←Prev   Ayah Ghafir (The Forgiver, The Forgiving One) 40:37   Next→ 

Popular and/or Featured Works
Muhammad Asad   
the means of approach to the heavens - and that [thus] I may have a look at the god of Moses: for, behold, I am indeed certain that he is a liar!” And thus, goodly seemed unto Pharaoh the evil of his own doings, and so he was barred from the path [of truth]: and Pharaoh’s guile did not lead to aught but ruin
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
leading up to the heavens and look for the God of Moses, although I am sure he is a liar.” And so Pharaoh’s evil deeds were made so appealing to him that he was hindered from the ˹Right˺ Way. But the plotting of Pharaoh was only in vain.
Safi Kaskas   
access to the heavens, so that I may have a look at this god of Moses, though I think he is a liar." This is how Pharaoh’s evil deeds were made to appear good to him, and he was diverted from the [right] way. Pharaoh’s scheming led to nothing but ruin.

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Source Arabic and Literal tools
Arabic   
أَسۡبَـٰبَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَ ٰتِ فَأَطَّلِعَ إِلَىٰۤ إِلَـٰهِ مُوسَىٰ وَإِنِّی لَأَظُنُّهُۥ كَـٰذِبࣰاۚ وَكَذَ ٰلِكَ زُیِّنَ لِفِرۡعَوۡنَ سُوۤءُ عَمَلِهِۦ وَصُدَّ عَنِ ٱلسَّبِیلِۚ وَمَا كَیۡدُ فِرۡعَوۡنَ إِلَّا فِی تَبَابࣲ ۝٣٧
Transliteration (2021)   
asbāba l-samāwāti fa-aṭṭaliʿa ilā ilāhi mūsā wa-innī la-aẓunnuhu kādhiban wakadhālika zuyyina lifir'ʿawna sūu ʿamalihi waṣudda ʿani l-sabīli wamā kaydu fir'ʿawna illā fī tabābi
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
(The) ways (to) the heavens so I may look at (the) God (of) Musa; and indeed, I [I] surely think him (to be) a liar." And thus was made fair-seeming to Firaun (the) evil (of) his deed, and he was averted from the way. And not (was the) plot (of) Firaun except in ruin.

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
the means of approach to the heavens - and that [thus] I may have a look at the god of Moses: for, behold, I am indeed certain that he is a liar!” And thus, goodly seemed unto Pharaoh the evil of his own doings, and so he was barred from the path [of truth]: and Pharaoh’s guile did not lead to aught but ruin
M. M. Pickthall   
The roads of the heavens, and may look upon the god of Moses, though verily I think him a liar. Thus was the evil that he did made fairseeming unto Pharaoh, and he was debarred from the (right) way. The plot of Pharaoh ended but in ruin
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
"The ways and means of (reaching) the heavens, and that I may mount up to the god of Moses: But as far as I am concerned, I think (Moses) is a liar!" Thus was made alluring, in Pharaoh's eyes, the evil of his deeds, and he was hindered from the Path; and the plot of Pharaoh led to nothing but perdition (for him)
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
leading up to the heavens and look for the God of Moses, although I am sure he is a liar.” And so Pharaoh’s evil deeds were made so appealing to him that he was hindered from the ˹Right˺ Way. But the plotting of Pharaoh was only in vain.
Safi Kaskas   
access to the heavens, so that I may have a look at this god of Moses, though I think he is a liar." This is how Pharaoh’s evil deeds were made to appear good to him, and he was diverted from the [right] way. Pharaoh’s scheming led to nothing but ruin.
