Surah 16 an-Nahl

(In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful)

God's command is always at hand, so you do not have to wait for it.  Exalted is God, far above any that they may associate with Him.

He sends forth the Angels with Revelation of His Command, to whomsoever He Wills of His Servants, telling them, "Let them know that there is no other God but Me, so fear Me."

He created the Heavens and the Earth in Truth.  High above He is, above all others they may associate with Him.

He created mankind from the smallest seed, but how quickly mankind became an adversary.

He created the grazing livestock for your sustenance.  From them you can make clothing to stay warm, and other numerous benefits.

And, for you, is the enjoyment of their beauty as you bring them in and out from pasture.

And, they carry the burden of loads so that you can go places that you couldn't without their assistance.  Indeed, Your Sovereign Lord is the Most Kind, Most Merciful.

And, He created horses, mules, and donkeys for you to ride, and as adornment for you.  And, He creates all that you do not know yourselves.

God takes it upon himself to Guide mankind to the Right Path of virtuous living.  And, there are other deviant paths in life.  And, if He so Willed, he could have Guided everyone.

It is God who sends down the rain from the skies.  From the rain, there is water to drink and water for your pastures.

He causes the crops to grow for you:  olives, palm trees, grapevines, and all the many fruits.  Indeed, in that is a Sign for those of Understanding.

And, He has subjected the night and day to His Command, and the sun, the moon, and the stars.  Indeed, in that are Signs for a people of reason.

And, He has subjected therein whatever He caused to multiply for you, of the many colors.  Indeed, in that is a Sign for those people who remember Him.

And, it is He that subjected the seas so that you could receive tender meat from fish, and find adornments in the sand.  And, He allows the ships to go forth through the seas so that you make seek of His Bounty.  And, perhaps you will be grateful.

And, He cast onto the Earth firmly set mountains, less the earth may shift below them.  And, He made rivers and paths so that you might be Guided.

And, He made landmarks as well, and by the stars they are guided.

So, is Our Creator anything like one who cannot create anything?  Will you not be reminded about God's glory?

And, if you should try to count all the favors of Allah, you could not count them all.  Indeed, Allah is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

And, God knows what you hide, and what you reveal.

And, those deities they call upon other than God have created nothing, and they themselves were created by Him.

They are in fact inanimate, and they do not know when all will be resurrected.

Your god is the One True God.  But, those who do not Believe in Him or the Hereafter, their hearts are sealed.

Most assuredly, God Knows what they hide and what they reveal.  Indeed, He does not like those who are arrogant in matters of Faith.

And when it is said to them, "What did your lord create?"  They reply, "The legends of the former civilizations."

They may have to bear their own sins for this, as well as the sins of those they led astray by lack of knowledge.  Without doubt, they bear evil.

The civilizations before them plotted, but God uprooted their buildings from their foundations, and caused their plans against Him to fail.  Their punishment came from places they did not perceive.

Then of the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them saying, "Where are your partners now who led the Believers astray?"  And, those with Knowledge, will say, "Indeed, disgrace to the DisBelievers, and evil is upon them."

The ones whom the Angels take while committing evil have incurred punishment upon themselves for their numerous sins and crimes.  They may then submit, saying, "We were not doing evil."  But, yes, God is the All Knowing of what you used to do.

So, enter the Gates of Hellfire to dwell eternally therein, and how terrible a refuge for the arrogant in Belief.

And, it will be told to those who feared God, "What did your Sovereign Lord send down to you?"  They will reply, "All that is good."  For to those who do good in this life is Goodness, but the life in the Hereafter is even better.  And, how lovely is the Home for the Righteous.

The Righteous will enter Gardens of Perpetual Happiness, beneath which rivers flow.  They will have therein whatever they desire.  Thus, does Allah reward the Righteous.

The ones to whom the Angels select who are good and pure at death, the Angels will say, "Peace be upon you.  Enter Paradise for all you have done in life."

Do the UnBelievers await anything, but the Angels of Death or the Command of God?  Thus, they were like the civilizations before them.  And, God did not wrong them, they wronged their own selves.

So, they were struck by the evil that they used to do, and that which they laughed at, encompassed and overcame them.

