- Key balance: Allah accepts repentance, but arrogance can seal the heart.
- Key comfort: angels pray for believers; your repentance is seen.
- Key warning: do not delay truth until the moment consequences appear.
1.Ḥā-Mīm.
2.The revelation of the Book is from Allah, the Mighty, the Knowing.
3.Forgiver of sin, Accepter of repentance, Stern in punishment, Possessor of bounty. No god except Him; to Him is the journey.
4.No one disputes concerning Allah’s signs except those who disbelieve, so do not be deceived by their strutting in the land.
5.People of Noah denied before them, and factions after them. Every nation plotted against their messenger to seize him, and disputed with falsehood to refute truth. Then I seized them—how was My penalty?
6.Thus the word of your Lord became justified against those who disbelieved: they are companions of the Fire.
Explanation (Verses 1–6)
- 40:1 opens with disjoint letters (a Qur’anic style). Their role here is to mark revelation with a distinct signature and to draw attention: what follows is not ordinary speech.
- 40:2–3 establish authority and Allah’s character: He knows fully, forgives, accepts repentance, yet punishes with justice. This prevents two errors: despair (“Allah won’t forgive”) and arrogance (“Allah won’t punish”).
- 40:4 describes a kind of “argument” that is not honest inquiry: disputing signs to dominate, mock, or derail. The warning about “strutting” means: do not confuse worldly confidence with being correct.
- 40:5 shows a repeated historical pattern: when truth threatens power, people shift to coercion and propaganda—attempting to arrest or silence the messenger and to distort truth with false arguments.
- 40:6 clarifies that punishment becomes “justified” after persistent denial and aggression—Allah is not unjust; the consequence follows a long chain of choices.
7.Those who carry the Throne and those around it glorify their Lord, believe in Him, and seek forgiveness for believers: “Our Lord, You encompass all things in mercy and knowledge; forgive those who repent and follow Your way; protect them from Hell.”
8.“Our Lord, admit them to Gardens of Eden You promised—along with whoever was righteous among their parents, spouses, and offspring. You are Mighty, Wise.”
9.“Protect them from the evils; whoever You protect that Day, You have given mercy; that is the supreme success.”
10.Those who disbelieve will be told: “Allah’s aversion (toward your stubborn rejection) was greater than your aversion toward yourselves today, when you were called to faith but disbelieved.”
11.They say: “Our Lord, You made us die twice and live twice; we confess our sins—any way out?”
12.(It is said): “That is because when Allah alone was called upon, you disbelieved; but when partners were associated, you believed. Judgment belongs to Allah, the Most High, the Great.”
13.He shows you His signs and sends provision from the sky; none takes heed except one who turns back (repentant).
14.So call upon Allah, sincere to Him in religion, even if the disbelievers hate it.
15.Exalter of ranks, Lord of the Throne—He sends the spirit/inspiration of His command upon whom He wills to warn of the Day of Meeting.
Explanation (Verses 7–15)
- 40:7–9 are a profound comfort: the highest angels support believers with prayer. Notice what they ask: forgiveness for repentance, protection from consequences, and a wholesome reunion with righteous family. This shows faith is not only individual; it reforms relationships.
- 40:10 clarifies a reality: regret in Hell includes self-hatred, but Allah’s rejection of their denial was already justified earlier—because they knowingly refused the call.
- 40:11–12 show that forced confession after exposure is not the same as faith. The core crime: they rejected pure tawhid but accepted religion when it allowed “partners” (social convenience, inherited idols, political gods).
- 40:13–14 connect signs and provision: daily blessings are evidence, and the correct response is sincere calling on Allah even when society hates exclusivity.
- 40:15 states the mission of revelation: warning of the “Day of Meeting”—meeting Allah and meeting the truth of one’s deeds.
16.The Day they come forth—nothing about them is hidden from Allah. “Whose is the sovereignty today?” Allah’s: the One, the Overpowering.
17.Today every soul is repaid for what it earned—no injustice today. Allah is swift in reckoning.
18.Warn them of the Approaching Day when hearts reach throats in distress. Wrongdoers have no close friend and no intercessor who will be obeyed.
19.He knows the treachery of the eyes and what the chests conceal.
20.Allah judges with truth; those they call besides Him judge nothing. Allah is Hearing, Seeing.
21.Have they not traveled the land and seen the end of those before them—stronger and leaving greater traces? Allah seized them for sins; none protected them from Allah.