Wahiduddin Khan   
to the heavens, so that I may look upon the God of Moses: I am convinced that he is a liar! That is how Pharaohs evil actions were made to look fair in the eyes of Pharoah, and he was turned away from the path [of truth]. Pharaohs scheming led to nothing but ruin
Shakir   
The means of access to the heavens, then reach the god of Musa, and I surely think him to be a liar. And thus the evil of his deed was made fairseeming to Firon, and he was turned away from the way; and the struggle of Firon was not (to end) in aught but destruction
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
the routes to the heavens, and that I may peruse The God of Moses but, truly, I think that he is one who lies. Thus, it was made to appear pleasing to Pharaoh, the evil of his actions. And he was barred from the way. And the cunning of Pharaoh was not but in defeat.
T.B.Irving   
the access to Heaven, so I may climb up to Moses´ God. Still I think he is a liar." Thus his evil action was made to seem attractive to Pharaoh, and he was hampered along the Way. Pharaoh´s plot only meant (his own) downfall.
Abdul Hye   
the ways to the heavens, and I may look upon the one worthy of worship of Moses but surely, I think him to be a liar.” Thus it was made seem fair in Pharaoh’s eyes, the evil of his deeds, and he was hindered from the Right Way. The plot of Pharaoh led to nothing but in loss.
The Study Quran   
the means to reach the heavens—that I may look upon the God of Moses. Truly I deem him a liar.” Thus was the evil of his conduct made to seem fair unto Pharaoh, and he was turned from the way. Pharaoh’s scheming led to naught but ruin
Talal Itani & AI (2024)   
The pathways into the heavens, so I may look at the God of Moses, but I think he’s a liar.” Thus, Pharaoh’s evil deeds were made appealing to him, and he was barred from the path. Pharaoh’s scheming led only to ruin.
Talal Itani (2012)   
The pathways of the heavens, so that I may glance at the God of Moses; though I think he is lying.' Thus Pharaoh's evil deeds were made to appear good to him, and he was averted from the path. Pharaoh's guile was only in defeat
Dr. Kamal Omar   
the pathways of the heavens; then I may attain information about the Ilah (God) of Musa, since surely, I indeed assess him (as) a liar.” [Please refer Verse No. 28/38 to understand the ‘Challenge’!] Thus it was made fair-seeming for Firaun the evil of his deed; and he was detached from the (Right) Path. And the plan of Firaun was not (put to any result) except in loss and destruction
M. Farook Malik   
an access to the heavens, so that I may see the God of Moses, I am convinced that he is lying." Thus Pharoah was seduced by his foul deeds and he turned away from the Right Way. The schemes of Pharoah led him to nothing but destruction
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
The means of the heavens, (and) so view the God of Musa, (Moses) and surely I expect him to be a liar indeed." And thus the odiousness of his deed (s) were adorned (i.e., made attractive) for Firaawn, and he was barred from the way; and in no way did Firaawn's plotting (end) except in detriment
Muhammad Sarwar   
to the heavens and be able to climb up to the Lord of Moses. I think that Moses is lying." Thus, Pharaoh's evil deeds seemed attractive to him and prevented him from the right path. The Pharaoh's plots only led him to his own destructor
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
the ways to the heavens, and peek towards the God of Musa. And indeed I deem him a liar. That is how his evil deeds were made attractive to Fir‘aun, and (how) he was held back from the way. The evil design of Fir‘aun was (to end) in nothing but ruin
Shabbir Ahmed   
The means of access to the Heavens, and look upon the God of Moses. Behold, though, I think him a liar." Thus, goodly seemed to Pharaoh the evil of his own deeds, and so was he barred from the Path. In the end all plotting of Pharaoh led him to nothing but ruin
Dr. Munir Munshey   
"The means to (reach) the heaven, so I may look at Musa´s God! But I really think he, (Musa), is just lying." Thus the wickedness of pharoah´s action was made to appear adorable to him, and he was prevented from the (straight) path. The tricks of the pharaoh merely led him to his ruin
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
"The ways and means of (reaching) the heavens, and that I may climb up to God of Musa (Moses): But as far as I think, I think (Musa) is a liar!" Thus in Firon's (Pharaohs) eyes, the evil of his deeds, was made pleasant (and easy for him), and he was kept away from the (right) Path; And the plan of Firon (Pharaoh) led to nothing but destruction (for him)