And, those who associate partners with God say, "If God had so Willed, we would not have worshipped anything other than God." So, upon the Messengers is the duty of Clear Notification of God's Word, less it be turned around by the polytheists.

And, We sent to every country a Messenger, saying "Worship God alone, and do not worship false idols."  And, among some of the people they Believed and were given Guidance, but others did not Believe and were decreed to be lost.  So observe how the lives of those who do not Believe in God end.

O Muhammad, even if you should try to give them Guidance, indeed, God will not allow to be Guided those whom He has sent astray because of their rejection of Faith.  And, they will have no helpers.

And, they swear to God with their strongest chants that He cannot resurrect anyone who perishes.  However, yes, He has a binding covenant to do so, but most people do not Know it.

It is so that He can make Clear The Truth of that in which they differ, and so that the DisBelievers may know that they are indeed transgressors.

Indeed, Our Word for creation to be is, "Be", and it is.

And, after they have been wronged, and they travel in God's causes, We will surely settle them in a beautiful place in this world.  But, the reward in the Hereafter for the Believers is even greater, if only they could Know.

They are those who are patient and rely in God.

And, We sent people before you to whom We Revealed Our Message.  So, ask the people before you of the Scriptures, if you do not Know them.

We sent them with Clear Manifest Truth, and written laws.  And, we Revealed to you the Message of the Qur'an so that you could make Clear to mankind of what was sent to them, and that they might Believe in God.

Then, do those who do evil deeds think that God will not swallow them up, nor give them the punishment they justly deserve?

Or, do the DisBelievers think that God will not seize them while they are going about their daily activities, or that they will escape Him?

Or, do they think that He will not gradually seize them while they are in distress?  But, indeed, Allah is merciful to those who repent.

Have they not considered all the things that God has created?  Their shadows cast shadows to the right and left, bowing in submission to Him with humility, while some of their owners do not.

And, everything He has created in the heavens and the earth bows down in submission to Him.  And, the angels do as well for they are not arrogant in Faith.

They fear their Sovereign Lord over them, and they do as they are commanded to do.

And, God said, "Do not worship anyone other than Me."  He is the One True God, so fear Him alone.

And, to Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth, and to Him alone is worship due.  Then, to whom else should you fear?

All favor you have is from God.  And, when adversity touches you, it is to Him that you cry for help.

Then, when He removes the distress from you, suddenly some of you associate the removal of adversity from something other than Him.

So, some of then deny what We have given them. Then enjoy yourselves, for you will come to know the Truth.

And, they assign to others that which We provided them.  By God, you will be called to answer for what you did invent.

And they claim that the Angels are God's daughters, but far Exalted is He above having children. 

And, when one of them is told of the birth of an unwanted child, his face becomes darkened with grief.

He hides from the people because of what he was told.  Should he keep how he feels with humility and accept it, or bury his shame in the ground?  Without doubt, it is evil whatever he may decide.

It is an attribute of evil that they do not Believe in the Hereafter.  And, to God is the Highest Attribute.  And, He is Exalted in Might, the Most Wise.

And, if God were to blame all the people, there would be none left for their wrongdoings.  But, He defers them for a specified amount of time.  And, when their time has come, He will not defer that term for even an hour, nor will they come before it.

And, they attribute to God when things go wrong in their lives, and they lie when they assert that they will have the best of Him. Surely, they will have the Fire, and they will be the first ones in.

By God, We did send Messengers to the countries before you.  But, Satan was also attractive to the people.  And, Satan is the DisBelievers' friend these days as well, and they will suffer a painful punishment in the end.

And, O Muhammad, We Revealed the Book to you to make Clear to them in areas in which they differed, and as Guidance and Mercy to those who Believe.

And, God has sent down rain from the sky and gave life thereby to the lifeless earth. Indeed, in that is a Sign for those who will listen to the Word.

And, also in the grazing livestock, there is also a Sign.  We give you nourishment from their milk, pure milk, for those who are thirsty.  

And from the fruit of the palm trees and grapevines, you gain nourishment and juice.
Indeed, in that is a Sign from your Sovereign Lord to those who Understand.

And, your Lord inspired the Bee, saying "Take for yourself among the mountains homes for yourself, and among the trees as well where you may build them."

