The Inevitable · Surah 56

When the event befalleth

There is no denying that it will befall

Abasing (some), exalting (others)

When the earth is shaken with a shock

And the hills are ground to powder

So that they become a scattered dust

And ye will be three kinds

(First) those on the right hand; what of those on the right hand

And (then) those on the left hand; what of those on the left hand

And the foremost in the race, the foremost in the race

Those are they who will be brought nigh

In gardens of delight

A multitude of those of old

And a few of those of later time

On lined couches

Reclining therein face to face

There wait on them immortal youths

With bowls and ewers and a cup from a pure spring

Wherefrom they get no aching of the head nor any madness

And fruit that they prefer

And flesh of fowls that they desire

And (there are) fair ones with wide, lovely eyes

Like unto hidden pearls

Reward for what they used to do

There hear they no vain speaking nor recrimination

(Naught) but the saying: Peace, (and again) Peace

And those on the right hand; what of those on the right hand

Among thornless lote-trees

And clustered plantains

And spreading shade

And water gushing

And fruit in plenty

Neither out of reach nor yet forbidden

And raised couches

Lo! We have created them a (new) creation

And made them virgins

Lovers, friends

For those on the right hand

A multitude of those of old

And a multitude of those of later time

And those on the left hand: What of those on the left hand

In scorching wind and scalding water

And shadow of black smoke

Neither cool nor refreshing

Lo! heretofore they were effete with luxury

And used to persist in the awful sin

And they used to say: When we are dead and have become dust and bones, shall we then, forsooth, be raised again

And also our forefathers

Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Lo! those of old and those of later time

Will all be brought together to the tryst of an appointed day

Then lo! ye, the erring, the deniers

Ye verily will eat of a tree called Zaqqum

And will fill your bellies therewith

And thereon ye will drink of boiling water

Drinking even as the camel drinketh

This will be their welcome on the Day of Judgment

We created you. Will ye then admit the truth

Have ye seen that which ye emit

Do ye create it or are We the Creator

We mete out death among you, and We are not to be outrun

That We may transfigure you and make you what ye know not

And verily ye know the first creation. Why, then, do ye not reflect

Have ye seen that which ye cultivate

Is it ye who foster it, or are We the Fosterer

If We willed, We verily could make it chaff, then would ye cease not to exclaim

Lo! we are laden with debt

Nay, but we are deprived

Have ye observed the water which ye drink

Is it ye who shed it from the raincloud, or are We the Shedder

If We willed We verily could make it bitter. Why then, give ye not thanks

Have ye observed the fire which ye strike out

Was it ye who made the tree thereof to grow, or were We the grower

We, even We, appointed it a memorial and a comfort for the dwellers in the wilderness

Therefor (O Muhammad), praise the name of thy Lord, the Tremendous

Nay, I swear by the places of the stars

And lo! that verily is a tremendous oath, if ye but knew

That (this) is indeed a noble Qur'an

In a Book kept hidden

Which none toucheth save the purified

A revelation from the Lord of the Worlds

Is it this Statement that ye scorn

And make denial thereof your livelihood

Why, then, when (the soul) cometh up to the throat (of the dying)

And ye are at that moment looking

And We are nearer unto him than ye are, but ye see not

Why then, if ye are not in bondage (unto Us)

Do ye not force it back, if ye are truthful

Thus if he is of those brought nigh

Then breath of life, and plenty, and a Garden of delight

And if he is of those on the right hand

Then (the greeting) "Peace be unto thee" from those on the right hand

But if he is of the rejecters, the erring

Then the welcome will be boiling water

And roasting at hell-fire

Lo! this is certain truth

Therefor (O Muhammad) praise the name of thy Lord, the Tremendous