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
The ways into the heavens - so that I may look at the deity of Moses; but indeed, I think he is a liar." And thus was made attractive to Pharaoh the evil of his deed, and he was averted from the [right] way. And the plan of Pharaoh was not except in ruin
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
"The secrets of the heavens, and that I can take a look at the god of Moses, although I think he is a liar." Thus the evil works of Pharaoh were made to appear correct to him, and he was blocked from the path. And Pharaoh's scheming brought nothing but regret
Abdel Haleem   
to the heavens to look for this God of Moses. I am convinced that he is lying.’ In this way the evil of Pharaoh’s deed was made alluring to him and he was barred from the right path- his scheming led only to ruin
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
The way of access to the heavens so that may be apprised of the God of Musa, and verily I believe him to be a liar. And thus fair- seeming was made Unto FIr'awn the evil of his work, and he was hindered from the path. And the plot of Fir'awn ended only in ruin
Ahmed Ali   
Of reaching the tracts of heaven and look at the god of Moses, though I think that he is a liar." Thus were the evil deeds of Pharaoh made to look attractive to him, and he was hindered from the path. So the stratagem of Pharaoh was bound to perish
Aisha Bewley   
access to the heavens, so that I can look on Musa´s God. Truly I think he is a liar.´ That is how Pharaoh´s evil actions were made attractive to him and he debarred others from the Path. Pharaoh´s scheming led to nothing but ruin.
Ali Ünal   
"The ways of (peering into) the skies, and that I may have a look at the God of Moses, even though I am sure that he is a liar." Thus were his evil deeds decked out to be appealing to the Pharaoh, and he was debarred from the (right) way. And the scheme of the Pharaoh ended in nothing but destruction
Ali Quli Qara'i   
—the routes of the heavens— and take a look at the God of Moses, and indeed I consider him a liar.’ To Pharaoh was thus presented as decorous the evil of his conduct, and he was kept from the way [of Allah], and Pharaoh’s stratagems only led him into ruin
Hamid S. Aziz   
The ways and means of access to the heavens that I might look upon the God of Moses, and I surely think him to be a liar. And thus the evil of his deed was made fair-seeming unto Pharaoh, and he was debarred from the Way. The plot of Pharaoh was not to e
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
roads of (access to) the skies, so that I may look at god of Moses, and I certainly think of him as a liar.” And that is how, for Pharaoh, his bad deed was beautified and he was kept from the (right) way. And Pharaoh’s plot was only a failure.
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
“The destiny of the heavens, and that I may mount up to the God of Moses, but as far as I am concerned, I think Moses is a liar.” So it was made alluring in Pharaoh’s eyes, the harm from his deeds, and he was hindered from the path, and the plot of Pharaoh led to nothing but perdition
Musharraf Hussain   
to the skies to look for the God of Musa; I think he is a liar.” That is how Pharaoh’s evil deeds appeared attractive to him, and he was prevented from reaching the path – and Pharaoh’s plot led him to ruin
Maududi   
the highways to the heavens ? and have a look at the God of Moses, although I am certain that Moses is a liar." Thus Pharaoh´s evil deed was made to seem fair to him, and he was barred from the Right Path. Pharaoh´s guile only led him to his own perdition
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
"The secrets of the heavens, so that I may take a look at the god of Moses; though I think he is a liar." Thus the evil works of Pharaoh were adorned for him, and he was blocked from the path. And the planning of Pharaoh brought nothing but regret
Mohammad Shafi   
"The means of access to the heavens to rise up to the Entity Moses worships, though indeed I consider him a liar." Thus did the evil in what Pharaoh did seem good to him, and he was debarred from the path of righteousness. And Pharaoh's plan was bound to come to naught

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
(Which ways) the ways of the heavens, so that I may peep at the God of Musa and undoubtedly, I think that he is liar. And thus his evil deed made to look fair in the eyes of Firawn and he was barred from the way. And the plot of Firawn was to be ruined only.
