The Inevitable · Surah 56

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