Then, eat of the sweet honey from the bees, and follow the path thy Lord has set for you.  From the bees is nourishment, varying in color, and healing for people.  Indeed, in that is a Sign for a thoughtful people.

And, God created you, and then will take you back.  And, among you are some people that would rather shrivel up in a decrepid state so they will not have to face death, although they know they have to perish eventually.  Indeed, God knows all these things and is the most knowledgeable of all they do.

And, God has favored some over other people by provision.  However, those to whom He gave extra provision, they would not give of them to others.  So, would they be equal to the others therein?  Then, is it the favor of God that they object to?

And, God has made from yourselves spouses, children, and grandchildren, and has provided for you from good sustenance.  So, in lies they believe, and in the favor of God they DisBelieve?

And, they worship besides God that which does not have the power of provision for them from the heavens and earth, and are in fact unable to provide for them at all.

There is nothing comparable to God.  Indeed, He Knows all that we do not Know.

Allah presents an example of a slave who is owned and unable to do anything he wants, with another person whom We have provided for with good provisions.  Are they considered equal?  Praise to God!  But, yet most people do not know this.

And, God presents an example of two people, one of which is ignorant and unable to do anything even if directed to.  Is he equal to someone who demands justice while on the Right Path?

And, to God belongs the unseen matters of the Heavens and the earth.  And, the command for the Hour is but a short wink away, or even nearer.  Indeed, God is competent over all things.

And, a baby is born from the womb UnKnowing of the Manifest Truth.  God made us all to hear, to see, and feel in our hearts, so that perhaps we might be thankful to Him. 

Don't they see the birds suspended in the atmosphere of the sky?  None holds them aflight but God.  Verily, in that are Signs for those who Believe.

And, Allah has made your home for you a place of rest.  He gave you the hides from animals to make tents which are made light while you travel to your campsite.  And, from the animals' wool, fur and hair you can make provisions therewith for a time.

And, Allah has made for you shade from that which He created, and shelter from the mountains, and has provided for you garments to keep you safe from the heat, and garments to protect you in times of war. Thus, He does complete His favor upon you so that you might submit to Him.

But, O Muhammad, if they turn away, then only is responsibility for the Clear Notification upon you.

They acknowledge the favor of God, yet they deny it. And, some of the people are DisBelievers. 

And, mention the Day when We will bring forth a Messenger from every country.  Then, it will not be allowed for the DisBelievers to apologize, nor will they be asked to please God.

And, when those who did wrong realize the punishment, it will not be lightened, nor will harm be put off for a time.

And, when those who associated partners with God see their "partners" they will say, "Our Sovereign Lord, these are the partners we associated with You."  But, they will cast upon them the words, "You all are but liars."

And, they will give on that Day their repentance, and their lies would be lost.

Those who suffered from DisBelief, and averted others from the Path of God, We will increase their punishment for the corruption they were spreading.

And, remember the Day when We will resurrect a Messenger from themselves and from every nation to bear witness over them.  And, O Muhammad, you will be a witness over your people from your country.  And, We sent down to you O Muhammad the Qur'an to provide clarification of all matters, and as Guidance and Mercy, and good tidings to those who submit to God in Belief.

Verily, God commands justice, good conduct, and the providing for relatives in need. He forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression.  He warns you so that you might be reminded of this.

And, O Believers, fufill your Covenant with God after you have taken them.  And, fulfill your promises after you have made them.  And, over all matters is God a witness.  Indeed, He knows all that you do.
 
And, do not twist your words through deceit in your promises to release yourself from them.  Do not perjure yourselves or break your treaties.  God does try you thereby.  And, on the Day of Resurrection, He will make Clear to you that which you differed.

And, if God had so Willed, he would have made everyone of one religion.  But, he causes to stray whom He Wills, and Guides whom He Wills.  And, you will surely be questioned for all you did in life.

And, do not lie in your promises between you, less your foot slip where it once was set firm.  And, you would taste the evil in this world for having led others astray from God's Path.  And, in the Hereafter, you would taste of the great punishment.

And, do not exchange God's Holy Word for trifling gain.  Verily, what is with God is best for you, if you only Knew.

Whatever you now possess in the end will be worthless to you in the Hereafter.  But, what God has to offer you is everlasting.  And, surely We will give to the patient their just reward based on the best of all you used to do.