Rashad Khalifa   
"I want to reach the heaven, and take a look at the god of Moses. I believe he is a liar." Thus were the evil works of Pharaoh adorned in his eyes, and thus was he kept from following (the right) path. Pharaoh's scheming was truly evil.
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
the ways of heaven so that I may look upon the God of Moses, because I think that he is a liar! ' And so Pharaoh's evil deeds were made to seem fair to him, and he was barred from the Way. And Pharaoh's guile came to nothing except ruin
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
The means of access to the heavens, then reach the God of Moses, and I surely think him to be a liar. And thus the evil of his deed was made fair-seeming to Pharaoh, and he was turned aside from the way. And the plot of Pharaoh ended in naught but ruin
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira   
The skies'/space's reasons/connections so I look/see to Moses' God, and that I think/suppose (E) him (to be) a liar/denier/falsifier. And as/like that (it) was decorated/beautified to Pharaoh, his deed's bad/evil ,and he was prevention/obstruction from the way/path , and Pharaoh's plot/conspiracy is not except in destruction/loss
Bijan Moeinian   
I want to be sure that he is a liar.” Thus the idiotic attitude of Pharaoh seemed to him the most appropriate and I (God) let him slip, in return, into darkness. Thus Pharaoh’s evil plans fired back and led to his own ruin
Faridul Haque   
“The routes of the heavens, in order to glance at the God of Moosa - and indeed I think he is a liar”; this is how the evil deeds of Firaun were made seeming good to him, and he was stopped from the path; and the evil scheme of Firaun was destined to be ruined
Sher Ali   
`The means of access to the heavens, so that I may have a look at the God of Moses, and I, surely, consider him to be a liar.' And thus the evil of his conduct was made to look fair in the eyes of Pharaoh, and he was barred from the right path; and the design of Pharaoh was bound to end in ruin
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
The tracts to the heavens; then I may peer and glance at the God of Musa (Moses); and I consider him but a liar.’ And in this way, the evil conduct of Pharaoh was made charming for him and he was hindered from the path (of Allah). And the treacherous plan of Pharaoh was nothing but a catastrophe
Amatul Rahman Omar   
`The means (of access) to the heavens, so that I may have a look at the God of Moses. Indeed, I consider him to be a liar.' And in this way his own evil conduct was made fair- seeming to Pharaoh and so he was prevented from following the (right) path. Yet all the schemes of Pharaoh resulted only in ruin
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
"The ways of the heavens, and I may look upon the Ilah (God) of Moosa (Moses) but verily, I think him to be a liar." Thus it was made fair-seeming, in Firauns (Pharaoh) eyes, the evil of his deeds, and he was hindered from the (Right) Path, and the plot of Firaun (Pharaoh) led to nothing but loss and destruction (for him)

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
the cords of the heavens, and look upon Moses' God; for I think that he is a liar.' So the evil of his deeds was decked out fair to Pharaoh, and he was barred from the way, and Pharaoh's guile came only to ruin
George Sale   
the tracts of heaven, and may view the God of Moses; for I verily think him to be a liar. And thus the evil of his work was prepared for Pharaoh, and he turned aside from the right path: And the stratagems of Pharaoh ended only in loss
Edward Henry Palmer   
the tracts of heaven, and may mount up to the God of Moses, for, verily, I think him a liar.' And thus was his evil deed made seemly to Pharaoh, and he was turned from the way; but Pharaoh's stratagem ended only in ruin
John Medows Rodwell   
The avenues of the heavens, and may mount to the God of Moses, for I verily deem him a liar." And thus the evil of his doings was made fair-seeming to Pharaoh, and he turned away from the path of truth; but the artifice of Pharaoh ended only in his ruin
N J Dawood (2014)   
the very highways ― of the heavens, and look upon the god of Moses. I am convinced that he is lying.‘ Thus was Pharaoh seduced by his foul deeds and was turned away from the right path; Pharaoh‘s cunning led only to perdition

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame   
the gates of the heavens so that I may behold unto the god of Moses but sincerely I do think that he is a liar.” And thus the evil of his work was made seemly to Pharaoh and he was hindered from the way. And the scheme of Pharaoh is all but in perdition.
