Ha Meem,
by the Book that makes things clear,
We have sent it down on a Blessed Night; We have been warning.
On that night every matter of wisdom is made distinct.
A decree from Us. We have been sending messages
as mercy from your Lord. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
The Sustainer of the heavens and the Earth and everything between them, if you only can grasp this with certainty.
There is no god but Him; He gives life and causes death. [He is] your Sustainer and the Sustainer of your forefathers from the beginning.
Yet they who lack certainty toy with their doubts.
So watch out for the Day when the sky will bring visible smoke
enveloping all people; “This is a painful punishment.”
[Then they will say], "Our Lord, lift the punishment from us, we now believe."
But how can this sudden remembrance benefit them? When a messenger explaining things clearly has already come to them,
and they turned away from him saying, "He is tutored but possessed.”
We will postpone the punishment for a while. But you will eventually return to us.
The Day when We will strike with the greatest assault, We will take retribution.
We had already tested Pharaoh’s people before them, when a noble messenger came to them,
[saying], "Hand over to me the servants of God. I am a trustworthy Messenger to you,
Never be arrogant with God. I come to you with clear authority.
I have Sought refuge with my Lord and your Lord, against your condemnation.
If you don’t believe me, then [at least] leave me alone."
He then called out to his Lord that these were evil people.
[God said], "Then set out with My servants by night. You will be pursued.
Cross the sea quickly and leave it as is. They are an army to be drowned."
How many gardens and fountains did they leave behind?
And crops and noble residences
and that life of ease that they used to enjoy?
So it was; Yet We passed it on to other people to inherit.
Neither heaven nor Earth wept for them, nor were they given a reprieve.
And We saved the Children of Israel from the humiliating persecution
from Pharaoh. He was an arrogant transgressor.
And We chose them knowingly over all people
and We gave them many revelations, that were an obvious trial.
Yet these people say,
"There is nothing but our one death, and we will not be resurrected.
Bring back our forefathers, if you are telling the truth."
Are they better than the people of Tubba‘ and those before them? We destroyed them, [for] they were among those who rejected our messages and have severed all relations to God,
And We did not create the heavens and Earth and everything between them to play a game.
We created them with the Truth [for a meaningful purpose], but most of them do not know.
The Day of Distinction is the appointed time for all of them.
The Day when a friend will not be of any use to his friend, nor will they be helped
except those on whom God has mercy. He is the Revered, the Mercy Giver.
The tree of Zaqqum
is food for the sinner.
It boils inside bellies like boiling oil,
like the boiling of seething water.
"Seize him and drag him into the midst of Hell,
then pour scalding water over his head as punishment!’"
"Taste it, you are the revered, the noble,
this is what you used to dispute."
But those who were mindful of God will be in a safe place;
in the midst of Gardens and springs,
wearing fine silk and brocade, facing each other.
So it will be. And We shall pair them with Hoor Ein.
Safe and secure, they will call there for every kind of fruit.
Except for the first death, they will not taste death there. He will protect them from the punishment of Hell,
a grace from your Lord. That is the supreme triumph.
We have made this Qur’an easy to understand in your own language that they might remember.
So wait and watch; they are also on their watch.