Surah Al-Hijr Verses 51–99

And inform them about the guests of Abraham,

When they entered upon him and said, "Peace." [Abraham] said, "Indeed, we are fearful [i.e., apprehensive] of you."

[The angels] said, "Fear not. Indeed, we give you good tidings of a learned boy."

He said, "Have you given me good tidings although old age has come upon me? Then of what [wonder] do you inform?"

They said, "We have given you good tidings in truth, so do not be of the despairing."

He said, "And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord except for those astray?"

[Abraham] said, "Then what is your business [here], O messengers?"

They said, "Indeed, we have been sent to a people of criminals,

Except the family of Lot; indeed, we will save them all

Except his wife." We [i.e., Allāh] decreed that she is of those who remain behind.[679]

And when the messengers came to the family of Lot,

He said, "Indeed, you are people unknown."

They said, "But we have come to you with that about which they were disputing,

And we have come to you with truth, and indeed, we are truthful.

So set out with your family during a portion of the night and follow behind them and let not anyone among you look back and continue on to where you are commanded."

And We conveyed to him [the decree] of that matter: that those [sinners] would be eliminated by early morning.

And the people of the city came rejoicing.[680]

[Lot] said, "Indeed, these are my guests, so do not shame me.

And fear Allāh and do not disgrace me."

They said, "Have we not forbidden you from [protecting] people?"

[Lot] said, "These are my daughters[681] - if you would be doers [of lawful marriage]."

By your life, [O Muḥammad], indeed they were, in their intoxication, wandering blindly.

So the shriek[682] seized them at sunrise.

And We made the highest part [of the city] its lowest and rained upon them stones of hard clay.

Indeed in that are signs for those who discern.

And indeed, they [i.e., those cities] are [situated] on an established road.

Indeed in that is a sign for the believers.

And the companions of the thicket [i.e., the people of Madyan] were [also] wrongdoers,

So We took retribution from them, and indeed, both [cities] are on a clear highway.

And certainly did the companions of al-Ḥijr[683] [i.e., the Thamūd] deny the messengers.

And We gave them Our signs, but from them they were turning away.

And they used to carve from the mountains, houses, feeling secure.

But the shriek seized them at early morning,

So nothing availed them [from] what they used to earn.

And We have not created the heavens and earth and that between them except in truth. And indeed, the Hour is coming; so forgive with gracious forgiveness.

Indeed, your Lord - He is the Knowing Creator.

And We have certainly given you, [O Muḥammad], seven of the often repeated [verses][684] and the great Qur’ān.

Do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [certain] categories of them [i.e., the disbelievers], and do not grieve over them. And lower your wing [i.e., show kindness] to the believers.

And say, "Indeed, I am the clear warner" -

Just as We had revealed [scriptures] to the separators[685]

Who have made the Qur’ān into portions.[686]

So by your Lord, We will surely question them all

About what they used to do.

Then declare what you are commanded[687] and turn away from the polytheists.[688]

Indeed, We are sufficient for you against the mockers

Who make [equal] with Allāh another deity. But they are going to know.

And We already know that your breast is constrained by what they say.

So exalt [Allāh] with praise of your Lord and be of those who prostrate [to Him].

And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty [i.e., death].