Munir Mezyed   
Pathways to heavens so that I can climb up to the Lord of Moses. I definitely think that Moses is lying." The evil deeds of Pharaoh was made appealing to him and so he was barred from the right path. And the guile of Pharaoh is no more than perdition.
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher   
The connections to the heavens and take a look at the god of Musa (Moses), and I surely consider him a liar. And this is how his bad deeds appealed to Pharaoh and he was diverted from the way, and the plot of Pharaoh lead only to destruction.
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
“[I want] access to the skies so I may behold the God of Moses, although I think (Moses) is a liar.” Thus the evil of his deeds seemed pleasant in the eyes of Pharaoh. He was stopped from the path. Pharaoh’s plot led to nothing but damnation.
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation   
the means of the heavens, so that I may view the God of Moses, though I surely think he is a liar.” And thus Pharaoh’s evil deeds were adorned for him and he was barred from the way, for Pharaoh's plotting is in nothing but ruin.
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
the access to Heaven, so I may climb up to Moses' Allah (God). Still I think he is a liar." Thus his evil action was made to seem attractive to Pharaoh, and he was hampered along the Way. Pharaoh's plot only meant (his own) downfall.
Samy Mahdy   
The means of the skies so I may look at Moses’s god; and surely, I assume he is a liar.” And thus, was prettified for Pharaoh his bad works, and he was hindered about the pathway. And Pharaoh's plan was not except, in ruining.
Ahmed Hulusi   
“The ways of the heavens... So that I may understand the god of Moses! For I certainly think he is a liar!”... And thus was made attractive to Pharaoh his bad deeds and thus was he prevented from the way (to his essential reality)... Pharaoh’s plan amounted to nothing but loss!
Mir Aneesuddin   
the ways of the skies, then peep towards the God of Musa, and I definitely consider him to be a lair.” And thus the evil of his deeds was made fair seeming to Firawn and he was turned away from the way, and the plot of Firawn ( led to ) nothing but to ruin.
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur‘an al-Karim   
The means to get to the heaven's realm where I may meet and converse with the Allah of Mussa to prove my point that Mussa, as I think, is indeed a liar. "And thus was Pharaoh enticed by his deeds of evil and iniquity alluring his mind's eyes and inducing him to hug his irreverent conviction to his heart and was swayed from the path of righteousness, The plan devised by Pharaoh attained no end but only a ruthless destiny
The Wise Quran   
The ways of the heavens, and may mount up to the god of Moses; for indeed, I surely think him a liar.' And thus was beautified for Pharaoh the evil of his deed, and He was hindered from the way; but Pharaoh's plot was not except in ruin.

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
"The ways and means of (reaching) the heavens, and that I may mount up to the God of Moses: But as far as I am concerned, I think (Moses) is a liar!" Thus was made alluring, in Pharaoh's eyes, the evil of his deeds, and he was hindered from the Path; and the plot of Pharaoh led to nothing but perdition (for him)
OLD Literal Word for Word   
(The) ways (to) the heavens so I may look at (the) God (of) Musa; and indeed, I [I] surely think him (to be) a liar." And thus was made fair-seeming to Firaun (the) evil (of) his deed, and he was averted from the way. And not (was the) plot (of) Firaun except in ruin
OLD Transliteration   
Asbaba alssamawati faattaliAAa ila ilahi moosa wa-innee laathunnuhu kathiban wakathalika zuyyina lifirAAawna soo-o AAamalihi wasudda AAani alssabeeli wama kaydu firAAawna illa fee tababin