22.That was because messengers came with clear proofs, but they disbelieved; Allah seized them—Strong, severe in punishment.
Explanation (Verses 16–22)
- 40:16–17 place all authority back where it belongs: worldly kingship dissolves; only Allah’s sovereignty remains. “Earned” emphasizes moral responsibility: results are not random.
- 40:18 removes the fantasy of guaranteed rescue: no “connections” work, and even if someone speaks, they are not automatically obeyed. The condemned cannot demand a savior.
- 40:19 goes deeper than actions: Allah knows subtle betrayals—side-glances, hidden intentions, private hypocrisy—things humans dismiss as “small.”
- 40:20 contrasts: Allah judges with truth; rivals have no judicial authority. Worshipping them is irrational because they cannot rule over destiny.
- 40:21–22 use history as evidence: stronger civilizations fell, proving power is not immunity; the real cause was rejecting clear guidance.
23.We sent Moses with Our signs and clear authority,
24.to Pharaoh, Haman, and Qarun—but they said: “A lying sorcerer.”
25.When he brought them truth, they said: “Kill the sons of those who believed with him; keep the women alive.” The plot of disbelievers is only error.
26.Pharaoh said: “Let me kill Moses; let him call his Lord. I fear he will change your religion or cause corruption in the land.”
27.Moses said: “I seek refuge in my Lord and your Lord from every arrogant one who does not believe in the Day of Account.”
28.A believing man from Pharaoh’s family, hiding his faith, said: “Would you kill a man for saying ‘My Lord is Allah,’ and he brought clear signs? If he lies, his lie is on him; if he is truthful, some of what he warns will strike you. Allah does not guide a transgressing liar.”
29.“O my people, yours is the kingdom today; you dominate the land. But who will protect us from Allah’s punishment if it comes?” Pharaoh said: “I show you only what I see; I guide you only to rightness.”
30.The believer said: “O my people, I fear for you a day like the factions (of old).”
31.“Like the fate of Noah’s people, Aad, Thamud, and those after them—Allah does not intend injustice for servants.”
32.“O my people, I fear for you the Day of Calling,”
33.“the day you turn to flee with no protector from Allah. Whom Allah leaves astray has no guide.”
Explanation (Verses 23–33)
- 40:23–24 show the typical elite reaction: label truth as “magic” or “lies” so people do not listen. This is propaganda, not argument.
- 40:25 reveals oppression tactics: when they cannot refute the message, they attack the community—especially future generations (sons). The Qur’an calls such plotting “error” because it cannot defeat truth, only delay it.
- 40:26 shows Pharaoh’s public framing: he pretends murder is “public safety” (religion/corruption). Tyranny often disguises fear as virtue.
- 40:27 shows Moses’ response: he anchors fear in Allah and ties arrogance to denial of accountability—if there is no Day of Account, tyrants feel free.
- 40:28 introduces one of the Surah’s main characters: a believer inside Pharaoh’s circle. He argues with fairness: if Moses lies, it collapses; if true, risk is real. This is rational warning, not blind emotion.
- 40:29 exposes Pharaoh’s “I know best” dictatorship: he claims monopoly on reality. The believer challenges: power today does not protect against Allah.
- 40:30–33 ground the warning in history and the coming Judgment: people flee, but there is no escape from Allah’s decree.
34.“Joseph came before with clear proofs, but you kept doubting; when he died you said: ‘Allah will never send a messenger after him.’ Thus Allah leaves astray the transgressing skeptic.”
35.“Those who dispute Allah’s signs without authority—it is hateful to Allah and believers. Thus Allah seals every arrogant tyrant’s heart.”
36.Pharaoh said: “O Haman, build me a tower so I may reach the ways,”
37.“the ways of the heavens, to look at Moses’ God—indeed I think him a liar.” Pharaoh’s evil was made attractive to him; he was hindered from the way; his plot was ruin.
38.The believer said: “O my people, follow me; I will guide you to the right way.”
39.“This world is only enjoyment; the Hereafter is the enduring home.”
40.“Whoever does evil is repaid only its like; whoever does righteousness—male or female—while believing, they enter Paradise and are provided without measure.”
41.“O my people, why do I call you to salvation while you call me to Fire?”
42.“You call me to disbelieve in Allah and associate what I have no knowledge of; I call you to the Mighty, the Forgiving.”