Whatever Believer on earth who does Righteous deeds, will be given a good life.  And, We will give them their reward in the Hereafter based on the best of all they used to do.

So, before you recite the Qur'an, seek refuge with God from the Condemned Devil, whom He expelled from His Mercy.

Indeed, for him there is no authority over the Believers and those who rely upon their Sovereign Lord.

Satan's authority is only over those who take him as a friend, and those who use him to associate partners with Allah.

God is the All Knowing of what He sent down.  And, when We substitute a verse of the Qur'an for another, they say, "O Muhammad, you are an inventor of lies."  But, most of them do not Know.

Say, O Muhammad, "The Pure Spirit Gabriel has brought down the Word from Your Lord in Truth to make firm in Faith those who Believe in God, and as Guidance, and good tidings to those who submit to him."

And, We Know that they say, "Muhammad was taught by none other than other people.  What he speaks of is foreign to us, although the recitation of the Qur'an was in Arabic.

Verily, those who do not Believe in God's Word, He will not Guide them, and they will suffer a painful punishment.

Those who do not Believe in God's Word only invent lies, and it is they who are the liars.

And, those who DisBelieve in God, after they have Believed, will draw the wrath of God upon themselves, except if it was done out of coercion while his heart remained sincere to God.  Bu,t those who willingly open their hearts to DisBelief, will draw the wrath of God upon themselves, and will suffer a great punishment.

That is because they prefer the worldly life over the life of the Hereafter, and God does not Guide a rebellious, DisBelieving people.

Those are the ones whom God has sealed their hearts, hearing, and vision.  And, it is they who are thoughtless.

Assuredly, in the Hereafter, it is they who will be the losers.

And, indeed, those who emigrated after they were forced to renounce their religion, but later worked in God's causes, He is after that Forgiving and Merciful.

On the Day when every soul will come before Him pleading for Mercy, and every soul will be compensated for what it did in life, they will not be treated unjustly.

And, God presents an example:  the city of Makkah was denied God's favor, although it received provisions from many around them.  So, God made it to taste of poverty, and fear for what they had been doing.

And, there came a Messenger from themselves, but they denied him; so the punishment overcame the wrongdoers.

Then, eat of what God has made pure and lawful to you, and be grateful for the favor of Allah, if it is indeed Him that you worship.

He has forbidden you to eat dead animals, blood, pig's flesh, and that which has been dedicated to other than God.  But, whoever is forced by necessity to eat forbidden food, while neither wanting it nor overdoing it, then, indeed God is the Most Forgiving and Merciful.  

And, do not lie about what is lawful, saying, "This is lawful, and this isn't," to invent lies against God. Indeed, those who lie about God will not succeed or prosper.

It is but a fleeting enjoyment for them, for they will suffer a painful punishment for doing this.

And, to those of the Jewish faith, we have already revealed to you what is lawful.  And, We did not wrong them thereby, but they wronged themselves.

To those who have done wrong out of ignorance, and therafter, repent and correct themselves, Your Sovereign Lord is indeed the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. 
 
Indeed, Abraham was an admirable leader, devoutly obedient to Allah, and inclining toward the Truth.  And, he was not one to associate partners with God.

He was thankful for the favor of God.  God chose him and Guided him to the Right Path.

And, We gave him of all the good things in life.  In the Hereafter, he will be among the Righteous.

Then, O Muhammad, we Revealed to you to follow the religion of Abraham, inclining toward the Truth.  And, he also was not one to associate partners with God.

The sabbath was appointed for those who differed over it.  And, verily, Your Sovereign Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection over that which they differed.

With wisdom and good instruction, invite others to the Path of God, and argue with them politely over matters in which you differ.  Verily, your Sovereign Lord is the All Knowing of whom has strayed from His Path.  And, He is the All Knowing of who is among the Rightly Guided.

And, O Believers, if you are forced to punish an enemy do so only to the amount to what you are aggrieved.  It is best to be patient.

And, O Muhammad, be patient, and your patience is a blessing from God.  And, do not grieve over the DisBelievers, and don't be in distress over that which they plan against you.

Indeed, God is with those who fear Him, and do good works in life.