (AL-Quds) which was empty of life and he could see nothing but the remains of decayed and fallen buildings. Then he exclaimed: "How shall Allah restore it and revitalise it after having suffered death and total destruction?" There and then Allah occasioned his death lasting a hundred years and then brought him back to life and asked him: "How long do you think you have been in death’s repose?" The man said: "In all probability a day or even less in all." "But," said Allah, "you have been in death’s repose for a hundred years, and now look at your food and drink, none of them decomposed, and look at your donkey and see how it shattered into fragments of bones. We will make you a miraculous sign demonstrating Omnipotence and Authority. And now regard the bones and see how We construct them and clothe them in flesh." And when the man witnessed Allah’s Omnipotence and Authority, he said: "Now I realise that Allah is Qadirun over all things"
Mir Aneesuddin   
Or (did you not consider one) like him who passed over a town which had fallen down on its roofs, he said, "How will this be brought (back) to life by Allah after its death?" So Allah caused him to remain in a state of death for hundred years then raised him (to life). (Allah) asked, "How long did you stay (in the state of death)?" He replied, "I stayed for a day or part of a day." He said, "No! you stayed for a hundred years, so look at your food and your drink, years did not pass over it, and look at your ass, and (We did all this), that We may make you a sign for the human beings, and look at the bones how We set them together then clothe them with flesh." So when it became clear to him, he said, "I know that Allah has power over everything. him to remain in a state of death for hundred years then raised him (to life). (Allah) asked, "How long did you stay (in the state of death)?" He replied, "I stayed for a day or part of a day." He said, "No! you stayed for a hundred years, so look at your food and your drink, years did not pass over it, and look at your ass, and (We did all this), that We may make you a sign for the human beings, and look at the bones how We set them together then clothe them with flesh." So when it became clear to him, he said, "I know that Allah has power over everything.

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
Or (take) the similitude of one who passed by a hamlet, all in ruins to its roofs. He said: "Oh! how shall God bring it (ever) to life, after (this) its death?" but God caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again). He said: "How long didst thou tarry (thus)?" He said: (Perhaps) a day or part of a day." He said: "Nay, thou hast tarried thus a hundred years; but look at thy food and thy drink; they show no signs of age; and look at thy donkey: And that We may make of thee a sign unto the people, Look further at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh." When this was shown clearly to him, he said: "I know that God hath power over all things."
OLD Literal Word for Word   
Or like the one who passed by a township, and it (had) overturned on its roofs. He said, "How (will) bring to life this (town) Allah after its death?" Then he was made to die (by) Allah (for) a hundred year(s), then He raised him. He said, "How long (have) you remained?" He said, "I remained (for) a day or a part (of) a day." He said, "Nay, you (have) remained one hundred year(s). Then look at your food and your drink, (they did) not change with time, and look at your donkey, and We will make you a sign for the people. And look at the bones how We raise them, then We cover them (with) flesh." Then when became clear to him, he said, "I know that Allah (is) on every thing All-Powerful.
OLD Transliteration   
Aw kaallathee marra AAala qaryatin wahiya khawiyatun AAala AAurooshiha qala anna yuhyee hathihi Allahu baAAda mawtiha faamatahu Allahu mi-ata AAamin thumma baAAathahu qala kam labithta qala labithtu yawman aw baAAda yawmin qala bal labithta mi-ata AAamin faonthur ila taAAamika washarabika lam yatasannah waonthur ila himarika walinajAAalaka ayatan lilnnasi waonthur ila alAAithami kayfa nunshizuha thumma naksooha lahman falamma tabayyana lahu qala aAAlamu anna Allaha AAala kulli shay-in qadeerun