43.“What you call me to has no response to supplication in this world or the Hereafter. Our return is to Allah; transgressors are companions of Fire.”
44.“You will remember what I tell you; I entrust my affair to Allah—Allah sees His servants.”
45.So Allah saved him from their plotted evils, and a worst punishment surrounded Pharaoh’s people.
46.The Fire—they are exposed to it morning and evening; and when the Hour is established: “Admit Pharaoh’s people to the severest punishment.”
Explanation (Verses 34–46)
- 40:34 shows “historical amnesia”: people saw Joseph’s proofs, but later generations act as if Allah will never speak again. Skepticism becomes a lifestyle, not a reasoned position.
- 40:35 explains spiritual sealing: repeated arrogant dispute (not honest search) makes the heart closed. “Without authority” means: no evidence, just pride.
- 40:36–37 depict Pharaoh’s mockery and spectacle: building a tower is not sincere science; it is theater—pretending Moses’ God can be “reached” by architecture. Evil becomes “beautiful” to him, so he cannot see truth.
- 40:38–40 present the believer’s call: follow me to guidance; the world is temporary; the Hereafter is stable; justice is proportional—evil repaid as its like, righteousness rewarded generously.
- 40:41–43 make the conflict crystal-clear: one side invites to rescue; the other to Fire by shirk and denial. He also states a practical truth: false gods cannot answer dua—neither now nor later.
- 40:44 shows faith under threat: he hands his outcome to Allah, not to Pharaoh’s court.
- 40:45–46 show Allah’s protection and Pharaoh’s defeat. “Exposed morning and evening” emphasizes ongoing punishment before the final, intensified punishment at the Hour.
47.They dispute in the Fire: the weak say to the arrogant: “We followed you—will you relieve us of some Fire?”
48.The arrogant say: “We are all in it. Allah judged between servants.”
49.Those in Fire say to Hell’s keepers: “Call your Lord to lighten a day of punishment.”
50.They say: “Did messengers not come with clear proofs?” They say: “Yes.” They reply: “Then call.” The call of disbelievers is only error.
51.We help Our messengers and those who believe in worldly life and on the Day witnesses stand.
52.The Day excuses do not benefit wrongdoers; theirs is curse and evil abode.
53.We gave Moses guidance and made Children of Israel inherit the Scripture,
54.a guidance and reminder for people of understanding.
55.So be patient—Allah’s promise is true. Ask forgiveness for your sin and glorify your Lord at evening and morning.
Explanation (Verses 47–55)
- 40:47–48 show that social hierarchy collapses in Hell: leaders cannot carry followers. This fulfills “no soul bears another’s burden.”
- 40:49–50 show desperate attempts at “negotiation,” but the keepers reply with evidence: you were warned with proofs; now you have no standing to demand relief.
- 40:51 promises Allah’s support: sometimes as victory, sometimes as survival, sometimes as moral clarity—always as ultimate vindication on the Day witnesses stand.
- 40:52 states that excuses fail because the truth was already delivered; the issue is not ignorance but wrongdoing.
- 40:53–54 remind: revelation and scripture inheritance are mercy and responsibility—meant for people who use understanding, not pride.
- 40:55 instructs the messenger in three disciplines: patience, seeking forgiveness, and consistent glorification—this is how one stays steady under opposition.
56.Those who dispute Allah’s signs without authority—there is only pride in their chests they will never reach. Seek refuge in Allah—He hears and sees.
57.Creation of heavens and earth is greater than creation of mankind, but most people do not know.
58.Not equal are the blind and the seeing; nor believers who do good and evildoers—little you reflect.
59.The Hour is coming—no doubt—but most people do not believe.
60.Your Lord said: “Call upon Me; I will respond. Those too proud for My worship will enter Hell, humiliated.”
61.Allah made night for rest and day for visibility—Allah is bountiful, but most are ungrateful.
62.That is Allah your Lord, Creator of all; no god but Him—how are you turned away?
63.Thus were turned away those who rejected Allah’s revelations.
64.Allah made earth a settlement and sky a canopy; formed you and perfected your forms; provided good things. Blessed is Allah, Lord of the worlds.
65.He is the Ever-Living; no god but Him—so call upon Him sincere in religion. Praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds.
66.Say: “I was forbidden to worship those you call besides Allah after clear proofs came; I was commanded to submit to the Lord of the worlds.”
Explanation (Verses 56–66)
- 40:56 diagnoses the psychology of denial: pride wants superiority, not truth. Such people argue to “win,” but they will never reach the greatness they crave, because greatness belongs to Allah.
- 40:57 uses scale: if you accept a Creator for a universe, denying resurrection of humans is illogical—humans are not the “hard part.”
- 40:58 states moral inequality: seeing truth and living by it is not equal to blindness and corruption—even if society treats them as equal.
- 40:59 calls the Hour certain; disbelief is not a lack of evidence, but a refusal to accept accountability.
- 40:60 ties dua to worship: calling on Allah is not optional spirituality; refusing out of arrogance leads to humiliation—because it is rebellion against the Creator.
- 40:61–64 list everyday signs (night/day, earth/sky, human form, provision) so that gratitude becomes rational, not sentimental.
- 40:65 establishes the final identity: the Ever-Living—so worship must be directed to the One who never dies.
- 40:66 shows the messenger’s boundary: clear proofs forbid worship of others; surrender is to the Lord of all worlds, not to tribal religion.
67.He created you from dust, then sperm-drop, then clot; brings you out as a child; then to strength; then old age—some die earlier—so you reach an appointed term, that you may understand.
68.He gives life and causes death; when He decrees a matter, He says “Be,” and it is.
69.Have you not seen those who dispute Allah’s revelations—how they are turned away?
70.Those who deny the Book and what We sent with messengers—soon they will know,
71.when shackles are on necks and chains—they are dragged,
72.in boiling water, then thrust into Fire.
73.Then it is said: “Where are those you used to associate,”
74.“besides Allah?” They say: “They vanished from us. We were not calling anything before.” Thus Allah lets disbelievers go astray.
75.That is because you exulted on earth without right and were excessively joyful (in arrogance).
76.Enter Hell’s gates to remain—evil is the home of the arrogant.
77.Be patient; Allah’s promise is true. Whether We show you some of what We promise them or take you in death—return is to Us.
78.We sent messengers before you: some stories We told, some We did not. No messenger brings a sign except by Allah’s permission; when Allah’s command comes, judgment is with truth and falsehood’s followers are lost.
Explanation (Verses 67–78)
- 40:67 uses human biology and life stages as proof: you are shaped through hidden processes you did not control; therefore you are not self-made. The point is humility and understanding of Allah’s governance.
- 40:68 sets Allah’s decisive power: “Be” indicates effortless execution—Allah does not struggle to create or resurrect.
- 40:69–70 return to the disease: disputing revelation. The phrase “soon they will know” means the argument ends with experience.
- 40:71–72 paint consequences: dragging, boiling, Fire—this is the opposite of worldly “strutting.”
- 40:73–74 show the collapse of shirk: imagined partners disappear; the condemned admit the emptiness of what they relied on.
- 40:75–76 identify the inner cause: arrogant celebration without right—delighting in power as if it proves innocence.
- 40:77–78 comfort the messenger: outcomes may come in his lifetime or after; in either case Allah judges. Signs are by permission—meaning the messenger is not a magician; he is a messenger.
79.Allah made cattle for you—some you ride, some you eat.
80.In them are benefits; through them you reach needs in your hearts (carry loads); on them and on ships you are carried.
81.He shows you His signs—so which signs do you deny?
82.Have they not traveled the earth and seen the end of those before—more numerous, stronger, with greater traces—yet what they earned did not benefit?
83.When messengers came with clear proofs, they rejoiced in what “knowledge” they had, and what they mocked surrounded them.
84.When they saw punishment, they said: “We believe in Allah alone and reject what we associated.”
85.Their faith did not benefit when they saw punishment—Allah’s established way among His servants. Then disbelievers were lost.
Explanation (Verses 79–85)
- 40:79–80 ground faith in daily life: transportation, food, and utility—Allah’s care is built into ordinary systems people take for granted.
- 40:81 challenges denial: if the signs are countless, denial is not lack of evidence but refusal to admit the Giver.
- 40:82 again uses ruins and history: “traces” prove real civilizations existed, yet vanished—warning that material success is temporary.
- 40:83 diagnoses intellectual arrogance: people “rejoice” in what they know (or think they know), turning knowledge into a shield against humility. Their mockery then becomes their enclosure.
- 40:84–85 establish a rule: belief after punishment appears is not saving faith. It is like admitting reality only after the exam ends—too late to change the record.